A healthy Indian diet does not have to be complicated. You do not need expensive imported superfoods, a refrigerator full of protein powders, or a kitchen stocked with products carrying a big “sugar-free” label.
Sometimes, the most useful additions to a daily diet are simple foods that Indian families have been eating for generations: dal, roasted chana, nuts, seeds, plain curd, fruits, sprouts, eggs, paneer, buttermilk, whole grains and vegetables.
This is where a sugar-less supplementary diet can be useful.
The idea is simple: instead of adding sugary drinks, biscuits, sweets and highly processed snacks between meals, supplement your regular diet with foods that provide useful nutrients such as protein, fibre, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals without unnecessary added sugar.
The word “supplementary” is important. These foods are meant to complement a balanced diet, not replace breakfast, lunch and dinner or act as a medical treatment.
For example, adding a handful of nuts to your day may be useful. Adding a sugary “health drink” simply because its packaging says it contains vitamins is a different story.
The 2024 ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines state that sugar contributing more than 5% of daily energy intake, or about 25 g per day on a 2,000-kcal diet, is considered high sugar intake. The guidelines also identify table sugar, jaggery and honey as added sugars.
WHO recommends keeping free sugars below 10% of total daily energy, with a reduction to below 5% potentially providing additional health benefits. For a 2,000-kcal diet, 5% is approximately 25 g or six teaspoons.
That does not mean Indians need to eliminate every carbohydrate or every naturally sweet food. It means being more thoughtful about where sweetness comes from and what nutritional value comes with it.
What Is a Sugar-Less Supplementary Diet?
A sugar-less supplementary diet is best understood as a collection of nutritious foods and beverages that can be added to a normal diet while keeping added and free sugars low. These foods may be useful between meals, alongside meals, before or after physical activity, or when a regular meal needs additional protein or fibre.
Examples include:
- Plain curd
- Unsweetened buttermilk
- Roasted chana
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Sprouts
- Whole fruits
- Eggs
- Paneer
- Tofu
- Dal
- Chickpeas
- Rajma
- Homemade smoothies without added sugar
- Whole grains
- Vegetable-based snacks
The objective is not “zero sugar at all costs.”
For example, whole fruit naturally contains sugar. Milk contains naturally occurring lactose. These foods can still be part of a healthy diet.
The bigger focus is on reducing free sugars, which include sugars added to foods and drinks as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juices.
Why Is This Relevant for Indians?
India has a substantial burden of metabolic health conditions. The ICMR-INDIAB national cross-sectional study included 113,043 participants, including 79,506 people from rural areas and 33,537 from urban areas. The study reported the following weighted prevalence estimates:
| Health indicator | Prevalence reported in the study |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Prediabetes | 15.3% |
| Hypertension | 35.5% |
| Generalised obesity | 28.6% |
| Abdominal obesity | 39.5% |
| Dyslipidaemia | 81.2% |
The data were collected between 18 October 2008 and 17 December 2020, so these are study-period estimates rather than direct estimates of India’s prevalence in 2026.
These conditions cannot be blamed on sugar alone. Genetics, physical activity, total dietary intake, body composition, sleep, age and many other factors influence metabolic health.
Nevertheless, improving everyday food choices, including snacks and supplementary foods—is one practical part of a healthier lifestyle.
WHO’s current healthy-diet guidance emphasizes adequacy, balance, moderation and diversity, with vegetables, fruits, pulses, nuts and whole grains forming important parts of a healthy dietary pattern.
Sugar-Less Does Not Mean Carb-Free
This is one of the most important points. Many people hear “sugar-free” and immediately think:
- No rice
- No roti
- No fruit
- No dal
- No potatoes
- No grains
That is not what reducing added sugar means.
Carbohydrates are an important energy source, and WHO recommends that carbohydrates primarily come from whole grains, vegetables, fruits and pulses.
The better question is:
What type of carbohydrate am I eating, what portion am I eating, and what else is in the meal?
For example:
Roti + dal + vegetables + curd
is very different from:
Biscuits + sweet tea + packaged snack
even though both contain carbohydrates.
20 Sugar-Less Supplementary Foods for Indians
Here are practical foods that can complement a normal Indian diet.
1. Roasted Chana
Roasted chana is one of the simplest supplementary foods available.
It is:
- Affordable
- Portable
- Easy to store
- Convenient for office use
- Suitable for savoury snacking
- Naturally free from added sugar when purchased plain
How to use it
Keep a small container at your workplace or home. Instead of automatically reaching for biscuits at 4 PM, try roasted chana with unsweetened tea.
2. Plain Curd
Plain dahi is another excellent addition. It can provide protein and calcium while also making meals more satisfying. Try it with:
- Cucumber
- Mint
- Roasted cumin
- Coriander
Avoid turning it into a sweetened dessert every time. Instead of adding sugar, you can combine plain curd with whole fruit when appropriate.
3. Unsweetened Buttermilk
Traditional chaas can be a refreshing addition to an Indian diet. A simple version can contain:
Plain curd + water + cumin + coriander + mint
It can replace sweetened beverages in many situations.
When buying packaged buttermilk, check the nutrition and ingredient information rather than assuming every product is equally low in sugar or sodium.
4. Almonds and Walnuts
Nuts can provide healthy fats, protein and other nutrients. Good choices include:
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Peanuts
Choose plain or dry-roasted varieties when possible. Avoid making honey-coated or caramelised nuts your everyday “healthy snack.”
Portion matters
Nuts are nutritious but energy-dense. A small handful can be enough for many people.
5. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds can be added to:
- Curd
- Oats
- Dalia
- Homemade chilla
- Salads
- Smoothies
Ground flaxseed is often easier to incorporate into meals.
6. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds can be used in:
- Plain curd
- Unsweetened milk
- Oats
- Homemade puddings
- Smoothies
There is no need to add sugar. For a naturally sweet flavour, use a suitable portion of whole fruit.
7. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are another convenient addition to meals and snacks. Use them in:
- Salads
- Oats
- Curd
- Homemade trail mixes
Choose plain or lightly roasted versions rather than sugar-coated varieties.
8. Sprouts
Sprouts are an excellent Indian-style supplementary food. Common options include:
- Moong sprouts
- Chickpea sprouts
- Mixed sprouts
Prepare a simple sprouts chaat using:
Sprouts + cucumber + tomato + onion + coriander + lemon + cumin
Avoid sweet sauces if you are specifically trying to keep added sugar low.
9. Whole Fruits
Whole fruit can be part of a sugar-conscious diet. Good everyday choices include:
- Guava
- Apple
- Orange
- Papaya
- Pear
- Pomegranate
- Watermelon
- Muskmelon
- Seasonal local fruits
WHO recommends at least 400 g of fruits and vegetables per day for people over 10 years of age.
The important distinction is:
Whole fruit is not the same as fruit juice. WHO notes that even fruit juices without added sugar can contain significant amounts of free sugars.
10. Eggs
For people who eat eggs, they can be a convenient protein-containing supplementary food. Examples:
- Boiled egg
- Vegetable omelette
- Egg bhurji
- Egg sandwich using whole-grain bread
Avoid relying heavily on processed sauces or sweetened condiments.
11. Paneer
Paneer can add protein to meals and snacks. Try:
- Paneer cubes with cucumber
- Paneer bhurji
- Paneer stuffed chilla
- Paneer with vegetables
Because paneer can also contribute substantial fat and calories, portion size matters.
12. Tofu
Tofu can be useful for vegetarians and anyone looking to vary protein sources. Try:
- Tofu stir-fry
- Tofu bhurji
- Tofu with vegetables
- Tofu sandwich
Choose preparations that do not rely on sweet sauces.
13. Moong Dal Chilla
Moong dal chilla is a practical supplementary mini-meal. Add:
- Spinach
- Onion
- Tomato
- Coriander
- Capsicum
Serve with plain curd or green chutney. It can work particularly well for people who need something more substantial than fruit or nuts alone.
14. Besan Chilla
Besan is another versatile Indian ingredient. A savoury besan chilla can be prepared quickly and customized with vegetables.
It can function as:
- Breakfast
- Evening snack
- Light meal
- Post-workout meal component
15. Homemade Dalia
Dalia can be prepared in either a savoury or lightly flavoured form. For a sugar-conscious option, try:
Dalia + vegetables + dal + spices
rather than adding sugar or sweetened syrups.
16. Oats
Plain oats can be used as a versatile base. Instead of buying highly sweetened flavoured oats, use plain oats with:
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Plain milk
- Plain curd
- Whole fruit
This allows you to control the sweetness yourself.
17. Roasted Makhana
Makhana is a popular Indian snack that can be roasted with modest amounts of oil or ghee. Season it with:
- Black pepper
- Cumin
- Turmeric
- Chilli
Avoid caramelised or sugar-coated versions when reducing added sugar.
18. Chickpeas
Boiled chickpeas can be used in:
- Chana chaat
- Salads
- Hummus-style dips
- Curries
- Homemade wraps
They can make a simple supplementary food much more filling.
19. Dal
Dal does not have to be limited to lunch or dinner. A small bowl of dal can sometimes work as a savoury mini-meal. Pair it with:
- Vegetables
- A small roti
- Salad
This is often more nutritionally useful than replacing hunger with sweet snacks.
20. Homemade Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup can be a useful supplementary food during the evening. Use:
- Tomato
- Spinach
- Carrot
- Beans
- Bottle gourd
- Pumpkin
- Mushrooms
- Other seasonal vegetables
Avoid adding sugar or sweetened sauces.
Sugar-Less Supplementary Foods: Quick Comparison
| Food | Main nutritional role | Added sugar needed? | Convenient? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roasted chana | Protein + fibre | No | High |
| Plain curd | Protein + calcium | No | High |
| Nuts | Healthy fats + protein | No | High |
| Seeds | Healthy fats + fibre | No | High |
| Sprouts | Fibre + plant protein | No | Moderate |
| Whole fruit | Fibre + micronutrients | No | High |
| Eggs | Protein | No | High |
| Paneer | Protein | No | Moderate |
| Tofu | Protein | No | Moderate |
| Makhana | Light snack option | No | High |
| Dalia | Whole-grain carbohydrate | No | Moderate |
| Oats | Whole-grain carbohydrate | No | High |
| Chana | Fibre + plant protein | No | Moderate |
| Vegetable soup | Vegetables + hydration | No | Moderate |
| Moong chilla | Protein + carbohydrate | No | Moderate |
Benefits of a Sugar-Less Supplementary Diet
A well-designed supplementary diet can provide several practical benefits.
1. Helps Reduce Unnecessary Added Sugar
Replacing sugary snacks and beverages with whole or minimally processed foods can lower overall free-sugar intake.
ICMR-NIN advises limiting sugar intake to around 25 g/day on a 2,000-kcal diet, and notes that added sugar provides calories without adding meaningful nutritional value.
2. Can Improve Snack Quality
Instead of filling the gap between meals with biscuits, sweets or sugary drinks, you can use:
- Nuts
- Chana
- Fruit
- Curd
- Sprouts
- Eggs
These foods can contribute protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals or healthy fats.
3. Supports Fibre Intake
WHO recommends at least 25 g of naturally occurring dietary fibre per day for people older than 10 years. Pulses, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds can all contribute.
4. Can Improve Satiety
A snack containing protein and fibre may be more satisfying than a highly sugary snack. For example:
Roasted chana + fruit
may be more filling than:
sweetened beverage + biscuits.
5. Makes Healthy Eating More Practical
A good supplementary diet uses foods that are:
- Affordable
- Familiar
- Easy to prepare
- Available locally
That makes the routine easier to maintain.
6. Supports Better Food Variety
A supplementary diet can introduce more:
- Pulses
- Seeds
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Fermented foods
into the regular eating pattern.
A Simple Daily Sugar-Less Supplementary Diet
Here is an example of how supplementary foods can fit around normal meals.
| Time | Regular meal/supplement | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast | Vegetable poha + curd |
| Mid-morning | Supplement | Guava + small handful of nuts |
| Lunch | Main meal | Roti + dal + sabzi + salad |
| Evening | Supplement | Roasted chana + unsweetened tea |
| Dinner | Main meal | Vegetable + paneer/tofu + roti |
| Later, if genuinely hungry | Optional supplement | Plain curd or suitable whole fruit |
This is a general example, not a personalized calorie or medical diet plan.
7-Day Sugar-Less Supplementary Diet Plan
| Day | Mid-Morning | Evening | Optional Add-On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Guava + almonds | Roasted chana | Plain curd |
| Tuesday | Apple + walnuts | Makhana | Buttermilk |
| Wednesday | Papaya + seeds | Sprouts chaat | Boiled egg |
| Thursday | Orange + peanuts | Moong chilla | Plain curd |
| Friday | Pear + almonds | Chana chaat | Buttermilk |
| Saturday | Pomegranate + walnuts | Besan chilla | Boiled egg |
| Sunday | Seasonal fruit | Homemade popcorn | Paneer + vegetables |
The exact quantity should depend on individual energy needs, activity level and health requirements.
Sugar-Less Supplementary Diet for Different Age Groups
For Young Adults
Young adults often have irregular schedules and rely heavily on:
- Packaged snacks
- Sweetened coffee
- Energy drinks
- Biscuits
- Fast food
Useful additions can include:
- Nuts
- Roasted chana
- Fruit
- Eggs
- Curd
- Sprouts
- Homemade sandwiches
The goal is not to eliminate convenience but to make convenient choices more nutritious.
For Working Professionals
A simple office snack box can contain:
Section 1: Roasted chana
Section 2: Almonds or walnuts
Section 3: Seasonal fruit
Drink: Water or unsweetened tea
This takes considerably less effort than preparing an elaborate diet every day.
For Older Adults
Older adults may have different nutritional needs and medical conditions. Simple options can include:
- Plain curd
- Soft-cooked vegetables
- Dal
- Fruit
- Nuts in an appropriate form
- Eggs
- Homemade soups
For people with diabetes, kidney disease, difficulty swallowing or other medical conditions, food choices should be individualized with a healthcare professional.
For Vegetarians
A sugar-less supplementary diet can easily provide plant-based options.
Useful foods
- Dal
- Chana
- Rajma
- Moong
- Sprouts
- Paneer
- Tofu
- Curd
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Whole grains
A vegetarian diet does not automatically mean low sugar. Sweetened beverages, desserts and packaged snacks can still contribute significant sugar.
For Non-Vegetarians
Additional options include:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Chicken
- Plain curd
- Nuts
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Dal
The focus remains the same: less unnecessary added sugar and better overall food quality.
Supplementary Diet for Weight-Conscious Indians
A sugar-less supplementary diet may be useful for people trying to improve their eating pattern, but it is important not to assume that “sugar-free” automatically means “weight-loss food.”
For example:
10 sugar-free biscuits
can still provide substantial calories.
Similarly:
A large bowl of nuts
can contain much more energy than a small portion.
Weight management depends on overall energy intake, dietary quality, physical activity, sleep and individual factors.
A more useful approach is:
Protein + fibre + sensible portion + low added sugar.
Supplementary Foods Before Exercise
For moderate physical activity, the appropriate pre-exercise food depends on timing, intensity and individual tolerance. Simple options can include:
- Banana
- Plain curd + fruit
- Small portion of oats
- Whole-grain toast
- Roasted chana
- Small homemade chilla
You do not automatically need a commercial sports drink or sugary energy product for every workout. For prolonged or high-intensity exercise, nutritional needs can be different.
Supplementary Foods After Exercise
After exercise, many people benefit from a combination of protein and carbohydrate. Examples include:
- Plain curd + fruit
- Eggs + whole-grain toast
- Paneer + roti
- Dal + roti
- Milk without added sugar
- Homemade smoothie containing plain milk/curd and whole fruit
The appropriate choice depends on exercise intensity, duration and individual goals.
Are Protein Powders Necessary?
Not necessarily. Protein powders can be convenient for some people, but they are not mandatory for a healthy Indian diet. Many traditional foods can provide protein:
- Dal
- Chana
- Rajma
- Soy
- Paneer
- Curd
- Eggs
- Fish
- Chicken
- Milk
- Nuts and seeds
If someone uses a protein supplement, they should look at the complete product label rather than assuming that a “protein” product is automatically healthy.
Some products may contain added sugars, sweeteners or substantial calories. People with kidney disease or other medical conditions should seek professional advice before substantially increasing protein intake or using supplements.
Sugar-Less Does Not Mean “Natural Sweetener Everywhere”
A common mistake is replacing every teaspoon of white sugar with another sweetener. For example:
- Sugar → jaggery
- Sugar → honey
- Sugar → date syrup
- Sugar → coconut sugar
These may be marketed differently, but the change does not automatically make the food low in free sugar.
ICMR-NIN explicitly includes jaggery and honey among added sugars.
Therefore, the more meaningful strategy is to gradually reduce the overall sweetness of the diet.
Sugar-Free vs No Added Sugar vs Naturally Low Sugar
These terms are worth understanding.
| Term | What it generally suggests | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free | Very little sugar under applicable labeling rules | Check complete label |
| No added sugar | No sugar intentionally added | Check natural sugar and calories |
| Unsweetened | No sweetening ingredient added | Check ingredients |
| Naturally low sugar | Food itself contains little sugar | Still consider overall nutrition |
| Jaggery sweetened | Jaggery used as sweetener | Treat as added sugar |
| Honey sweetened | Honey used as sweetener | Treat as free sugar |
Do not judge a food solely by the words printed on the front of the packet.
How to Read a Supplementary Food Label
Before buying a packaged “healthy” product, spend a few seconds checking the label.
1. Serving Size
Find out how much the nutrition information actually refers to.
2. Total Sugar
Look at the total amount of sugar.
3. Added Sugar
Where the label provides this information, check the added-sugar value.
4. Ingredients
Look for:
- Sugar
- Syrups
- Honey
- Jaggery
- Glucose
- Dextrose
- Fructose
- Other sweetening ingredients
5. Protein
If you are buying a product specifically as a supplementary protein food, check whether it actually contains a meaningful amount of protein.
6. Fibre
Higher-fibre foods can contribute to overall dietary fibre intake.
7. Sodium
A product can be low in sugar and still be high in sodium.
WHO recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2 g per day, equivalent to less than 5 g of salt, for adults.
Common Mistakes in a Sugar-Less Supplementary Diet
Mistake 1: Replacing Meals With Snacks
A supplementary food is meant to complement a balanced diet. It should not automatically replace proper meals.
Mistake 2: Eating Unlimited “Healthy” Foods
Nuts, seeds, paneer and dried fruits can be nutritious but energy-dense. Portions still matter.
Mistake 3: Assuming Jaggery Is Sugar-Free
It isn’t.
Mistake 4: Drinking Fruit Juice Instead of Eating Whole Fruit
Whole fruit generally provides the intact food structure and fibre that juice lacks.
Mistake 5: Buying Every Product Marketed as a Health Supplement
“Healthy,” “natural,” “fitness” and “sugar-free” on packaging do not tell the whole nutritional story.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Overall Diet Quality
Removing sugar from one snack cannot compensate for an otherwise unbalanced diet.
Mistake 7: Making the Diet Too Restrictive
If your diet eliminates everything you enjoy, maintaining it can become difficult. A sustainable approach is more useful than an extreme one.
10 Easy Sugar-Less Swaps for Indians
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Sweet chai + biscuits | Less-sweet chai + roasted chana |
| Sweet lassi | Plain chaas |
| Flavoured yoghurt | Plain curd + fruit |
| Packaged fruit drink | Whole fruit + water |
| Sugar-coated nuts | Plain nuts |
| Sweet cereal | Plain oats + nuts |
| Sweetened smoothie | Whole fruit + plain curd |
| Candy | Seasonal fruit |
| Sweet snack bar | Homemade chana/nut mix |
| Sugary dessert every day | Occasional small dessert |
These are not rules that have to be followed perfectly. They are simply practical defaults.
Features of a Good Sugar-Less Supplementary Diet
A useful supplementary diet should ideally have the following features:
1. Low in Added Sugar
It should not depend on sugar, jaggery or syrups for taste.
2. Nutrient-Dense
It should contribute useful nutrients rather than just calories.
3. Protein-Inclusive
Dal, chana, curd, eggs, paneer, tofu and other protein foods can make snacks more satisfying.
4. Fibre-Rich
Fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, nuts and seeds can contribute fibre.
5. Indian and Familiar
The best food plan is often one that fits existing cooking habits.
6. Affordable
Roasted chana and peanuts can be much more economical than specialty health foods.
7. Flexible
It should work for vegetarian, non-vegetarian and different regional eating patterns.
8. Sustainable
The diet should be realistic enough to continue for months and years.
A Practical Indian Sugar-Less Supplementary Plate
When creating a supplementary snack or mini-meal, think about combining:
Protein + fibre-rich food + healthy fat when appropriate + water/unsweetened beverage
Example 1
Roasted chana + guava + water
Example 2
Plain curd + fruit + seeds
Example 3
Boiled egg + cucumber + whole-grain toast
Example 4
Sprouts chaat + buttermilk
Example 5
Moong chilla + plain curd
Example 6
Apple + unsweetened peanut butter
This simple formula is much easier to remember than a long list of dietary rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sugar-less supplementary diet?
It is a dietary approach in which nutritious foods are added to a regular balanced diet while minimizing unnecessary added or free sugars. It can include foods such as nuts, seeds, fruits, curd, roasted chana, sprouts, eggs, paneer, dal and whole grains.
Is sugar-less the same as sugar-free?
Not necessarily. “Sugar-less” is best used here to mean low in added/free sugars. Whole fruits and milk contain naturally occurring sugars and can still fit into a healthy diet.
Can I eat fruit on a sugar-less diet?
Yes. Whole fruit can be part of a healthy diet. WHO recommends at least 400 g of fruits and vegetables daily for people over 10.
Is honey allowed?
Honey contains free sugars. WHO includes sugars naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juices within its definition of free sugars.
Is jaggery healthier than sugar?
Jaggery is not a sugar-free ingredient. ICMR-NIN includes jaggery among added sugars.
Can I use protein powder?
Some people may find protein powder convenient, but it is not essential for everyone. Many Indian foods provide protein naturally. Check the label for added sugar and other ingredients if you use a supplement.
Can a sugar-less diet help with weight management?
Reducing unnecessary free sugars can improve overall dietary quality, but weight management depends on total energy intake, activity, sleep and many individual factors.
Can people with diabetes follow this diet?
A lower-added-sugar dietary pattern can be appropriate for many people with diabetes, but diabetes nutrition needs to be individualized. Carbohydrate portions, medication, insulin, kidney function and physical activity can all affect dietary recommendations.
How much added sugar should an Indian adult consume?
ICMR-NIN’s 2024 guidelines identify intake contributing more than 5% of daily energy, approximately 25 g/day on a 2,000-kcal diet—as high sugar intake.
Do I need to completely eliminate sugar?
Not necessarily. The practical goal for most healthy adults is to keep free/added sugar low and build a balanced dietary pattern. WHO recommends less than 10% of daily energy from free sugars and suggests below 5% for additional health benefits.
Final Thoughts
A sugar-less supplementary diet does not require turning your kitchen upside down. You can start with foods that are already familiar.
Keep roasted chana in the office drawer.
Add nuts and seeds to appropriate meals.
Choose plain curd instead of sweetened yoghurt.
Drink chaas instead of sweetened beverages.
Eat whole fruit instead of relying on juice.
Use dal, chana, sprouts, eggs, paneer or tofu when you need a more substantial snack.
And most importantly, stop thinking that every food needs to carry a “sugar-free” label to be healthy.
Sometimes the best supplementary food is simply the one with a short ingredient list, no unnecessary added sugar and a place in your normal Indian diet.
A sustainable diet should fit your family, budget, culture, schedule and taste preferences. You do not need to eat perfectly every day.
You simply need to make the healthier choice easy enough to repeat tomorrow.
Health Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutritional advice. People with diabetes, prediabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal conditions, eating disorders, pregnancy-related nutritional requirements or other medical conditions should consult a qualified doctor or registered dietitian before making major dietary changes. Do not change prescribed medication or insulin doses based on information in this article.