What is Carbohydrate Counting
Carbohydrate counting is a practical technique that helps you calculate the carbohydrate content in your meals. Learning about carbohydrate containing foods is very important because they have the most immediate impact on your blood glucose levels.
This booklet will help you understand the carbohydrate content in each food group, and therefore, could be a useful tool for you in controlling your blood glucose levels.
Benefits of Carbohydrate counting
- Helps you count the amount of carbs in your meal
- Gives you more flexibility with your food choices
- Helps you Keep your blood sugar levels in control
- Helps you match your insulin dosage with the carbs in your food
Glycaemic Index
The GI is a tool that ranks carbohydrate containing foods according to their effect on blood glucose levels.
High GI foods: are quickly absorbed by your body and raise your blood sugar levels rapidly.
Low GI foods: are slowly absorbed by your body and raise your blood sugar levels gradually which is considered healthier.
How to obtain a low-gi diet
- Choose multi-grain, whole wheat, rye, or pumpernickel breads.
- Choose long-grain rice (e.g. Basmati), pasta (cooked al dente), whole wheat bulghur, and barley.
- Enjoy fresh vegetables & fruits.
- Avoid High GI fruits like watermelon, mangos, dates, banana, and grapes.
- Enjoy Low GI fruits like oranges, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, kiwi, and cherries.
Main food group components are
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats
