Chow Fun Noodles with Meat and Vegetables: A Balanced Glycemic Choice

If you’re watching your blood sugar levels while still wanting to enjoy Asian cuisine, chow fun noodles with meat and vegetables might be a suitable option for your meal plan. This traditional dish combines wide rice noodles with protein and vegetables in a savory sauce, creating a flavorful combination that has moderate impact on blood glucose levels.

Glycemic Index and Load

With a glycemic index of 50.5, chow fun noodles with meat and vegetables falls into the medium GI range (55 or less is considered low, 56-69 is medium, and 70+ is high). This indicates that it causes a moderate rise in blood glucose compared to pure glucose.

More importantly, the glycemic load of this dish is only 5.35, which is classified as low (10 or less is considered low). The glycemic load takes into account both the quality (GI) and quantity of carbohydrates, making it a more practical measure for evaluating a food’s actual impact on blood sugar levels.

Nutritional Profile (per 100g serving)

• Calories: 102
• Protein: 7.09g
• Fat: 2.74g
• Carbohydrates: 11.5g
• Fiber: 0.9g
• Sugar: 1.1g
• Net Carbs: 10.6g

Benefits for Blood Sugar Management

The moderate glycemic index and low glycemic load of chow fun noodles with meat and vegetables make it a relatively good choice for those monitoring their blood glucose levels. The inclusion of protein from meat helps slow down carbohydrate absorption, while the vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber.

The low calorie content (102 calories per 100g) also makes this dish suitable for weight management, which is often an important factor in blood sugar control.

Portion Control Considerations

While the nutritional profile shows a favorable glycemic impact per 100g serving, restaurant portions are typically much larger. To maintain the low glycemic load benefit, consider:

• Sharing a restaurant portion with another person
• Taking half home for another meal
• Requesting extra vegetables to increase fiber content
• Choosing leaner protein options when available

Bottom Line

Chow fun noodles with meat and vegetables can be incorporated into a balanced diet for those with blood sugar concerns, particularly due to its low glycemic load. The combination of moderate carbohydrates with protein and vegetables creates a more balanced glycemic response than noodles alone would provide.

As with any meal choice, moderation and attention to portion size remain important factors in managing blood glucose levels effectively.