Diabetes 2 Diet Plan

Diabetes is a difficult disease to control, but some people manage without drugs, using only diet and exercise. This is not a short-term solution. Diabetics should adopt a Diabetes 2 diet plan and stick to it for life. The good news is that a diet that helps control diabetes is very healthy and is also recommended for many other conditions, like heart health and high cholesterol.

Balance is the Key

Diabetes is a devastating disease. Carbohydrates, saturated fats, excess proteins and salt can all have adverse effects either on the disease or on related conditions common to diabetics, like high blood pressure or fatty liver disease.

The answer is a well-balanced diet high in fiber and low in carbs and cholesterol. Many diabetics find that eating small meals five or six times a day helps keep the blood glucose from fluctuating and a healthy diet on track. But what works for one person does not always work for another. Track your blood sugars before and after meals to determine what works best for you.

Sample Diabetic Menu

This sample diabetic menu has about 1600 calories, 75 grams of fat, 150 carbs, 100 grams of protein, 30 grams of fiber:

* Breakfast: Oatmeal with cup blueberries and 2 teaspoons of peanut butter mixed in, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon

* Snack: Steamed broccoli, with 1 ounce part-skim mozzarella melted over it

* Lunch: Tuna salad made from 4 ounces of white tuna in water, 1/4 apple, onion, 5 walnut halves, 1 tablespoon olive-oil-based Hellman's mayo on 10 whole-grain crackers

* Snack: Fiber added, no-sugar yogurt, 1/4 cup fresh raspberries

* Dinner: 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, mixed vegetables, mashed cauliflower with margarine made with unsaturated fats and skim milk, mixed green salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing

Things to Remember:

* Base your diabetes 2 diet on a projected calorie count and try to achieve the same caloric intake each day.
* Eat on a schedule, about the same time each day.
* Take medicine every day at the same time.
* Choose foods from every food group, in every color, to insure that you ingest enough nutrients every day.
* Limit baked goods, processed carbs, sweets and fats.
* Eat plenty of low-carb fruits and vegetables.
* Eat foods that pack a punch: Avoid the empty calories in chips, cookies, soda and other foods that are calorie-dense but contain little nutrition and no fiber.
* Exercise is a crucial lifestyle component for managing type 2 diabetes.
* Consult your doctor and/or dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet.