Diabetic food

Diabetes is a disease where the blood glucose level remains continuously elevated than the normal level. It results into damage in the various bodily organs. Modern concept of diabetes management does not advocate complete restriction of intake of alcohol. Patient is advised to take every foods, but with some precaution to the total daily calorie intake.

The diabetic foods can be divided into six categories. The three main food types are vegetables, fruits and grains, the next group contains milk, milk products and meat products; the last group is fat, oils and sweets.

Total amount of daily intake for a healthy young adult is 1600-2800 cal. Depending upon the built, the amount of calorie is to be determined. Again, women patients will be more benefitted while taking the low range calorie and men are meant to high end calorie group. The precise number of servings will depend on the diabetes goal, lifestyle, division in the calorie and nutrition needs and of course the type of food the patient likes most. The total number of calorie should be judiciously divided into major meals and snacks.

Let us have some idea about different group of foods that is acceptable for a diabetic patient.

Starches and grains –

The most acceptable group is cereal, bread, rice and pasta. The bulk of the diabetic diet should come from this group. These foods contain carbohydrates mostly. The acceptable grains are wheat, corn, oats and rye. Vegetables that contain starch like potatoes and peas also belong to this group besides dry beans like pinto beans and black eyed bens. These vegetables come into this group as the have the same amount of calorie as contained in equal serving of a slice of bread. So you can count them as same amount of serving carbohydrates into your meal plan. The following foods can be taken roughly 6-12 servings per day but keep an eye on it and try to take the as lower range as you can. This are – 1 slice of bread, ¾ cup of dry cereal (you can make any preparation – the total calorie should be counted), ¼ of a bagel, one 6” tortilla, ½ cup cooked cereal, 1 cup of winter squash, ½ cup either of yam, potato, peas, cooked beans or corn and 1/3 cup of pasta or rice .

Vegetables –

Vegetables are rich in vitamins, fiber and minerals. You can take as much as green leafy vegetables like spinach, sorrel, chicory, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, tomatoes, cucumbers, Brussels sprouts and lettuce. One serving contains 1 cup raw or ½ cup of cooked amount.

Fruits –

Fresh fruits contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fiber. Fruits that you can take are oranges, blackberries, strawberries, apples, cantaloupe, bananas, grapes and apricots. You can take 2-4 servings a day.

Milk and milk products –

Milk is rich in calcium, vitamins and minerals. Low fat or skimmed milk is better. You can take 2-3 servings a day and a serving contains 1 cup of low fat milk or 1 cup of yogurt.

Meat and other non vegetarian items –

This group contains beef, chicken, fish, turkey, eggs and cheese. This group provides required amount of proteins and minerals. It is always better to take white meats. You can take 4-6 ounces per day divided into major meals.

Fats and sweets –

This is the group you would try to take as less as possible. Otherwise you can save consuming these items for a great treat for a single time once in a while. A single serving include 2 small cookies, ½ cup of ice-cream and 1 cupcake or muffin.

It is not so hard to follow this diet guideline. You can make a great deal of preparations by combining these items and you diabetic life more enjoyable.