01/09/2026
Carbohydrate portion: The amount matters. A large serving of rice, yam or swallow can provide much more carbohydrate than a smaller portion.
Food combination: Pairing carbohydrates with protein, vegetables and healthy fats can make a meal more balanced and may help reduce how quickly blood glucose rises.
Fibre: Vegetables, beans, whole grains and other fibre-rich foods generally slow digestion and can help with blood-glucose control.
Protein: Adding protein such as fish, eggs, chicken, beans or other suitable sources can improve fullness and make the meal more balanced.
Overall meal composition: Don't judge a meal by one ingredient alone. The portion, preparation method and what you eat alongside it all matter.
This is also why we developed HealMeal—to give people looking for a higher-protein swallow/cereal option another choice to consider as part of a balanced meal.
Comment ‘RICE’ and I'll make Part 2: How to build a better Nigerian rice meal for blood-sugar management.