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Specific Foods to Eat on Diabetic Diet

An estimated 23 million people in the United States alone have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetic Association. Many also may be unaware they have the disease. For those who have been diagnosed, a strict and comprehensive diet plan is a must. It must fulfill nutritional and daily caloric requirements with an abundance of nutritious food while limiting consumption of foods that negatively influence their condition.

  1. Benefits

    • A diabetic's diet is a common-sense diet, one that doctors prescribe for many patients, regardless of their condition. By excluding junk food and replacing it with a balanced diet of whole grains and low-fat options, many diabetics, especially those who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, will lose excess body weight. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins but low in calories, perfect for maintaining a healthy weight and not impacting blood sugar levels.

    The Right Stuff

    • The ADA's Food Pyramid, unlike the FDA's version, categorizes food according to protein, carbohydrates and starches. The ADA pyramid prescribes plenty of whole grains, lean meats and vegetables, with fruit served as dessert. A diabetic's meal is about food choice and portion: A typical dinner may include a serving of lean protein (three to five ounces of chicken or fish), a serving from the bread group (a whole grain roll or two slices of whole wheat bread), some dairy (an eight-ounce glass of milk or some cheese), plenty of vegetables, and a small bowl of sweet fruit like kiwi, pineapple, mango, dates or berries.

    The Wrong Stuff

    • Foods high in sodium, sugars and saturated fats (and thus calories) should be severely limited, if not avoided altogether. This includes most fast and prepackaged food. Refined sugars, found in candy bars, cakes, pastries, and sodas, among many other things, should be avoided as well. The idea behind a diabetic's meal is to limit anything that could cause a spike in blood sugar. Many diabetic patients seek the advice of a licensed dietitian or nutritionist for lists of approved foods and sample meal plans.

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