But what about those with diabetes who are allowed to fast and what they can eat at the Easter table? How can they participate in the religious climate and traditions of these days without harming themselves and their healing?
Fasting
“Fasting during the days of Holy Week, nutritionally we can say that it is a coin with two sides.
On the one hand it is a good opportunity for detoxification from foods of animal origin but on the other hand, it can cause problems by consuming larger amounts of starchy foods (such as pasta, potatoes, bread, etc.).
That is why the diabetic should be more careful “, say Dr. Andreas Melidonis, Coordinating Director of the Diabetological-Cardiometabolic Center of Metropolitan Hospital, President of EKOMEN and Mr. Karolos Papalazarou, Clinical Dietitian – Metropolitan Nutritionist.
Specifically during the fasting period you should:
“To continue counting the amount of starchy foods in his meals, which should always be accompanied on the plate and not the main food. This practically means that he should avoid eating a large plate of shrimp spaghetti but that he could eat grilled shrimp with 1 cup of potato salad or octopus with 1 cup of shredded spaghetti. It would also be preferable to eat a portion of non-starchy vegetables such as artichokes than a portion of starchy vegetables such as peas.
Focus on alternative sources of protein such as legumes, vegetables, mushrooms and some dairy substitutes such as milk and soy yogurt. In addition, seafood such as squid, cuttlefish, shrimp, etc., are good sources of protein but should be avoided in large quantities mainly due to their high cholesterol content.
Do not omit blood sugar measurements. These days it is possible to disrupt the daily routine of meals or exercise, which could affect blood sugar levels and lead to episodes of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
Do not forget the snacks. Tithing and afternoon snacks help regulate blood sugar levels. “A portion of fruit is the best choice for snacks”, the doctors explain.
Easter table
A person with diabetes, in order to achieve a better course of his disease, has learned to live with some small dietary restrictions and to follow a specific plan in the context of the Mediterranean diet.
A more “nutritionally” nutritious Easter table that takes place one day a year will not affect all this effort.
Therefore, if there are no comorbidities such as chronic renal failure or hyperuricemia, he can consume what is on the table but without exaggerating the amounts of starchy foods (such as pies, potatoes, bread) and sweets.
“One good piece of advice we can give is that diabetics should accompany the meat they eat with plenty of salad, as fiber binds part of the cholesterol in food while reducing the glycemic load of the meal leading to a smoother increase in blood sugar levels.
“Regarding alcohol, 2 units of alcohol are allowed during the meal, which practically correspond to about 2 glasses of wine or 2 cans of beer or 2 shots of tsipouro”, the experts point out.
If you want a dessert, it would be better to consume it in the afternoon, some time after the meal, and the person with diabetes should prefer a dessert with stevia.
Finally, we should not forget physical exercise. A good walk after the table can help in digestion but also in avoiding unwanted weight gain.
“In conclusion, Holy Week and the redemptive Easter that follows can and must be an exercise of faith, patience and perseverance in complying with health food choices.
“Such a diet and health behavior will lead to the coexistence of the Resurrection of the Lord with the metabolic” resurrection “of people with diabetes”, conclude Messrs. Melidonis and Papalazarou.
Writes:
Dr. Andreas Melidonis, Coordinating Director of the Diabetological-Cardiometabolic Center of Metropolitan Hospital, President of EKOMEN and
Mr. Karolos Papalazarou, Clinical Dietitian – Nutritionist, Associate of Metropolitan Hospital
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