Diabetic Diet Guide
“Your lifestyle - how you live, eat, emote, and think - determines your health. To prevent disease, you may have to change how you live.” -Brian Carter
Diabetes Diet Menu
Once we understand the way our body breaks down food, diabetes diet menu planning will be simplified. With every meal consumed, the sugar level is affected. Foods which are rich in sugar such as sweets and some kinds of fruits affect the bloodstream almost immediately. While sugary foods affect the bloodstream quickly, starchy foods usually take an hour or two to break down into simple sugars. Resulting blood sugar levels depend on the complexity of the food eaten. For example, foods rich in protein often take about three to four hours before the fats ultimately break down. It is often thought that a diabetic diet is a difficult diet to plan, however with self-discipline and regular exercise, it is not too hard for a diabetic person to control his or her blood sugar level and be less dependent on medication.
Diabetic Diet Plan
Diabetic diet planing differs from person to person due to our daily nutritional needs and type of diabetes a person suffers from. Following are the most common type of diabetes diet:
• Type 1 Diabetes Diet – Type 1 diabetes diet always requires carbohydrates, glucose and insulin for every food intake. Getting the diet balanced with the correct diabetes meal planning should be first and foremost.
• Type 2 Diabetic Diet – Type 2 Diabetes diet is closely related to insulin resistance or the lack of our body’s ability to respond properly to every insulin intake. It is often accompanied by obesity and high cholesterol.
• Gestational Diabetes Diet – Gestational diabetes diet requires the proper distribution of calories and carbohydrates throughout the day. It is a condition which woman often encounter during pregnancy.
Diabetic Diet Goal
The Diabetic diet goal (to eat a well and balanced diet) can be achieved with controlled meals that help our body to be healthy. Instead of starving yourself and sticking to the three meals a day pattern, five to six meals are advisable each day. Small frequent meals along with continuous exercise after every meal will help prevent spikes in sugar levels. Achieving a normal blood sugar level, protecting the heart, aiming for a healthy cholesterol level, and achieving a healthy body weight are the primary diabetic diet goals.
Diabetic Diet Meal Sample
The diabetic diet that would be ideal for a person with diabetes is a meal that consists of a balanced combination of protein, carbs and other nutrients. A diabetic diet varies according to the time of the day you will consume the meal. Physical activity level involved in during the day also plays a role. Below is a diabetic meal sample:
A serving of protein – perhaps 3 oz of fish, lean beef or meat
A serving of bread – either whole grain or a cup of pasta
A serving of dairy – can be low fat milk or cheese
A serving of vegetables – can be a fist sized portion or a small bowl of salad
A serving of fruit – a tennis ball size piece of allowable fruit
And for deserts, avoid sweets! Consider the fruit as you dessert.
Foods that a diabetic person should avoid are as follows:
fatty red meat, organ meat, highly processed foods, fried foods, creamy and sautéed foods, fast foods, foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats, rich (high fat) foods, eggs, whole milk dairy products.
For more information, check this >> Diabetes Guide.