According to the National Diabetes Association, a diagnosis of diabetes should not prevent someone from savoring a wide variety of foods. A specific "diabetes" diet does not exist, states MyFamilyDoctor. A person with diabetes still requires the same types of nutrients as a person not suffering from the condition. Many patients feel they will be deprived of certain foods if suffering from diabetes. Yet with proper diet management, including portion control, diabetes remains controllable and different foods can still be enjoyed.
Diet
According to MyFamilyDoctor.org, a healthy meal for a diabetic consists of two to five portions of carbohydrates, one choice of protein and a small amount of fat. Carbohydrates include fresh fruits, vegetables as well as beans, dairy products and breads. A serving of protein includes chicken, fish or red meat. When eating red mean, a lean cut is preferred. Chicken skin should be removed before cooking. Including fish twice a week in one's diet is recommended. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may reduce cholesterol levels. Diabetics should opt to bake or grill meats, instead of frying.
Meal Times
What a diabetic eats is as important as when a diabetic eats. Regularly scheduled meal times, including small snacks in between, are ideal for diabetics. Skipping meals and snacks may cause blood sugar levels to drop unexpectedly. Breakfast remains a critical meal of the day. Breakfast boosts the body with a rich source of energy to keep blood sugars stable. Not all meals are eaten at home. When a diabetic eats at a restaurant, he should choose small portions or split the meal with a friend, suggests MayoClinic.com. Entire meals do not need to be consumed at one sitting.
Sweets
A diagnosis of diabetes doesn't mean eliminating all sugar from a daily diet. Sugars and sweet treats may still be consumed in moderation, along with a balanced diet. HelpGuide.org suggests saving sweets for special occasions. The website advises, as a diet changes to include more nutritious foods, a sweet treat may eventually taste too sweet for a person's taste buds. Splitting dessert with a friend and taking time to slowly enjoy a treat are recommended.
Fiber
Fruits, vegetables, brown rice and other grains contain fiber. Fiber creates bulk and roughage in the body and may actually prevent and help control diabetes. According to HelpGuide.org, fiber decreases blood sugar, reduces cholesterol and decreases weight. Natural, unprocessed foods that are not prepackaged often contain high amounts of fiber.
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