If you suffer from diabetes, you can take good care of yourself by learning what to eat, when to eat and how to eat. Your choice of food can help you feel better every day, lose weight if needed, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and other diseases caused by diabetes.
A food pyramid can help you make wise food choices by which you should make your eating decisions. It divides foods into groups based on what they contain. As a general rule, eat more of the foods that are in the bottom of the pyramid and less of those at the top.
At the bottom of the pyramid stand foods containing starch. These are wheats, pasta and starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn. They provide carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber to your body. Eat them at every meal because starch is healthy for everyone, including people with diabetes. Such foods are: bread, pasta, corn, potatoes, rice, cereals, beans and lentils.
On the second level of the pyramid are vegetables and fruits. Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are low in carbohydrates. Examples are: lettuce, broccoli, spinach, peppers, carrots, green beans, tomatoes, celery, peppers, cabbage and others. Fruits provide carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber. The most suitable are: apples, strawberries, grapefruit, banana, orange, watermelon, peach, mango, papaya and others.
At the next level of the pyramid stand dairy products with meat and meat substitutes. Milk provides the body with carbohydrates, protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals. As a general rule, consume low-fat or skimmed milk. The group of meat and meat substitutes include: poultry, white meats, eggs, cheese, fish, tofu and soya meat. Eat small amounts of food in this group every day.
On top of the pyramid lie fats and sweets. Limit the amount of fats and sweets you take. Fats and sweets are not as nutritious as other foods. Fats have lots of calories. Candy can be high in carbohydrates and fat. Some of the foods in this group contain saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Limiting these foods will help you lose weight and keep your blood sugar and blood fats under control.
