Diabetic Diet And Food Pyramid
We all have learnt in school days about. You must not only vary the composition to make a diet balanced and healthy, but also understand the serving recommended by food pyramid. As adults, people rarely pay as much heed to it if any at all. It is in the interest of all diabetics to thoroughly learn about food groups.
Diabetes Food Pyramid is specifically created for diabetics. It is made up of six food groups just like the standard version. The way the two pyramids differ is that the diabetic version lists foods together that have the same or similar carbohydrate content instead of the regular version that does it by food groups alone. This lay out makes it easier for diabetics to decide about their food based on information that can have a affect blood glucose levels negatively.
Majority of Vegetarians eat a larger amount of fruits and vegetables in a day than a non-vegetarian and their fiber intake is much higher too. Higher quantity of fiber in a diabetic’s diet can help blood sugars because it slows down the process of the body digesting carbohydrates. A vegetarian’s diet is usually lower in cholesterol as well and it can help ward off cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and strokes.
Some of the differences you will notice are that cheese is placed in the meat group instead of the dairy group as a protein and the serving size will be equivalent to other proteins in the same group. You will find starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn in the bread and grains section because they act in a similar manner by raising blood sugars.
Another change is the actual serving sizes, particularly in the bread and grains group. A diabetic must control the carbohydrate intake at each meal and the best way is to take it in smaller portions.
Your dietitian or doctor or diabetes educator would be able to provide you Diabetic Food Pyramid. You can use it as the starting point for making your meal plans.
Refer to these resources for more information - simple everyday diabetic meals - 5 day diabetic menu.
