When diagnosed with diabetes, changes in diet are necessary. A nutritious diet is essential to controlling blood sugar, maintaining a healthy weight and lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other diabetes-related problems.
Vegetables and Fruits
Eat at least two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables daily. Maximize nutrient variety by choosing fruits and vegetables of several different colors.
Whole Grains
Eat whole grains instead of processed grains. Whole grains include oatmeal, brown rice, buckwheat, whole wheat, popcorn, wild rice, millet, spelt, quinoa and barley.
Lean Meats and Fish
Choose lean meats, such as pork loin, sirloin, poultry or fish. Use low-fat cooking methods, such as broiling, grilling or steaming, and trim any visible fat.
Beans and Legumes
Incorporate beans and legumes into your diet as a filling, low-fat protein source. Experiment with different varieties: adzuki beans, black beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, navy beans, chickpeas, fava beans, kidney beans, soy nuts and edamame.
Dairy Products
Replace regular dairy products with fat-free dairy products: skim milk, non-fat cheese and non-fat yogurt. Fat-free dairy products provide protein, minerals and calcium.
