Foods containing carbohydrates turn into sugar through digestion, providing energy for your cells. When you have diabetes, eating too many of these carbohydrate-containing foods can make it hard for you to manage your blood sugar. As a diabetic, following a carbohydrate-consistent diet can help you better manage your blood sugar and prevent complications related to diabetes.
Diet Basics
A consistent-carbohydrate diet allows you to eat a certain amount of carbohydrates, usually in grams, at each meal. The amount of carbohydrates you need depends on your calorie needs and blood sugar goals. Consult with your doctor or dietitian to determine your specific carbohydrate needs. The American Diabetes Association reports that most people can safely start at 45 to 60 g of carbohydrates per meal. Foods containing carbohydrate include all starches, fruits, milk and yogurt. Having a good understanding of basic food serving sizes can help you count your grams of carbohydrates. For example, 1 cup of milk, one slice of bread and a small apple all have about 15 g of carbohydrate. You can also use food labels to help you track your carbohydrate intake.
Breakfast
A consistent-carbohydrate breakfast meal containing 45 g of carbohydrate includes 3/4 cups of whole grain ready-to-eat cereal with 1 cup of nonfat milk, one slice of whole wheat toast with 1 tsp. of margarine and one scrambled egg. Each serving of the cereal, milk and toast has about 15 g of carbohydrates. Including whole grains in your diet can help you have better control over your blood sugar. The fiber in whole grains takes your body longer to digest, allowing for a slow and steady release of sugar into the bloodstream.
Lunch
A consistent-carbohydrate lunch meal with 60 g of carbohydrates includes one small whole wheat pita stuffed with low-fat tuna salad, served with a small apple, a 6 oz. container of nonfat sugar-free yogurt and carrot and celery sticks. The small pita contains 30 g of carbohydrates, the apple and the yogurt each contains 15 g of carbohydrates. When following a consistent-carbohydrate diet, remember to include lean sources of meat, such as fish or poultry, and nonstarchy vegetables, such as carrots and broccoli, to balance your nutrient intake.
Dinner
A consistent-carbohydrate dinner meal containing 60 g of carbohydrates includes 3 oz. of grilled chicken breast, a 6 oz. baked potato with 1 tsp. of margarine, 1 cup of peas and a tossed salad with 1 tbsp. of salad dressing. The 6 oz. baked potato and the 1 cup of peas each contain 30 g of carbohydrates.
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