The diabetes diet is not a restrictive diet, according to MayoClinic.com, but is a healthy eating plan designed to promote a healthy weight and normal blood sugars. The diet consists of a variety of nutritious foods eaten in moderate amounts at consistent mealtimes. Some foods on the diabetic meal plan are considered free foods and can be eaten at anytime. A diabetic free food has less than 20 calories and 5g of carbohydrate.
Beverages
Diabetic free foods can be enjoyed in moderate amounts as often as you like, according to MayoClinic.com. Drinking fluids regularly helps you stay hydrated. Adequate hydration is necessary for everyday bodily functions and helps you maintain your energy levels. There are a number of beverage choices you can drink without guilt on the diabetic diet. Beverages on the diabetic free food list include broth, diet soda, club soda, plain coffee and tea, sugar-free drink mixes, carbohydrate-free flavored waters, tonic water, sparkling water, mineral water and plain water.
Condiments and Seasonings
Condiments and seasonings can make bland food more flavorful. You have a number of different choices you can use to enhance the flavor of your food without adding calories or carbohydrates. Condiments on the free food list include horseradish, lemon juice, lime juice, low-sodium soy sauce, mustard and vinegars. Seasonings on the diabetic free food list include cooking spray, cooking wine, flavored extracts, garlic, herbs, hot pepper sauce, pimento, spices and Worcestershire sauce.
Other Foods
Sugar-free foods are not diabetic free foods. Many sugar-free foods contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates in foods raise blood sugar. If a food item is labeled as sugar-free read the nutrition facts label for the carbohydrate content. A food item with more than 5g of carbohydrate per serving is not a diabetic free food.
Other diabetic free foods include sugar-free gelatin, sugar-free gum, sugar substitute, salsa and tossed greens.
Portion-Controlled Diabetic Free Foods
Portion sizes count for some diabetic free foods. You can have up to three servings a day of a portion controlled diabetic free food. Examples of portion-controlled diabetic free foods include 1 tbs fat-free cream cheese, 1 tbs fat-free mayonnaise, 4 tbs fat-free margarine, 1 tbsp. of fat-free salad dressing, 1 tbs of fat-free sour cream, 2 tbs whipped topping, 1 tbs unsweetened cocoa, 1 tbs ketchup, 1 1/2 large unsweetened pickles, 1 tbs taco sauce, one piece sugar-free candy, 2 tsp, sugar-free jelly and 2 tbs sugar-free pancake syrup.
