The goal of a diabetic diet plan is to take a proactive approach to controlling blood sugar levels via nutrition. For most people who are managing diabetes, eating choices and style are vital components to success.

The Diabetes Food Pyramid

The following suggestions are for a diabetic diet plan based on the Diabetes Food Pyramid. They are offered as a guideline. As such, they are not a replacement for professional medical advice. Please talk with your care provider to determine if this style of eating is appropriate for your specific needs.

Grains and Starches

Providing the greatest source of carbohydrates, foods in this group include breads, rice, pastas and starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas and corn. Choose 6-11 servings per day. Approximate serving sizes are:

• 1 piece of bread
• 1 small tortilla
• 1/3 cup of pasta
• 1/3 cup of rice
• 3/4 cup dry cereal
• 1/2 cup cooked cereal
• 1/2 cup of starchy vegetables or beans

Vegetables

Vegetables are naturally low in fat and rich in vitamins and minerals. Exceptional vegetables for diabetics are those with high mineral, low sugar content. Try to include recipes that have a variety of leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard and cabbage. Broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, and cucumbers are also great choices. Eat 3-5 servings of these vegetables per day.

Fruit

Fruit, like grains and starchy vegetables also contain carbohydrates. They have plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but can be loaded with natural sugars. Be sure to eat small portions throughout the day, rather than consuming your entire daily allotted servings all at once. Two to four servings of fruit is the suggested amount per day A fruit serving is:

• 1 small fresh fruit
• 2 tablespoons of dried fruit
• 1 cup of fresh diced fruit
• 1/2 cup canned fruit
• 1 1/4 cup of whole strawberries

Milk

Milk products like yogurt and cheese contain a lot of protein and calcium as well as many other vitamins. They may also contain a lot of fat. Choose only 2-3 servings per day, preferably reduced fat varieties. A milk serving is:

• 1 cup non-fat or low-fat milk
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 cup of yogurt

Meat and Proteins

The meat group includes all poultry and seafood as well as beef, chicken, eggs, tofu, and peanut butter. Meat and meat substitutes provide protein and fat. Divide the servings among meals to equal 4-6 ounces of meat per day. 1 oz of meat equals:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• 1/2 cup tofu
• 1 piece of bacon

Fats and Sugars, Including Alcohol

This group includes most of the pre-packaged snack foods like potato chips and crackers, as well as sugar treats like candy and cookies. We all know they aren’t as nutritious as fruits and vegetables and usually contain an exceptional amount of sugar. These foods are treats! Consumption should be minimal and servings small. A small treat size is considered:

• 1/2 cup ice cream or frozen yogurt
• 1 small cupcake
• 2 small cookies
• 1 5 oz glass of wine
• 1 12 oz beer