A diet for diabetes is a healthy diet. It encourages the intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein and low-fat dairy products in moderate amounts. A plant-based vegetarian diet is an acceptable diet for diabetes and can help you manage both blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group. You can use the exchange list to help you with your meal planning.
Starches and Legumes
Managing your carbohydrate intake can help you with your blood sugar control. Starches are a major source of carbohydrate in the diet. The amount you need depends on your calorie needs and blood sugar goals but ranges from five to 13 servings a day. Choose more whole-grain starch for its fiber content. Fiber slows the release of sugar into the bloodstream, allowing for a more even and consistent blood sugar. Examples of vegetarian starch exchanges and serving sizes include one slice of whole wheat bread, 1/3 cup of brown rice or whole-wheat pasta, 3/4 cup of ready-to-eat whole grain cereal, 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, six whole-grain crackers, 3 oz. baked potato, 1/2 cup of corn or winter squash and 3 cups of air-popped popcorn.
Legumes provide both protein and carbohydrate. One serving of a legume is equivalent to one starch exchange and one lean meat exchange. Examples and serving sizes include 1/2 cup of cooked kidney, garbanzo or black beans, 1/2 cup of cooked lentils and 1/2 cup of peas.
Fruits
Fruits also contain carbohydrates, and intake is usually limited to three exchanges a day. Number of exchanges can be modified depending on your food preferences. A doctor or dietitian can help you adjust your diet needs. Fruit exchanges include a small apple or orange, 1/2 cup of unsweetened canned fruit, 17 grapes, 1 cup of melon, 1 cup of blueberries, two small plums, 1/2 of a large pear, 2 tbsp. of raisins, 1/2 cup of apple or orange juice and 1/3 cup of prune or cranberry juice.
Milk and Yogurt
Milk and yogurt also contain carbohydrate. Intake for vegetarians that include milk in their diet is usually limited to two servings a day. Choose more low-fat and nonfat milk and yogurt products to limit your intake of saturated fat. Milk and yogurt exchanges include 1 cup of 1 percent or nonfat milk and 6 oz. of low-fat or nonfat sugar-free yogurt. One cup of soy milk and 6 oz. of plain soy yogurt can be substituted for the cow's milk and yogurt.
Non-starchy Vegetables
Non-starchy vegetables contain small amounts of carbohydrate, but the American Diabetes Association does not restrict intake. Examples of non-starchy vegetables include leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, onions, celery, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant and asparagus.
Meat Substitutes
Meat substitutes act as a source of protein in your diet. The number of exchanges varies depending on your calorie needs but ranges from four to eight servings a day. Meat substitutes exchanges and serving sizes include 1 oz. of cheese, one egg, 1/4 cup of cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of tofu, three slices of soy bacon and 1 oz. of meat alternatives such as soy crumbles. Some meat alternatives also contain carbohydrates. Every 15g of carbohydrates is equivalent to one starch exchange.
Fats
Fats are a concentrated source of calories, and intake is usually limited to three to four servings a day. Nuts and seeds are considered fats on the diabetic exchange diet, although they also provide protein. You can discuss adjusting the fat intake in your diet with your doctor or dietitian if you rely on nuts as a source of protein in your diet. Fat exchanges include 1 tsp. of oil, 1 tsp. of margarine, 1-1/2 tsp. of nut butter, six almonds, six cashews, 10 peanuts, four walnut halves and 1 tbsp. of salad dressing.
