Ayurvedic Food Habits for Diabetes Patients

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasises a holistic approach to health and well-being. One of the key principles of Ayurveda is that a nutritious diet is important to maintain good health. Fortunately, Ayurveda offers a range of food and dietary guidelines that can help people better manage symptoms and even reverse their diabetes diagnosis. In this article, we will explore what an Ayurvedic diet for diabetics entails. 

Ayurvedic Diet for Diabetic Patients

An Ayurvedic diet for diabetic patients is designed to reduce blood sugar spikes. Diabetics are often advised to use herbs and natural ingredients like amla, fenugreek seeds, bitter gourd and barley, among other things, as part of their diet to increase their insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. In addition to the Ayurvedic diet plan for diabetes, diabetics are also advised to make lifestyle modifications, like exercising, practising yoga and mindfulness and undergoing Ayurvedic therapies.

Sample Ayurvedic Diet for Diabetes Management

Here’s a look at a typical Ayurvedic diet chart designed for people with diabetes. 

Early Morning

Start your day with a metabolism-boosting herbal drink. To make the drink, mix cinnamon, some crushed cardamom pods, coriander seeds and mulethi (liquorice) in a glass. Pour boiling water into the cup and mix the spices until they are infused in the water. If you find the drink too bitter, you can add a teaspoon of honey to the mix. Make sure to drink the mixture on an empty stomach. 

Alternatively, you can start the day with an Amla drink — all you need to do is mix Amla powder or crushed Amla with water and consume the drink. Adhere to this key Ayurvedic diet plan for controlling Diabetes and reap its long-term benefits. 

Breakfast

Your breakfast should have a high amount of fibre. Whole grains like pearl millet, finger millet and maize are ideal as the source of fibre. Grind these grains into flour or batter to make Idli, Paddu, Dosa and Pancakes. You can make your breakfast more palatable and nutritious by combining it with an Amla pickle. 

Avoid eating breakfast items that are made using refined flour, refined sugar and white rice. 

Mid-Morning Snack

While you don’t need to consume a mid-morning snack, you should opt for something healthy if you start to feel hungry mid-morning. A few good options for your mid-morning snack include mixed sprouts with a dash of lemon and salt, cut fruits, vegetable salad without fatty dressings or tender coconut water. 

Lunch

Consider consuming steamed rice with a generous serving of lentil soup, rich in lentils, along with a bowl of steamed vegetables. Make sure to avoid eating white rice; red rice, brown rice, or broken wheat are healthier alternatives. 

If you’re in the habit of having a drink with your lunch, opt for healthier choices like buttermilk or spiced milk tea, and avoid beverages like coffee or soda.

Evening Snack

In the evening, drink a cup of herbal tea. If you are hungry, eat a bowl of soup or nuts.

Dinner

A diabetes diet chart in Ayurveda includes a light dinner to wind up your day. Ideally, opt for porridge, a bowl of steamed vegetables with lentil soup or a salad.

Principles of an Ayurvedic Diet for Diabetic Patients

Now that you know what is included in an Ayurvedic diet for diabetes, here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind. 

1. Eat vegetarian/vegan food as much as possible. If you have a meat-based diet, aim to reduce the quantity of meat you consume. 
2. Avoid eating leftovers and cold food. Always choose freshly cooked and warm food. 
3. Consume freshly-prepared meals, as opposed to opting for processed food. 
4. Make sure every meal includes all six tastes, including sour, sweet, bitter, salty, pungent and astringent. 
5. Eat just enough to feel comfortably full; avoid the mistake of overeating.

Madhavbaug’s Diabetes Diet Plan

Madhavbaug has designed a meal plan for diabetics that aims to control blood sugar levels and improve overall health. The meal plan focuses on incorporating low-glycemic-index food that has a minimal impact on blood glucose levels. This plan includes a variety of healthy food choices, such as high-fibre vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Madhavbaug’s diabetes diet plan also emphasises portion control to prevent overeating and weight gain, which can exacerbate diabetes, and consistent physical activity to keep one’s metabolism up. By following our diet plan and consuming the best Ayurveda food for diabetes, diabetics can manage their symptoms and work toward reversing their condition completely.  Reach out to our experts to know more about our diabetes reversal program and the best Ayurvedic food for diabetes.