If you or a family member is a diabetic, it can be hard adjusting to a whole new lifestyle. To help you here is a list of foods for diabetics to eat.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has developed a diet to help diabetics eat properly. The exact diet prescribed for you or your family may vary according to several factors.
Grains and starches: In general, diabetics are allowed to eat six to 11 servings daily of these foods, which include potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and cereal. A serving equals a slice of bread or a half-cup of potatoes. Remember, according to the ADA diet, peas, corn, squash and cooked beans are considered starches, rather than vegetables.
Vegetables: Except for those items listed in the previous paragraph, diabetics can eat three to five servings of vegetables daily. One serving equals one cup of raw or a half-cup of cooked vegetables.
Fruit: Diabetics can generally eat two to four servings of fruit daily. One serving generally equals a small piece of fruit, one cup of melon or berries, a half-cup of canned fruit or two tablespoons of dried fruit.
Milk: In general two to three servings of milk and dairy products are allowed each day, non-fat or low-fat being the best. One serving is equal to one cup of milk or yogurt.
Meat: Diabetics are generally allowed four to six ounces of meat, eggs, peanut butter or tofu each day. Lean meats are preferred over those with higher fat content.
Fats, Sugars, Alcohol: In general, diabetics should avoid them. If there is a special occasion and you really want an extra-special treat, one serving equals a half-cup of ice cream, two small cookies or a small cupcake.
This is only a very small list of foods for diabetics to eat. While it may sound restrictive at first, there are many ways to follow the plan and still enjoy eating. There are many support groups, classes, books and magazines to help you adjust to the diet.
For example, your doctor or dietitian will help you make a check-off sheet that you can use each day to help you monitor your meals. There are also many online resources to help you with recipes that combine foods from the various groups, such as casseroles, soups and stews.
In addition, there are many sugar free food items on the market, so you can still have a treat and not feel deprived. For example, make a batch of Jell-o "jigglers" for a refreshing treat instead of ice cream.
The list of foods diabetics can eat includes everything. But it takes careful planning to be sure you maintain a healthy diet so you can live a long, healthy life.
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