About P.A.D.: Diabetes and P.A.D.: Meal Planning:
Meal Planning:
Meal Planning
Many people think that having diabetes means you cannot eat your favorite foods. But you can still eat the foods you like. It is the amount that counts. Ask your health care team to refer you to a dietitian who helps people with diabetes. The two of you will design a meal plan that is right for you and can help you reach your goals.
- Count carbohydrates (also called carbs). Carbohydrate foods—breads, tortillas, biscuits, rice, crackers, cereal, fruit, juice, milk, yogurt, potatoes, corn, peas and sweets—raise your blood glucose levels the most. Keeping the amount of carbohydrates in your meals and snacks at the right level most of the time can help you stay within your blood glucose targets.
- Choose foods low in saturated fat. Cutting down on foods that have saturated fat can help you lower your cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Foods high in saturated fat include meats, butter, whole milk, cream, cheese, lard, shortening, many baked goods, and tropical oils such as palm and coconut oil.
- Cut down on food high in sodium and salt. Limit the amount of sodium or salt in your foods each day to no more than 2,400 mg—about 1 teaspoon of salt. Read food labels for the amount of sodium and choose canned, processed or frozen foods that are lower in sodium.
- Lose weight if needed. Try to lose weight by cutting back on food portions and getting more physical activity each day.
- Increase the fiber in your diet. Include in your diet high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, dried beans and peas, oatmeal and whole grain breads, cereals and pasta.
