A balanced diet is a key to the prevention of sickness and maintenance of overall health. Certain diseases require the addition or absence of some types of foods in the diet while others have different dietary requirements. If you or anyone in your family is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you have to reduce the intake of carbohydrates and increase your protein consumption. An ideal meal for patients of this condition should have about 45 to 75 grams of carbs, varying based on the patient’s age, weight and sugar levels. It is recommended to ask the nutritionist for the exact nutrition chart to be followed as well as foods to be had and avoided with type 2 diabetes.

Here are some popular foods and meals which contain very high levels of carbs that you should avoid totally if you have type 2 diabetes.

Power breakfast
It is generally believed that a power breakfast can give you enough energy to keep you active and motivated throughout the day. For type 2 diabetics, this might not work out the same way. A typical full breakfast of sausages, hash brown, eggs, and pancake syrup can supply four to five times more in terms of carb than is permissible. Avoid this and instead, just have one of the items or have a breakfast that is low on calories and carbs like scrambled eggs or oatmeal. Avoid sugary fruit juices in the morning.

Combo meals
Fast-food chains make combo meals look like the best option on this planet. A burger, burrito or sandwich that comes with chips, fries or soda, alongside a probable pudding or cake must be avoided at all costs. Ordering individual items helps you stay in control of the calories you are consuming. Remember, combo meals invariably contain about 180-250 gm of carbs which is 4 to 5 times higher than the allowed carb limit for you. They also contain hidden sugars and sodium, a combination that can be dangerous. Additionally, they are low on nutrition and not good for overall health either.

Meat platters
If you love your ribs, mashed potato and corn platters a couple times a week, this might come as bad news for you. Alternatively, reduce the portion size to get only the prescribed amount of carbs. A typical meat platter could contain cured meats, terrines, or pates, along with potato, corn, and ladles of barbecue sauce, which are all high-carb items and can spike your sugar levels in a moment. Avoid meat platters and only choose small portions of each item as you learn to overcome the temptation to binge.

Fried or roasted meat meals
If you are attending a family gathering or a social event, it is highly likely there will be some meat roasts being served. One proper serving with beans, potato, and various sides can be as high as 190 calories. Always avoid a roast and look for baked lean meat or skinned chicken variations. Avoid fried fish and opt for steamed, baked, or grilled options that are less both in calories and carbs.

Foods to avoid with type 2 diabetes also include sandwiches made from refined flour, those containing mayonnaise, or other fatty condiments. Choose smaller sized buns and bread and go in for salads as sides instead of fries. Learn to cook and opt for homemade pasta instead of eating out as the latter contains large amounts of saturated fat. Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella or parmesan cheese. It cannot be stressed enough that watching carbs and calories can be the defining point of your diet management for type 2 diabetes.