More than 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Losing weight can help you improve your blood sugars and reduce your risk of developing complications related to diabetes such as heart disease and kidney disease. Following a reduced-calorie diet, such as the 1,600-calorie diet for diabetes, can help you lose weight and improve blood sugars.
Features
A well-balanced 1,600-calorie meal plan for diabetics should provide a variety of healthy choices from each of the food groups. Suggested servings may include eight servings from the starch group, six servings from the meat group, two servings from the vegetable group, three servings from the fruit group, two servings from the milk group and three servings from the fat group. Consult with your doctor or dietitian about creating a meal plan based on your food preferences.
Breakfast
Try to include a serving from each food group at each meal to balance your nutrient intake. A healthy breakfast meal on a 1,600-calorie meal plan for diabetics should include two servings of starch, one serving of meat, one serving of milk, one serving of fruit and one serving of fat. A sample breakfast meal may include two slices of whole wheat toast with 1 tsp. of margarine, one scrambled egg, 1 cup of nonfat milk and a small apple.
Lunch
For better blood sugar control, try to include foods high in fiber with each meal including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Your lunch meal on a 1,600-calorie meal plan for diabetic should include three starch servings, two meat servings, one nonstarchy vegetable serving, one fruit serving, one milk serving and one fat serving. A sample lunch meal may include a small pita stuffed with 2 ounces of tuna salad made with 1 tsp. of mayonnaise, 1 cup of tossed salad greens with fat free salad dressing, 1/2 cup of unsweetened fruit cocktail, 1 ounce of pretzels and a 6-ounce container of sugar-free yogurt.
Dinner
When following a calorie-controlled diet, it helps if you use measuring cups and spoons and food scales to help you control your caloric intake. A dinner meal on a 1,600-calorie meal plan for diabetics should consist of three starch servings, three meat servings, one nonstarchy vegetable serving, one fruit serving and one fat serving. A sample dinner meal may include 3 ounces of broiled beef tenderloin, 6 ounces baked potato with 1 tsp. of margarine, 1/2 cup of corn, 1 cup of mixed greens with fat-free dressing and 1 1/4 cups of fresh whole strawberries.
Considerations
To help you maintain even and consistent blood sugars, try to eat your meals around the same time each day. Eating at regular intervals also helps you control hunger for weight management.
