A diabetic diet is simply a meal plan for diabetics whose bodies cannot properly make or use insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels. This is also known as medical nutrition therapy (MNT). By sticking to a strict diet, diabetics are able to manage their blood sugar levels and diabetes, preventing complications with their ailment.c cDiabetic Diet
According to Mayo Clinic, a diabetic diet is naturally rich in nutrients, includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and is low in fat and calories.cIf you think a diabetic diet is for you, consult with your doctor and nutritionist or dietician about putting together a plan specifically for you.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the following are tenets of a healthy diabetic diet:
- Limiting foods high in sugar.
- Eating smaller portions many times during the day.
- Watching carbohydrate consumption.
- Including a variety of whole grains, fruits and vegetables in daily meal plans.
- Eating less fatty foods.
- Drinking less alcohol if any at all.
- Consuming less sodium.c
Foods To Eat
Carbohydrates: include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and low-fat dairy products.Fiber: fiber decreases heart disease risk and helps control blood sugar levels, so include fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole-wheat flour and wheat bran.
Fish: heart-healthy fish like salmon, mackerel and herring are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which lower blood fat, or triglycerides.
Fats: "good" fats to include include avocados, almonds, pecans, walnuts, olives, canola oil, olive oil and peanut oil which help lower cholesterol levels in small doses.c
Foods To Avoid
Saturated fats like dairy products, beef, hot dogs, sausage and bacon.- Trans fats like processed snacks, baked goods and margarines.
- Cholesterol in foods like egg yolks, shellfish, liver and organ meats.
- Sodium should be at no more than 2,000 milligrams a day.c
Sample Meal Plan
The following meal plan is meant for someone eating 1,200 to 1,600 calories per day:Breakfast
Whole-wheat pancakes or waffles, a piece of fruit and one cup of low-fat milk.
Lunch
Chicken kabob, half a cup of steamed broccoli, half a cup of cooked rice and half a cup of juice.
DinnerPasta primavera with broccoli, carrots, zucchini, yellow squash and Parmesan cheese with one cup of low-fat milk.
Snack
Six homemade crispy corn tortilla chips with half a cup of fresh vegetables and a seasoned garlic sauce.c
References
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor to determine if a diabetic diet is safe for individual dieting needs.
