A well-planned regimen of daily exercise and proper nutrition are paramount in helping diabetic patients manage their disease. The role of food is important; eating the wrong foods or the wrong amounts of those foods can have potentially lethal implications. A sound meal plan over a seven day period is key to ensuring that the patient is receiving adequate calories without sacrificing flavor or nutrients.
Breakfast Plans
Try alternating a few breakfast ideas to keep from being bored with eating the same things for breakfast. For example, one slice of whole grain toast flavored with 1 tsp. of margarine, butter substitute or sugar-free jam along with ½ cup of old fashioned oatmeal and ½ of a banana is 360 calories, 52 of which are energy-giving carbohydrates. Eat this breakfast on alternating days, swapping the oatmeal for an egg white omelet made with minced fresh vegetables and using a tablespoon of natural peanut, cashew or almond butter on the other days.
Lunchtime
Cook 1 cup of low-sodium vegetable soup for lunch on alternating days. If you're buying canned soup, be sure to read the label to avoid consuming added sugar or noodles. Add a turkey sandwich as a side, made from two slices of whole grain bread with 1 tsp. of mustard or mayonnaise as a dressing, and a small apple to finish lunch. Other fruits, such as a small orange, nectarine or 1 cup of berries, can be subbed for the apple on alternating days. Try a low-fat bean chili in lieu of the vegetable soup to stay within lunchtime's 530 calorie count.
Dinner
Bake or broil a 4 oz skinless chicken or turkey breast for dinner. Alternately, choose another game bird or coldwater fish like salmon, cod or halibut. Season the meat with pepper, sea salt or no-sodium salt substitute. Add 2/3 cup of brown rice mixed with ½ cup of sliced and steamed carrots as a healthy side, as well as a small tossed salad and one small whole-grain dinner roll. Steam or bake half a medium sweet potato in lieu of the brown rice on alternating days. For dessert, try some organic apple sauce or a bowl of fresh fruit sweetened with 1 tsp of a sugar substitute to complete a 635 calorie meal.
Snack Options
Luckily, there are plenty of options when snack time rolls around that can help stave off hunger when pangs hit between meals. A handful of unseasoned organic corn tortilla chips with a natural or homemade salsa can be snacked on alternately with either ½ cup chocolate pudding, 3 cups of air-popped, unsalted popcorn or a small stick of string cheese. These healthy options don't exceed 60 calories each.
References
- "Diabetes"; John A. Colwell; 2003
- Food Network: Example Diabetic Weekly Meal Plan
