Diet plays an important role in the management of blood sugar and diabetes. Foods containing carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels and intake needs to be controlled. Foods containing less than 20 calories and 5 g of carbohydrate per serving are considered free foods for the diabetic and can be consumed liberally, according to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Fat Free and Reduced-Fat Foods
Fat free and reduced-fat foods make healthy alternatives to their full-fat partners. Free foods with a specific serving size should be limited to three servings a day, according to the University of Arkansas. Fat free and reduced-fat foods that diabetics can eat freely include 1 tbsp. of fat-free cream cheese, 1 tbsp. of nondairy liquid creamer, 2 tsp. of nondairy powder, 1 tbsp. of fat-free mayonnaise, 1 tsp. of low-fat mayonnaise, 4 tbsp. of fat-free margarine, 1 tsp. low-fat margarine, non-stick cooking spray, 1 tbsp. of fat-free salad dressing, 2 tbsp. fat-free Italian salad dressing, 1/4 cup of salsa, 1 tbsp. of fat-free sour cream and 2 tbsp. of whipped topping. To control your intake, use measuring spoons.
Beverages
Hydration is important for people with diabetes and there are a number of beverages people with diabetes can drink freely. Low-calorie, low-carbohydrate free beverage choices include club soda, diet soda, sugar-free drink mixes, black coffee, unsweetened tea, carbohydrate free flavored water, tonic water and plain water. Broth is also a free diabetic food. Try to drink 48 to 64 oz. of fluid a day, notes the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Condiments and Seasonings
Condiments and seasonings can add flavor to food without adding calories or carbohydrates. Some free condiment choices contain high amounts of sodium. If you have high blood pressure, choose condiments that contain less than 140 mg of sodium per serving. Condiments and seasonings diabetics can eat freely include t tbsp. of catsup, mustard, horseradish, lemon juice, lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, 1 tbsp. of taco sauce, 1 1/2 large pickles, cooking wine, flavored extracts, garlic, herbs, hot pepper sauce, pimento, spice and Worcestershire sauce.
Other Foods
Other foods can help control hunger and satisfy your sweet tooth. Other food choices diabetics can eat freely include salad greens, sugar-free gelatin, gum and 1 tbsp. of unsweetened cocoa. It is important to note that food items labeled as sugar-free may not be carbohydrate or calorie free. When adding a sugar-free food to your diet, read the food label to determine how it will fit into your meal plan.
