Food for Diabetes Patients

The safest and most effective treatment for diabetes is lifestyle modification. These changes include proper diet, weight loss and regular exercise. Proper nutrition is essential for management and control of diabetes. To develop a meal plan, you need to seek the advice of your nutritionist. A well-balanced diet is one of the key elements to prevention, as well as management, of diabetes.

Limit Carbohydrates

• You must eat carbohydrates in moderation. Carbohydrates have a significant effect on your blood glucose level. Keep track of your carb intake, and set a maximum limit of what you can eat. Your fruit intake also must be limited to three servings per day. Choose fruits that are fresh and have only simple sugar because they are easily absorbed and utilized by the body. These fruits contain soluble fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C.

Fats, Oils and Salt

• Limit intake of fats, oils and salt. Food preparations using fewer fats and oils such as boiling, grilling, steaming and baking are preferred. Eat less of the unhealthy fats such as saturated fats and trans fats. Replace them with healthy fats such as monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omega-3 fats. Examples of these healthy fats are nuts, avocado, olives, sardines and salmon.

Foods in Moderation

• Eat some poultry with skin removed; fish; low-fat dairy products; dry beans; eggs; nuts such as Brazil nuts, peanuts and pine nuts; and lean meats such as the loin portions of pork, beef, veal and lamb. These foods, which must be taken in moderation, will provide you with protein and vitamin D.

Leafy Greens

• Eat more green, leafy vegetables that are rich in minerals, vitamins and fiber such as spinach, collards and kale.

High Fiber

• Examples of high-fiber foods are whole grains, beans, barley, corn and root crops. They are very rich in fiber, which enhances better food digestion and helps to lower bad cholesterol levels.