Diabetics use a healthy diet and regular physical activity to combat the effects of diabetes, a chronic disease that impairs the body's production of the hormone insulin and its regulation of blood glucose levels. Diabetics are more prone to complications such as hypoglycemia, a sudden and potentially fatal drop in blood glucose, and heart disease. An 1,800-calorie meal plan will help stabilize your blood glucose levels and help you prepare a nutritious menu that helps you manage the disease.
Considerations
The recommended daily allowance for caloric intake for the general population is 2,000 calories, but depending on your daily activity level, your caloric intake may be higher or lower. For diabetics who need to lose weight, an 1,800-calorie diet will provide the nutrition you need while helping you shed body fat. Getting approximately the same number of calories around the same time of day helps stabilize blood glucose levels. Create a meal schedule that incorporates three meals and two snacks to keep your body fueled, your blood glucose levels stable and your metabolism elevated.
Breakfast
Eating breakfast not only awakens your metabolism, but also helps you avoid hypoglycemia, which diabetics are vulnerable to. At each breakfast, include protein, fruits, vegetables, dairy and a lean meat. Toast two slices of whole-wheat bread and top with one large egg white, one strip of turkey bacon, two strips of green bell pepper, three or four mushrooms and half a slice of cheddar cheese. Combine with one small orange, 12 raw almonds and a glass of water flavored with fresh lemon juice for a filling meal that adds up to approximately 455 calories.
Lunch
Creating a balanced lunch on an 1,800-calorie meal plan is easy when you use leftovers from dinner the night before. Pair a 4 oz. fish fillet with fresh lemon juice and coarsely ground black pepper. Spread 1 tbsp. of cream cheese on the inside of a whole-wheat pita pocket and fill with 1/2 cup of strawberries and 1/2 cup of blueberries. Slice one tomato and mix with half of a sliced cucumber, 1/4 cup of cauliflower and one jalapeno pepper. Top with a lemon pepper seasoning. Flavor a glass of unsweetened tea with two fresh lemon slices. This meal is filling and comes in at approximately 482 calories.
Dinner
Keep your dinner within the scope of your 1,800-calorie meal plan by limiting the use of saturated and trans fats. Combine boneless, skinless chicken breasts and your favorite fresh vegetables in a crock pot. Pair with six baked whole-wheat crackers to create a 488-calorie meal. Another option is to top boiled, shredded, taco-flavored chicken breast with 2 tbsp. of corn, 1 tbsp. of black beans, a sliced jalapeno pepper, 2 tbsp. of diced tomato, 1/8 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp. of light sour cream, 1/8 cup of red onion, and 2 tbsp. of salsa. Serve with 1 cup of chilled, diced honeydew melon and sugar-free, iced-tea for a 418-calorie meal.
Snacks
If your three main meals are approximately 500 calories each, you can afford two 200-calorie snacks. One cup of mixed nuts or 1/4 cup of cashews cost an estimated 200 calories each. Top 1/2 cup of plain yogurt with 2 tbsp. of granola and pair with eight medium strawberries for a 197-calorie snack.
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