Food is the basic need of every human being, diabetic or not. But the bad news always seems to follow diabetics whenever food is the topic because it is a common knowledge that once a person is diabetic, the food choices become limited. And more often than not, diabetics complain because they have to give up their rich and sumptuous favorites and settle for tasteless and plain feast. But what really is the best diet for diabetics? The good news is, they don’t have to suffer diabetes and hunger at the same time. There are lots of low calorie, low fat, and sugar free food items nowadays and all they have to do is to adapt their old favorites into a healthier version without losing the great taste. And so the key to best diabetic’s food choice is by being responsible. Pay special attention on the ingredients and serving sizes of the plate and make sure it follows the food pyramid guide that has special adaptation for diabetics.
The difference between a standard food pyramid like the USDA Food Guide Pyramid and the Food Pyramid for Diabetics is that the grouping of foods is based on carbohydrate and protein content rather than on its classification. Knowing this, diabetics should be interested on each food group and the recommended daily serving. For instance, potato is known to be under the classification of vegetable but diabetics’ diet must include it under grains and starches which comprise the base of the food pyramid for diabetics.
For the complete meal plan, they should start with the grains and starches group which is the base of the pyramid. Choose 6-11 servings per day of bread, cereal, rice, potatoes, peas, or corn. They must also include vegetable with at least 3-5 servings per day as most vegetables are naturally low in fat but rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Vegetables like spinach, chicory, sorrel, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce are the best choice. The next level of the pyramid contains fruits. The safest fruit selection for diabetics would definitely be fresh oranges, apples, bananas, pears, apricots, blackberries, strawberries, and grapes. Recommended servings for fruits is 2-4 per day. Although fresh fruits are always healthy for consumption, diabetics must understand that excess fruits could also increase sugar intake. Diabetics Food Pyramid also contains milk products which are to be consumed in 2-3 servings per day. Diabetics must choose non-fat or low-fat milk over regular milk products as it also rich in protein and calcium without the saturated fat. However, take note that cheese is not under milk group. Instead, it is under the next group which is the Meat and Meat substitutes. Meat group consists of poultry and fish. Also in the group are tofu, dried beans, and peanut butter. They will only need 4-6 ounces of this food group for the whole day. Best choices are chicken breast, lean meat, and fish fillet. The tip of the pyramid has the so-called forbidden food including fats, sweets, and alcohol. Foods like chips, candies, crackers, cookies, and fried foods should be in the smallest possible serving, in fact, a small piece or two is enough for the whole day. Ice cream, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages should be saved during special treats.
Families with a diabetic member could best support him or her if they could adjust their eating habits and pay attention to what they serve on the table. After all, if all members of the household would adapt the diabetic’s diet, their bodies would thank them more and would appreciate that they were saved from common illnesses in the long run.