Diabetic Food

Have you heard of the Diabetes Food Pyramid? Developed by the American Diabetes Association, it divides foods into six groups...

The Diabetes Food Pyramid is a little different than the USDA Food Guide Pyramid because it groups foods based on their carbohydrate and protein content instead of their classification as a food.

For instance, you’ll find potatoes and other starchy vegetables in the grains, beans, and starchy vegetables group instead of the vegetables group. Cheese is in the meat group, not the milk group. A serving of pasta or rice is 1/3 cup in the Diabetes Food Pyramid and ½ cup in the USDA pyramid. Fruit juice is ½ cup in the Diabetes Food Pyramid and ¾ cup in the USDA pyramid. This difference is to make the carbohydrate about the same in all the servings listed.

The exact number of servings you need depends on your diabetes goals, calorie and nutrition needs, your lifestyle, and the foods you like to eat. Divide the number of servings you should eat among the meals and snacks you do eat each day. Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to eat like a prisoner; it simply means being careful of what you eat.

The key to living a longer, healthier life, even with diabetes, is to maintain a healthy diet, stay physically active, and consult with your doctor.

For more information visit http://diabetescareclub.com/lsm/diabetic-food.php