The American Dietetic Association states that a vegetarian diet can lower your risk of diabetes. If you have Type 2 diabetes and it progresses, it may cause heart disease, major infections, kidney damage, erectile dysfunction, poor circulation and numbness in the feet. Heart disease kills about 80 percent of diabetics each year, according to the World'sHealthiestFoods.com.
Fruits
The World'sHealthiestFoods.com recommends eating purple and red fruits, such as blueberries, cherries, citrus, cranberries, strawberries and pomegranates. Make sure to eat fruits that contain smaller amounts of sugars. Fruit sugars are fructose, a complex carbohydrate that does not spike your sugar levels like simple sugars do. You should avoid concentrated complex sugars, such as dried fruit, fruit juices and -- especially -- high-fructose corn syrup.
Legumes
Legumes are both a protein and complex carbohydrate. The best legume for diabetics to eat is organic soybeans, which are high in protein. You can eat steamed whole soybeans or fermented soybeans, which is called tempeh. Health food stores and standard grocery stores sell tofu, a soybean-based protein, which you can marinate and sauté in stir-frys or instead of meat in a sandwich. Legumes are preferred over animal-based proteins, such as eggs and dairy, which most vegetarians eat. If your vegetarian diet includes eggs, eat them in moderation because they are high in cholesterol and contain saturated fat. The American Diabetes Association suggests a maximum daily intake of less than 200mg, and one egg contains about 250mg.
Nuts
Almonds and walnuts are a healthy source of protein, because they contain healthy fats. Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for optimal health. Check nutritional labels and ingredient lists to avoid partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats and saturated fats.
Vegetables
Eat more green leafy vegetables, such as Swiss chard, kale and mustard greens, red bell peppers, chili peppers and tomatoes, according to World'sHealthiestFoods.com. Tomatoes contain lysine, which is beneficial for heart health. Because heart disease is so common in diabetic patients, it is wise to eat foods that nurture your heart.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein. If you have both whole grains and legumes, you will have enough protein in your diet to replace meat. You can get additional protein and energy into your diet if you sprout grains, such as quinoa, which contains three times the amount of protein when it is sprouted as opposed to cooked, according to the USDA. You should also include barley and buckwheat to help with your diabetes.
