Energy-Dense Foods and Type 2 Diabetes

Do you eat a lot of fatty and processed foods? If so, you are increasing your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Many medical professionals tell patients that if they have a family history of Diabetes they need to be careful, but studies show that anyone who regularly consumes processed foods and foods where the fats have been altered such as fatty foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, fried foods, and foods with refined carbohydrates are at high risk for becoming diabetic.

Many people have a tendency to count calories, and it's true that high calorie amounts can add to health issues. But if you are eating healthy, whole foods from nature you should have no problem with your caloric intake. When health professionals tell people to count calories, they are doing their patients a disservice because they are failing to make a distinction between processed foods which are higher in calories and contain less nutrients versus whole, natural foods which contain the correct amount of calories needed for optimal health and are nutrient-dense by their very nature.

The following foods are not optimal for health and can lead to Type 2 Diabetes as well as other issues like high-blood pressure, weight gain, and heart disease:

• crackers
• most breads (try Ezekiel brand) including many "homemade" breads
• pastas
• rice cakes
• french fries, tater tots
• chips - soy, potato, corn (including the baked varieties)
  
• boxed cereals
• desserts, cookies, candies, cakes, pies, etc.
  
• bagels
• muffins
• scones
• packaged dairy products including many cheeses, yogurts, some kefir, butter, milk, sour cream, cottage cheese, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and cream cheese
• commercial and factory farmed meats, and even "family" raised meats which come from animals that are confined, administered antibiotics/hormones/chemcials, and are fed grains, soy, or corn instead of alfalfa or grass
• packaged fruit and nut products such as many dried fruits, fruit rollups, yogurt covered raisins, and roasted nuts
• many packaged beverages such as energy drinks, soda or carbonated pops or juices, juice drinks, alcohol, and coffee
  

Try the following for optimal health and weight:

• fresh or frozen fresh fruits and vegetables (organic and in season is a plus)
• grass-fed, organic meats and poultry (including pork, mutton, lamb, and game animals)
• wild-caught, safe choice fish
• raw, organic dairy (milk, cheese, cream, butter) from reputable sources
• raw, organic nuts
• healthy oils such as grapeseed, coconut, and olive oil (flax is good if consumed raw only)
• moderate amounts of whole (grains not ground up into flour, which causes grain to go rancid quickly and raises the glycemic index), sprouted, organic grains (soaked if for cereal and other types of preparations)
• moderate amounts of organic, soaked beans and legumes
• organic brown and wild rices
• purified or filtered water (with minerals is a plus)