Make your Own Diabetic Diet Sample

The best way to control diabetes is through proper eating. However, most people are having a hard time eating healthy foods, which can cause diabetes-related complications. By following a diabetic diet sample, those who have trouble eating nutritious foods can easily become comfortable with this diet and can skillfully create their own menus and meal plans.

Normally, people who are diagnosed with diabetes are given precise, calorie-constrained diabetic diet sample by their doctors. In turn, this is consulted with a registered dietician, nutritionist, or diabetic educator to develop the best possible eating plan for the diabetic. Normally, diabetic diet plans include three regular meals and two to three snacks per day.

Based on the diabetic food pyramid, here is a sample diet that a person with diabetes can include in his everyday meals:

Grains and Starches - They are the largest group in the diabetic food pyramid, which means that diabetics should eat more servings of grains, beans, and starchy veggies than any other food in the pyramid. Choose 6 - 11 servings per day of potatoes, peas, corn, winter squash, legumes, and other starchy vegetables.

Vegetables - Consume at least 3 - 5 servings of non-starchy vegetables per day. One serving is equal to 1-cup raw veggie or ½ cup of it when cooked. All vegetables are good for the body since they are naturally low in fat and are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Fruits - Unlike non-starchy vegetables, diabetics should only consume 2 - 4 servings of fruits per day. A serving of fruit is equal to ½ cup canned fruit, 1 small fresh fruit, 2 tbsp. dried fruit, 1 cup of melon or raspberries, or 1-1/4 cup of whole strawberries.

Milk and Dairy Products - Milk products are rich sources of protein, calcium, and many other vitamins. Choose 2 - 3 servings of low-fat or non-fat dairy products. One serving of dairy product is equal to 1 cup of milk (nonfat or low fat) or 1 cup of yogurt.

Meat and Meat Substitutes - In selecting 4 - 6 ounces of meat for your daily diet, choose lean cuts and remove all the visible fat from the meat. Fish are always better options that meat as protein source. Eggs, tofu, dried beans, cheese, cottage cheese, and peanut butter also belong in this category.

Fats, Sweets, and Alcohol - They comprise the topmost and smallest portion of the diabetic food pyramid simply because they are not as nutritious as the rest and may contain a lot of fat or sugar. Save them for special occasions or as a treat for yourself for following your diabetic diet meal plan. When selecting oils for cooking, choose the heart-healthy varieties like olive oil and canola oil.

If you have not yet consulted your healthcare provider about your diet, putting your own sample eating plan would not be that difficult since information about sample diabetic diet is widely and readily available.

Read related topic: "1800 Diabetic Diet Tips"

J.F. Abrigo is a contributing writer for Diabetic Diet Plan Center

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com