A diabetic diet is simply eating a variety of nutritious foods in moderation and eating at regular mealtimes, according to MayoClinic.com. This is also known as medical nutrition therapy. HelpGuide.org adds that eating right is essential to controlling diabetes, but points out that you can still enjoy your favorite foods in the process. It is a matter of eating healthier and adding more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Step 1
Manage your carbohydrates, which play a large role in your blood sugar levels. For this reason, you should set a maximum amount of carbs you can consume at each meal and stick to that amount. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating between 45 and 60 grams at each meal. Choose complex carbs such as whole grain bread, pasta and brown rice vs. refined carbs such as white bread, rice and candy, according to HelpGuide.org.
Step 2
Choose your fats carefully. You are at higher risk for heart disease when you have diabetes, notes HelpGuide,org. Therefore, you need to be careful when it comes to the fats you consume. The worst fats for you are saturated and trans fats. Sources of saturated fats include animal products and high-fat dairy products. Cakes, cookies and snack foods contain trans fats. Replace these with unsaturated fats such as canola and olive oils, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help support heart health, according to HelpGuide.org. Sources of these include tuna, flaxseed and salmon.
Step 3
Eat more fiber. Fiber helps control your blood sugar levels and reduces your risk of heart disease. The best sources of fiber include fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Foods in the legume family include beans, peas and lentils, as MayoClinic.com points out.
Step 4
Set regular mealtimes. Maintaining a regular eating schedule makes it easier for your body to regulate and maintain a regular blood sugar level. To accomplish this, HelpGuide.org recommends beginning your day with a healthy breakfast. You should also eat three small meals along with three snacks through the day. Eating continuously helps keep your blood sugar levels steady. Be sure to keep your calorie count the same for each meal, rather than eat more calories for one meal or snack, then reduce them for the next.
Step 5
Enjoy the snacks you like in moderation. You can still enjoy snack foods once in a while, but it must be in moderation, and substitutions need to be made for this to be possible. To enjoy a small piece of cake or bowl of frozen yogurt or sherbet, you must cut back on the healthy carbs in a meal that provide your body with essential nutrients. HelpGuide.org suggests sharing dessert with a friend or only allowing yourself dessert when away from home. This allows you to rid your home of all temptations such as candy, cookies and ice cream.
