Diabetics May Fare Better with Larger Meals
Diabetics May Fare Better with Larger Meals – According to a new study, eating fewer but larger meals can help prevent depression and keep hunger pangs at bay.
Diabetics are often advised to eat six small meals to keep their blood sugar levels stable. Researchers found that often diabetics end up feeling depressed and hungry with this kind of diet.
Dr. Hana Kahleova from the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine in Prague, and her team reviewed earlier studies on two restricted calorie studies in 54 participants with type 2 diabetes. The participants spent 12 weeks eating 6 small meals a day, and then 12 weeks eating a large breakfast and lunch but no dinner.
Researcher found that both types of diet reduced depressive symptoms and hunger pangs in the participants, but the improvements were greater when they ate two large meals a day. The large meals helped them feel fuller and more satisfied which also prevented them from overeating in certain situations. For the larger meal plan to be successful, diabetics need to eat 30 to 40 grams of fiber every day, as it takes longer for the body to process it, and thus, keeps them feeling full.
According to Margaret Powers, president-elect of healthcare and education for the American Diabetes Association, it’s important to consider the emotional aspect of eating in research, as this study does, as emotion plays a tremendous role in our eating behaviors. She also points out that both approaches – large and smaller meals, can work well. It depends on the individuals and how comfortable they feel with either approach.
Category: News
