Fasting is very important in Hinduism and it is a reflection of our religious faith. Fasting is considered a type of penance in which a person renounces the consumption of food like grains as a form of his faith once i.e. fasting or fasting for the whole day. There is also a greater need to take care of health during fasting as it is opposite to the daily diet.
There is not only a pious aspect of fasting but it also helps in purifying the body. It removes excess toxins from the body. Is fasting suitable for people with diabetes? If yes, then what should sugar patients eat during fasting so that their sugar level can be controlled, we will read about all these in this blog.
Fasting is not prohibited but takes care of your diabetic diet and prescribed medicines. Do consult a doctor for this. If a diabetic person stops his/her medicines without consultation, then the problem may get worse.
A person suffering from diabetes can observe fast. For this, they need a proper diet plan so that you can enjoy fasting in a sane and safe manner.
Table of Contents
1. What is the effect of fasting on diabetes?
2. A right and ideal diet plan during fasting
2.1 food structure
2.2 carbohydrates
2.3 protein
2.4 fat
2.5 Vitamins and Minerals
2.6 fiber or filament
2.7 plenty of water and fluids
3. “Satvik Bhojan (Diet) Plan of Vrat” for Diabetics
4. fasting diet chart for diabetics
5. Some special diet tips for diabetics during fasting
6. FAQs:
6.1 Is it good to fast when glucose levels are high?
6.2 For how many hours can a diabetic patient fast?
6.3 Which fruits are not safe for diabetics?
6.4 When is the level of glucose in the body the highest?
What is the effect of fasting on diabetes?
An important goal of diabetes care or diabetes management is to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits. A good diabetes management plan prevents blood sugar from going up or down. This sugar control becomes a bit difficult during fasting days because the food eaten after fasting is not suitable for blood glucose. However, fasting or fasting gives rest to the digestive organs due to which the body does self-repairing while being energetic. That’s why science also supports fasting in the week. It rejuvenates the body. But it is necessary to take a right diet in diabetes, so it becomes even more important to manage this diet during fasting. Therefore, by following a proper diet, you can make your body healthy along with your fast.
A right and ideal diet plan during fasting
Different communities and states follow different diets as fasting food. The method of making them is also different. It doesn’t have to be an ideal diet plan. For this, a nutritionist or healthcare provider should make a good fasting diabetic diet according to the diet of each state. Apart from this, some people eat only once during fasting or fasting and some people fast for the whole day. Also, some people use fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Therefore, prepare your diet plan according to all these, which will keep blood sugar under control.
Food Structure
A fasting plate should include all major food types. Most importantly, consume carbs judiciously throughout the day. Complex carbs, as well as low-calorie beverages, have a lower GI than simple carbs and concentrated beverages. In this case, definitely include them in your diet. Including an adequate amount of liquid in your diet gives the following benefits:
- hydrating the body, and
- preventing dehydration.
During non-fasting, walk for 15-20 minutes as a necessary physical activity and walk after meals.
Carbohydrates
Be sure to include grains in your food plate. Thus it is considered safe to eat grains during fasting. They provide enough sugar and energy for the body organs to function properly. Carbs should account for about 50-60% of the total kilocalories per day.
High GI foods adversely affect body weight. In addition, they increase glucose levels and insulin resistance. Apart from this, it also increases the production of free fatty acids after eating. Therefore, during fasting or fasting, include cereals along with other foods such as vegetables, dietary fiber as well as small amounts of oil. They reduce the total glycemic load of the diet plan.
Protein
About 15% to 20% of total energy should be met from protein to make a good and ideal diet. This need may be different from person to person. Special cereals, garlic, onions, pulses and many other protein rich food are not eaten during fasting. In place of them, low-fat dairy products are used which supply protein.
Apart from this, sugar-free shake, flavored masala milk, whey, raita, lassi, buttermilk and nuts can be included as fast food.
Fat
Fat should contribute less than 30% of total calories to the daily requirement. Research studies show that low fat, moderate-carb, as well as high fiber diets, significantly reduce HbA1C. That’s why they should be included in the right quantity even in fasting. Additionally, the particular fatty acids or fatty acid composition of fats and oils play an important role in the diet plan of diabetic patients. It is best to include less than 10% cholesterol and less than 300 mg of saturated fat per day.
Additional scientific research studies confirm that reducing saturated fatty acids or increasing monounsaturated fatty acids can increase the activity of glucagon peptide-1, thus reducing postprandial transglucosidase.
In addition, omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseeds are excellent sources, which are usually allowed during fasting) have been shown to be associated with a reduction in the risk of biomarkers of heart problems in type 2 diabetes. Nuts are considered an excellent source of protein during fasting, so be sure to add them to your fasting diabetic diet.
Vitamins And Minerals
Including fruits and vegetables in your diet can increase plasma carotenoids as well as vitamin C, which is a rich source of antioxidants and phytocompounds. When fibrous vegetables are combined with a high-carb-high-fat meal, its glycemic load is reduced. It also lowers postprandial glucose levels. Whole fruits (with pulp), fresh vegetables, and fiber are a good choice instead of juice.
Whole fruits, as well as leafy greens, are high in fiber, low in glycemic load, as well as high in micronutrients while being low in energy density. In addition, it has a positive effect on total and LDL cholesterol levels. Therefore, in a better fasting diabetic diet, instead of eating juice or sugar, take salad, fruit chaat, custard, vegetable smoothie, or vegetable soup as a mid-meal.
Fiber Or Filament
Make sure to include 25 grams of fiber per 1000 calories or 30-40 grams throughout the day in your diet during fasting or fasting. There are a lot of changes in your food habits, patterns and timings during the days of fasting, due to which it becomes even more important to control the sugar level.
Plenty Of Water And Fluids
Make sure to add low-calorie drinks like green tea, lemonade, lassi, buttermilk, whey, mint water etc. to your fasting diet to quench thirst especially during summer. It is better to avoid eating sweets during fasting days.
“Satvik Bhojan (Diet) Plan of Vrat” for Diabetics
You have less options during fasting, so here we will tell you 10 such food options which will keep your sugar levels under control along with making your mouth water. These are:
- Apple Smoothie or some Vegetable Smoothie: Apple smoothie is very tasty. Apples are rich in many nutrients. These nutrients are calcium, protein, vitamins A, C, potassium, iron and fiber. These fruit smoothies can be made even more interesting by adding leafy vegetables to it. Thus, it is considered good for diabetic patients during fasting or fasting days.
- Singhara or Buckwheat Flour Tikki: This form of flour contains good amount of potassium and less amount of sodium. It is helpful for water retention in the body. Mix this flour with water and add some boiled bottle gourd to it. After this, make delicious tikkis using a little olive oil. Enjoy this special fasting breakfast as an evening meal with a cup of tea. also, make mint green chutney to enhance the taste.
- Pumpkin Cutlets: Pumpkin is the most eaten vegetable during Navratri. These can also be put in buckwheat rotis. in addition, one can try pumpkin cutlets as a snack during vrat or fasting. Peel the pumpkin and cut it into small pieces. Cook them in a pressure cooker till the vegetable becomes soft and mushy.
- Roasted Makhana or Nuts: Makhana Vrat is the most favorite and popular snack during the festival. Use nuts like almonds, peanuts or makhana as a snack for diabetics or sugar patients.
- Buckwheat flour bread with vegetables like bottle gourd or zucchini: Buckwheat flour contains dietary fiber, protein, zinc, calcium, iron and B vitamins. Apart from this, it is also very useful for a person with diabetes.
- Paneer Bhurji: Paneer is rich in nutrients like calcium, protein and linoleic acid. It is useful in reducing weight and is also good for diabetics. Consume Paneer (Bhurji or Baked Tikka form) as per the choice of the individual. It is trans-fat-free and rich in Vitamin A.
- Fruit Raita: It is one of the healthiest foods rich in vitamins, and minerals (calcium). It provides energy during fasting days. It is also good for maintaining the sugar level.
- Makhana Kheer: During fasting, people have a desire to eat something sweet. Makhana kheer is the best option to control or avoid this craving during fasting. It contains all the health benefits. Prepare it using milk, makhana, stevia and dry fruits.
- Fruits: Eating fruits is great for overall health. Also, diabetic patients can consume fruits these days. These are apple, jamun, guava or papaya. Do not eat more than two fruits in a meal.
Fasting diet chart for diabetics
| fasting diet chart for diabetics | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | menu | |||
| early morning (6-7 am) | 1 glass lukewarm water | |||
| Breakfast (9-10 am) | Tea (unsweetened) or skimmed milk/ Apple smoothie (200 ml) Water chestnut chilla/ kuttu chilla with paneer or vegetable stuffing | |||
| Mid-morning (11-12 am) | A seasonal fruit (orange/guava/jamun/water chestnut) or a glass of buttermilk or cold coffee with nuts | |||
| Lunch (1-2 pm) | A bowl of Lauki/Tauri/Pumpkin vegetable and water chestnut/buckwheat roti (one or two) curd or vegetable raita | |||
| Evening meal (4-5 pm) | Tea/coffee/milk with some makhana or peanuts | |||
| evening (6-7 pm) | Homemade Tomato Soup/ Apple Smoothie/ Coconut Water/ Green Tea (150 ml) | |||
Some special diet tips for diabetics during fasting
All the delicious and mouth-watering recipes mentioned above are sure to satisfy your hunger and cravings. However, along with fulfilling desires, it is equally important for a sugar patient to take care of his health. Therefore, by including some measures in your daily routine during fasting, you can get better health along with fasting.
Some diet tips to manage glucose levels during fasting are:
- Diabetics or sugar patients should not starve for a long time. They should keep on eating some food after some intervals. And, by doing this, the sugar level remains within the limits.
- A person should check the glucose level several times a day.
- Diabetics can consume slow-absorbing foods with low GI before starting the fast. These types of foods maintain the sugar level even during fasting or fasting.
- During fasting days, if a person feels less active, avoid resorting to excessive consumption of tea or coffee. Instead, it is good to consume enough water and sugar free drinks like lemon water, buttermilk etc. throughout the day.
- Diabetic people should completely avoid potatoes or other starchy foods these days.
- Diabetics who are using insulin injections may need to manage their dosage as the insulin requirement may decrease by up to 4% during these days.
- Follow the diet plan to stay energetic during fasting.
- Choose food groups that help a person feel full while keeping sugar levels even higher during the fast course. These can include fruits, vegetables or salads.
- To prevent dehydration, drink enough sugar-free and decaffeinated beverages (water, buttermilk, or lemonade).
FAQs:
Is it good to fast when glucose levels are high?
Ans: The ADA does not recommend diabetes care or fasting as an approach to diabetes care. The association says that lifestyle changes such as good physical activity as well as good nutrition are very important for diabetes management and weight control.
For how many hours can a diabetic patient fast?
Ans: The most common form of fasting is called the 16:8 method. In this, 16 hours of fasting and 8 hours without fasting or fasting are suggested. For example, a person may eat dinner at around 7 in the evening, skip breakfast the next day, and then have lunch at around 11.
Which fruits are not safe for diabetics?
Ans: High-sugar fruits like pineapple, watermelon, dry dates and overripe bananas are not considered safe in diabetes.
When is the level of glucose in the body the highest?
Ans: In the early morning, usually between 3 and 8 in the morning, a person’s body begins to flush out stored sugar and prepare the body for the next day.
Disclaimer
The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.