Diabetics need to watch their food intake, but that does not mean eating bland foods. Most foods recommended for diabetic food consumption provide great taste with the benefits of healthy eating. The quality of foods takes preference over quantity of foods, making a diabetic's diet emphasize nutrition rather than being restrictive. The eating plans of diabetics often mimic the diets of many others aiming for a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle.
Principal Foods
The diabetes food pyramid helps diabetics choose healthy meals for an eating plan. Diabetics often plan food consumption with doctors and dietitians. People focus mainly on the foods at the bottom of the pyramid, representing the starches group, and work their way up, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Starches include breads, pasta, potatoes, rice, cereal, beans, yams, corn, pretzels and crackers.
Produce and Dairy
Fruit and vegetables make up the next level up the pyramid. Spinach, peppers, carrots, green beans, tomatoes, celery, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli and vegetable juices are healthy vegetable choices. Fruit includes strawberries, apples, bananas, oranges, watermelon, peaches, mangoes, berries, dried fruit, grapefruit and fruit juices. Milk products play an important role in a diabetic's eating plan. Diabetics should focus on fat-free or low-fat milk and fat-free and low-fat yogurt. Low-fat plain yogurt makes a good substitute for sour cream.
Substitutions
Meat substitutes include fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, MayoClinic.com notes. Salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, sardines, halibut and lake trout contain plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower fatty triglycerides and prevent heart problems. Eating fish at least twice a week provides a good alternative to high-fat meats. Dietitians usually prefer chicken and turkey to red meat, but diabetics can eat small portions of beef, pork and lamb. Cottage cheese, peanut butter and eggs also represent meat substitutes.
Limits
Fats and sweets sit at the top of the diabetes food pyramid and should be limited in a diabetic's eating plan. Fats and sweets lack nutrition and are dense with calories. They also contain saturated fats, trans fats and high amounts of cholesterol that can lead to heart disease, a risk many diabetics face. Diabetics may treat themselves to alcoholic drinks, but drinking on an empty stomach may lower blood sugar levels. Moderate drinking may be an option after talking with a doctor.
Cooking
The American Diabetes Association recommends cooking with less fat and choosing lean meats, poultry and pork. Herbs and spices instead of fats help season foods with flavor. Fresh lemon juice, lemon pepper, onion and garlic make meats and vegetables tastier. When preparing meats, trimming away visible fat from meat and poultry reduces fat intake.
