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What's the worst vegetable for a diabetic?

The Worst Vegetables for People With Diabetes Potatoes. Both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are considered a starchy vegetable, meaning they contain a higher amount of carbohydrates than most veggies. ... Corn. ... Peas. ... Butternut Squash. ... Vegetable Juice.

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A diabetes diagnosis, for yourself or a loved one, can be overwhelming. A lot has to change, and quickly. You want to keep them as healthy as possible and feed them well, and that means reconsidering all the groceries you buy and the meals you cook or order. But sometimes, in trying to adjust your diet with all this new advice, things can get confusing. One such area is selecting vegetables for people with diabetes. While having more vegetables in your diet is always a good idea, which ones you eat will matter a great deal for people with diabetes. In fact, some vegetables aren't a smart pick and should be eaten infrequently. Here, we identify the best and worst vegetables for people with diabetes, and we break down why they are a good idea to eat or to skip.

The Best Vegetables for People With Diabetes

If you have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or you're trying to control your blood sugar levels, eating more vegetables is a good step. Vegetables are typically chock-full of fiber and nutrients that help your body maintain healthy blood sugar, and unlike starchy sides, like rice and pasta, they often have less of an impact on your blood sugar levels after eating. But you'll want to emphasize the right vegetables when filling out your plate. "It's best to focus on non-starchy vegetables, such as green, leafy vegetables — spinach, kale, arugula, etc. — asparagus, onions, cruciferous vegetables, etc.," says Heather Hanks, a nutritionist with USA Rx. These vegetables are incredibly nutrient-dense. That's a very good thing. "They're full of fiber and antioxidants to slow down blood glucose dumping and control the insulin response. They're also low glycemic, meaning that they won't spike your blood sugar very much," Hanks says.

1. Broccoli

Whether you throw it in a salad or add it to your casseroles, broccoli is never a bad idea. Broccoli is low in calories and high in vitamin C, B vitamins, and fiber. She suggests buying pre-chopped broccoli florets as a great way to save on prep time, too. Try adding broccoli to your dishes anywhere you can; it's actually quite versatile. This also makes it a great option to add to items like pizza that may otherwise feel like a questionable choice -- the addition of fiber and nutritional value helps a lot!

2. Cauliflower

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At the grocery store, you likely see cauliflower in everything from gnocchi to pizza crust. It really is the vegetable that can do it all! "It's low in calories while being high in important nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and fiber," Burgess says. In fact, one medium head of cauliflower packs in 12 grams of dietary fiber. "This fiber keeps our digestive system moving and can help improve blood sugar levels," Burgess says. If you're looking for ways to sneak in this veggie, Burgess recommends trying Cali'flour Foods flatbreads and pizza crusts. "These products contain real ingredients you can pronounce with just one to two grams of net carbs per serving, making it a great option for those watching their carbohydrate intake," Burgess says.

3. Asparagus

Another delicious diabetes-friendly vegetable to add to the plate is asparagus.

Whether pairing it with some grilled fish or chicken or adding it to a skillet meal, asparagus is a delicious and versatile vegetable option that always adds just a touch of sophistication to any meal.

4. Kale

Kale is more popular in recent years, and it is a delight in soups or salads and even baked into kale chips.``

The Worst Vegetables for People With Diabetes

Across the board, starchy vegetables are higher in carbohydrates than their less starchy counterparts, and they often don't balance the starch with other nutrients, like fiber and vitamins. So while it's OK to eat carbs and starchy vegetables from time to time, you want to be aware of how often they're on your plate for a better balance. "That starch is what places them on the 'worst list,'" Adkins says. "It's not as though you can't enjoy these vegetables, but when you do, it's best to keep their quantity in check and pair them with higher protein and higher fat foods to offset the spike in blood sugars," Adkins says.

1. Potatoes

Both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are considered a starchy vegetable, meaning they contain a higher amount of carbohydrates than most veggies. "While no vegetable should be off limits for those with diabetes, be mindful of the portions," says Burgess, who says one serving is generally one cup of roasted potatoes, a half cup of mashed potatoes, or one fist-sized spud.

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Also: "Try to stay away from processed potatoes like fries or chips, which can lead to mindless munching and excess fat in the diet," Burgess says.

2. Corn

Corn on the cob or a batch of elotes are always delicious side options, but proceed with some caution. If you love corn, be sure to keep the portion small, and pair it with protein and high-fiber foods.

3. Peas

Give peas a chance! Except, make sure it's in small portions.

Stick to a small portion of a half cup, and skip the split pea soups.

4. Butternut Squash

This is a sneaky vegetable; we're told it's so good for us, and it is — but it is not without its caveats. So, enjoy that bowl of butternut squash soup, but maybe don't reach for a second portion — and make sure to enjoy a leafy green salad with it.

5. Vegetable Juice

This one may come as a surprise. Green juice is as healthy as it gets, right? Well, there's one issue. This beverage lacks one key component in helping to regulate blood sugar: fiber! "No matter which vegetable you choose to enjoy, it's best to eat the whole food," Adkins says. That way, you can get the benefit of the fiber, especially when counting carbs.

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