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Carbohydrate Diabetic Diet

Being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean you have to give up all the food you love. Creating a simple diet plan will enable you to enjoy food and feel comfortable when dining out. The diabetes food pyramid is found on the American Diabetes Association website. It demonstrates that most abundant foods you should consume are carbohydrates such as grains, beans, vegetables, fruit and starchy vegetables. Counting carbs and portion control are the best way to manage diabetes according to Mayo Clinic.

  1. Glycemic Index

    • Try following a glycemic chart for carb counting. The glycemic index of food is the measurement of how fast sugar is entering your blood stream. Foods with a higher glycemic number will be responsible for raising your blood sugar faster than foods with a lower number. Watching the glycemic index numbers is one of the easiest ways to manage your carb intake.

    Healthy Carbs

    • Opting for healthy carbs will also help regulate your blood sugar. Make selections such as brown rice, whole grain pastas, bread and cereal, which will help keep your blood sugar controlled. Fruits and vegetables also fall under the healthy carb category. Eat legumes such as peas, beans and lentils which also help regulate your blood sugar and are filled with vitamins and minerals.

    Unhealthy Carbs

    • Avoid the unhealthy carbs that raise your blood sugar far more quickly than healthy carbs. Limit your intake of white flour, sugar products, white rice and processed foods which fall into the unhealthy carb category. Read labels on all packaged and canned foods for carbohydrate content.

    Portion Control

    • Portion control is the most important factor in managing your diabetes. Measure your food when it is convenient, as it will go a long way in helping you stay healthy and trim. A serving size of bread is one slice, 1/4 of a bagel and 1/2 cup of cooked cereal. One cup of raw vegetables is one serving and 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables is also one serving. One-half cup of peas, corn, or cooked beans makes one serving as well as 1/3 cup of pasta

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