Foods aren’t the only thing to watch when it comes to diabetes dietary restrictions. Drinks can contain more sugar than a candy bar. And you would never know it.
These sneaky sugar-laden drinks not only spike your blood sugar, but they can cause unwanted weight gain too. Blood sugar levels may be an immediate day-to-day concern. But weight gain may make managing symptoms more troublesome.
Before you reach for that bottle of juice or order your morning coffee, stop and take a look. These diabetic-friendly drinks are a great alternative. And they don’t spike your glucose levels.
What Can I Drink If I Have Diabetes?
Water is the best and safest thing to drink if you have diabetes. But sometimes you may crave something a little different. If that’s the case, take a look at these 4 best drinks for diabetics:
Unsweetened Tea
Tea tops the list of diabetic-friendly drinks because it’s generally healthy for you. As long as you don’t put sugar in it, it’s a great hydration option. There are plenty of teas to choose from like black tea and herbal teas. However, green tea may still be the best choice for its numerous health benefits.
Unsweetened Coffee
Do you have to say goodbye to your morning cup of coffee? Not necessarily. But you do have to bid adieu to the numerous additives popular in coffee drinks. That includes sweeteners, creamers, and syrups. All of these additions may contain too many carbs and calories for your diabetic diet.
Milk
Milk is an underrated source of hydration. If you choose a 1% low-fat or fat-free variety, it’s a good source of vital nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
Of course, it also contains 80 calories and carbs. But if you drink it in moderation, it’s a good addition for a well-rounded diet.
If you’re lactose intolerant, you can try milk alternatives like fortified rice milk, soy milk, or almond milk. Just steer clear of the flavored varieties, though. Even vanilla soy milk has more added sugar than its natural alternative.
Tomato or Mixed Veggie Juice
Most fruit juices contain too much sugar to be diabetic-friendly. But if you’re craving juice, you can try a vegetable juice alternative. Tomato or mixed juices like V-8 may be good solutions.
You can also try blending your own juice using leafy greens, cucumbers, and berries. Blending your own veggie juices ensures that there aren’t additional sugars added by a manufacturer. And they provide a tasty supply of minerals and vitamins.
Stay Hydrated the Diabetic-Friendly Way
There are plenty of diabetic-friendly drinks to choose from. But if you’re tired of water, try one of these best drinks for diabetics instead. Just remember that these alternatives aren’t completely carb and calorie-free, so check the labels and drink them in moderation.
