No one diet exists for diabetics, but rather medical nutrition therapy, a healthy-eating plan emphasizing fruits, vegetables and whole-grains. MNT teaches you how to eat more nutritious foods in moderate amounts at regular times of the day. Doing this lowers the number of calories and fat you consume, while regulating your blood sugar. Controlling your diabetes is not just about what you eat, it's also about how you plan your meals.
Complex Carbohydrates
Increasing your intake of complex carbohydrates keeps you feeling full for a longer period of time and regulates your blood sugar. Unlike their counterpart, simple carbohydrates, complex carbs are a longer chain of sugars that take longer to break down during digestion. They are not absorbed quickly by your blood, which prevents spikes in your blood sugar.
Examples of complex carbs include green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts and green beans. Cauliflower, carrots, celery and cucumbers also fall in this category. Rolled oats are a healthy way to begin your day, while a tuna sandwich on whole grain bread makes a nice lunch.
Fish
MayoClinic.com recommends eating fish that includes tuna, cod, salmon and halibut two to three times a week. These types of fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease by lowering your triglyceride levels. As a diabetic, you are at greater risk for high cholesterol and heart disease.
Fish is also a healthy alternative to red meat, pork and poultry, containing less saturated and total fat, as well as less cholesterol.
Low-Fat
A key aspect of medical nutrition therapy is consuming less fat. Choose non-fat milk products over whole fat, omit the yolks when making scrambled eggs, or use egg substitutes and grill, broil or boil your food instead of frying it.
Opt for heart-healthy oils, such as olive, canola, sunflower and peanut, instead of vegetable oil or lard. Saute your vegetables in these oils, or use them as salad toppers.
Schedule Meals
Make a schedule for your meals and maintain that schedule every day. Never skip breakfast -- it provides you with energy and regulates your blood sugar. Eating small meals through the day is another helpful technique; it prevents you from overeating, according to HelpGuide.org. Eat the same number of calories every day, dividing them evenly between your meals. Regulating your daily calories has an impact on your blood sugar levels as well.
Portion Control
Portion control is essential for you, especially when trying to control calories. Divide your plate in half; fill one half with veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower or carrots. Use the other half for your protein source and starch, with each comprising one-quarter of the remaining area. Your protein should not exceed 3 ozs. unless your doctor specifies otherwise, and your starchy carbs should not exceed 1/2 cup. Examples of starchy carbs include potatoes, rice or pasta.
