Diabetes requires a specific amount of carbohydrates to manage your blood sugar levels and assist with weight control. Some foods of the diabetic diet program are considered free because they contain fewer than 20 calories per serving. This small amount of calories and less than 5g of carbohydrate allow type 2 diabetics to have some freedom in their diets. These foods offer variety without having a negative impact on your blood sugar levels.
Condiments
Spices, mustard, unsweetened dill pickles, horseradish, hot sauce, low-calorie sugar substitutes and unsalted spices are free foods on the diabetic exchange list. Most spices, such as cumin, pepper, paprika, turmeric, onion and garlic powder and Mrs. Dash varieties help flavor your food without adding unnecessary calories and sodium. In addition to sugar substitutes and spices as free foods, lemon and lime juices, vinegar, taco sauce up to 2 tbsp. and ketchup up to 1 tbsp. are free foods.
Beverages
Certain beverages can add variety to your diabetic diet program without adding unwanted calories. Fruit-flavored beverages sweetened with a sugar-free substitute, tonic and seltzer waters, decaffeinated tea and coffees, fitness drinks such as Crystal Light Fitness sweetened with stevia, diet soft drinks, and sugar-free energy drinks are free beverages. If you have high blood pressure in addition to type 2 diabetes, speak with your health-care provider before consuming any caffeinated beverages. They may temporarily increase your blood pressure.
Fruits and Vegetables
Cranberries and rhubarb up to ½ cup without added sugar are free fruits. Free vegetables include celery, cucumbers, chili peppers, sugar-free salsa, onions, garlic, radishes, cilantro and all types of salad greens.
Sweets
Whipped toppings up to 2 tsp. are considered free dessert options. Whipped topping and sugar-free gelatin make a sweet-tasting dessert. You can also have sugar-free gum, but read the food label because most are sweetened with a sugar alcohol and can cause distress to your intestines if you are sensitive to sugar alcohols. Flavoring agents such as almond and vanilla extracts can enhance the flavor of hot or cold beverages without adding a lot of calories.
