A diabetes diet can be hard to define; a dietitian is likely to tell you that there isn't one. That's because a diabetes diet is really a healthy plan for eating that the whole family can share. Experts describe a diabetes meal plan as one that's balanced, includes a variety of healthy foods, creates a schedule for meals and snacks, and includes ways to control portion sizes. A diabetes meal plan takes your personal food preferences, your medical needs and your lifestyle and activity habits into account.
Choices
While no particular food is strictly off limits on a diabetes meal plan, some food choices are healthier than others. For proteins, choose leaner cuts of meat, fish, and poultry without the skin. Tofu, beans and low fat cheese are other healthy sources of protein. When choosing dairy products, look for fat-free or low-fat choices. Whole grains such as bread, pasta, and cereal are recommended for their high fiber and nutrient contents. Fruits and vegetables are also encouraged for their fiber, minerals and vitamins. A diabetes meal plan can accommodate personal preferences as well, including vegetarian and ethnic foods.
Timing
To keep blood glucose levels in your goal range, it not only helps to have a plan for what to eat, but also when to eat. Stay on a regular schedule for meals and snacks to help even out blood glucose levels as going too long between meals can lead to a low blood glucose reaction, especially if you are on insulin or certain oral diabetes medicines. If you skip a meal, you are more likely to overeat at the next meal, leading to unwanted weight gain and elevated post meal glucose levels.
Portions
A diabetes meal plan includes techniques to manage portion sizes and keep a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. There are different methods for managing food portions including carbohydrate counting, exchange lists and the plate method. People who adjust their own insulin dosages need to be more exact with measuring portion sizes. It helps to make an individualized meal plan with a diabetes educator so you know what portion sizes are right for you and to determine the amount of food you eat.
Learning More
It's important to discuss all aspects of your diabetes care and treatment with your physician. A dietitian who specializes in diabetes education can help you make a personal meal plan that fits your individual tastes, preferences and medical needs. Because there is no one diabetes diet that suits everyone, taking the time to make an individualized meal plan with a diabetes educator can make a significant difference in your ability to control diabetes.
