For many people, the thought of eating ham brings to mind sweet, glazed hams eaten at holiday dinners. However, as a protein source, ham can be consumed in a variety of ways that don’t require you to add sugar or another type of sweetener. Even with its high sodium content, a serving of ham is an excellent source of protein and other vitamins and minerals. Can diabetics eat honey baked ham? The answer is yes! In fact, there are several ways that you can enjoy this nutritious protein without sabotaging your blood sugar control efforts. In this article we will answer the question “Can diabetics eat honey baked ham?” as well as provide some ideas on how to make it part of your healthy diet plan. Keep reading to learn more…
What Is Honey Baked Ham?
Ham is the meat from the hind leg of a pig. It is often roasted, baked, or smoked. Traditionally, it is eaten on holidays and special occasions. While honey baked ham is a specific product, it can also refer to any ham with a glaze or other sweet topping. Honey baked ham is made using a honey glaze that includes brown sugar, corn syrup, and other flavorings. Honey baked ham is often served as a sandwich at parties and events. It is also a standard menu item in restaurants. Vegans, vegetarians, and people with diabetes should be aware that not all honey baked hams are vegetarian. While the ham itself is vegetarian, some restaurants will use honey in their baked beans, coleslaw, or other side dishes. If you are a vegan or diabetic, ask to see the ingredients list on any baked goods before ordering.
Benefits of Eating Honey Baked Ham
As with any protein source, the main advantage to enjoying ham is its high protein content. A single serving of ham provides nearly 20 grams of protein. The sodium and fat content of ham makes it a less than ideal source of protein for people with diabetes. The high sodium content can increase blood pressure and the high fat content can increase your risk of heart disease. In addition to protein, ham is a good source of niacin and other B vitamins. It also contains iron, zinc, and several minerals. Along with its nutritional benefits, the smell of ham is often associated with special occasions and gatherings.
How to Make Ham More Diabetes-Friendly
If you are diabetic, you know that you can’t eat all the same foods as everyone else. However, even people without diabetes should practice portion control and pay attention to the sodium content of their food. When you are eating ham for a meal or in a sandwich, you should choose a portion that contains no more than 3-4 oz. You can make ham more diabetes friendly by choosing other sources of protein, such as eggs or beans, as part of your meal. To make ham less fatty, you can reduce its fat content by removing the skin. You can also reduce the fat content by eating the ham without the glaze or topping. Avoid adding sugar and other sweeteners to your ham, and instead use mustard and other condiments to add flavor.
Why Can’t Diabetics Eat All the Same Foods?
Because diabetes is a metabolism disorder, people with the condition must pay extra attention to their diet. While most people can eat a variety of foods, diabetics must limit their intake of certain foods to stay healthy and manage their disease. Carbohydrates like grains, vegetables, and beans have a low glycemic index and don’t significantly raise blood sugar. Other protein sources, such as fish, have a low GI as well. The high GI foods that diabetics should avoid include potatoes, corn, and other starchy vegetables, grains, and sugars, as well as certain dairy products, nuts, and legumes. While diabetics can’t ignore all foods with a high GI, it is important to pay extra attention to these items.
Tips for Choosing and Storing Ham
If you are diabetic, you should always read the nutrition facts panel on packaged ham to see its fat, salt, and sugar content. You should also check the ingredients to make sure that the ham doesn’t contain any added sweeteners or other ingredients that you cannot eat. You can store ham in the refrigerator for several weeks. Ham can also be frozen for long-term storage. When choosing a ham, opt for dark meat or shank ham if possible. These contain less fat than other types of ham. You can also trim away some of the fat from the ham before you begin to eat it. Ham can be eaten alone, added to salads and sandwiches, or added to casseroles, soups, and other dishes.
Final Words: The Takeaway
Honey baked ham is a glazed protein source that is often eaten on holidays and special occasions. While the ham itself is a nutritious protein source, it is also very high in sodium and fat. This makes it an unhealthy choice for people with diabetes who must be careful about their carb intake. However, there are many ways to make it more diabetes-friendly, such as removing the skin, choosing dark meat if possible, and avoiding added sweeteners. In addition, there is a wide range of ways that you can eat it. So, there’s no reason why diabetic people can’t enjoy the taste and texture of honey baked ham!