There is no specific diet for people with diabetes, but there are general guidelines that people can follow to manage their diet in diabetes. In diabetes, dieting isn’t as much about limiting foods as it is about keeping your meals well-balanced, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The best way to accomplish this is to plan efficiently beforehand. Working with your physician or a dietitian to create a meal plan that works specifically for your health, your schedule, and your eating habits is the best way to begin your diabetic diet. However, the following diabetes dieting tips, derived from EatingWell.com, can help you make better decisions concerning your diabetic diet:
1. Learn to compare carbs. The total amount of carbohydrate in a meal or snack contains affects your glucose levels. When comparing foods, it is usually best to choose the foods with the lesser carbohydrate content; if there is little or no difference, choose whichever food suits your needs.
2. Portion your meals carefully. You can do this easily by dividing your dinner plate. It is recommended that you fill half of your plate with vegetables. Fill one quarter with a lean protein such as beans, fish, skinless poultry, or tofu. Fill the final quarter with a grain product, preferably a whole grain such as whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, or whole-grain bread.
3. Learn to love whole-grains. Sticking to a diet which includes whole-grains can be testing; therefore it is recommended that you make the switch gradually. You can do this by starting with a blend of whole-wheat and regular past, or brown and white rice mixed together.
Best Diet for People with Diabetes
What is the best diet for Diabetes? US News ranked a number of different diets to determine the best diet is for people with diabetes. The Biggest Loser Diet was ranked number one. This diet “revolves around healthy eating and exercise”. It is actually tied to the top position with the Dash Diet. This diet emphasizes the use of whole-grains, fruits, and veggies which is similar to what doctors generally recommend for diabetes. The 3rd pick that US News made was the Mayo Clinic’s diet which is stated to include guidelines and fitness advice which is compelling, in combination, for preventing and controlling diabetes.
Any one of these diets would likely be highly beneficial to your diabetic diet. Be sure, however, to discuss any dietary changes with your doctor beforehand. For more information, visit Health.USNews.com.
