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Diabetic Dietary Planning

Diabetes is a condition that compromises the use of insulin in the body. While some diabetics require daily shots to utilize food energies, others can control their diabetes through diet and weight loss. Diabetic diets require you to have a tight control of what you eat.

  1. Using the Glycemic Index

    • Utilizing foods that are low on the glycemic index is recommended for you as a diabetic. This index gauges how certain foods raise blood sugar levels. Foods that are medium to low ranking on the glycemic index are often slow-burning carbohydrates that provide you the best option during meal and diet planning. Incorporating these foods into your dietary planning will help you to make better choices that will be healthier for you and your blood sugar levels.

      Even when using the glycemic index, there are some considerations you should remember as a diabetic. Riper produce, processing levels of food and cooking method of food can raise GI (glycemic index) levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. Pay attention to portion size as this can have a high impact on blood glucose levels.

    Types of Foods

    • High fiber foods are recommended if you have diabetes and include foods such as whole wheat, bran, rolled oats, beans and peas. These foods often pull double duty, as is the case with legumes (beans, peas and sprouts) that can be a good source of fiber and protein or other essential nutrients. Be careful of some of the glycemic listings for these foods, however. While oatmeal can be higher on the list than chocolate, it is much healthier for you than chocolate.

      Planning to eat 4 to 8 servings of produce a day with 70 to 80 percent coming from vegetables is optimal. Most veggies are low on the glycemic index and are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Consume lean sources of protein limiting your meat consumption to one serving a day. Fish, eggs, cheese, nuts and chicken are all good sources of protein.

    Practices

    • When planning your diabetic diet, consistency is the name of the game. Eating well-rounded meals that consist of controlled portions can help you to lose or control your weight and blood sugar levels. Practice planning to eat meals at the same time of the day. Consuming three full meals, along with at least one snack, is highly recommended in your daily planning as well. Schedule the times when you will have meals and snacks daily and stick to it.

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