PROPER MEAL PLAN FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS.

PROPER MEAL PLAN FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS.

A PROPER DIET PLAN FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS

Diabetes is associated with high-blood sugar level in a human’s body. Therefore, it is said that diabetes is a chronic disease that resulted from the body’s inability to effectively use or produce insulin.  Diabetes has 3 types; Gestational diabetes, Type I and Type II diabetes. TYPE I and TYPE II diabetes are the most common ones.

Diabetes, being the absence of insulin and an increased blood sugar level, can as well lead to a more critical health issues on the long run, if not properly managed.  It can damage one’s blood vessels in the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and the entire body organs.

A lot of people who have this chronic disease, struggle with coming up with the right meal plan that would not in any way, trigger their sugar level to go overboard or put their health at risk. They try not to eat foods with so much sugar or carbs. A diabetic patient is always advised to watch out for foods high in carbohydrates, which tends to trigger their sugar level and put their health at risk.

Some edible products these days, are either made up of processed sugar or has certain ingredients that makes the product a potential risk to the health of a diabetic patient and this has shown the reason most patients struggle to put together a proper meal plan that will give them the required nutrients.

This therefore, brings the reason for this article as it gives a proper breakdown and list of nutritious meals than can make up the diet of a diabetic patient, or anyone struggling with high-sugar level.

There are several medically approved meals plans for diabetic patients but the ones that emphasizes on portion control, balanced nutrition, and mindful food choices are what have been carefully put together, to guide you on how to properly plan your meals.

WHAT A PROPER MEAL PLAN FOR A DIABETIC PATIENT WOULD CONTAIN:

There are several components a proper meal plan for a diabetic patient should contain. These meals typically involve full focus to ensure there are non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, Lean-protein, healthy fats, fruits and diary, very limited sugar, refined grains and whole grains.  

• Non- starchy vegetables: includes spinach, broccoli, carrots and peppers. These are vegetables that helps in promoting healthy digestion and blood sugar control, they are also high in fiber and low in carbohydrates. They should be considered when planning a proper diet.
• Whole Grains: includes brown rice, or starchy vegetables like greens peas and sweet potatoes. These helps to provide the necessary carbohydrates for energy. Which the right portion control, this can be placed alongside the no n-starchy vegetables.
• Healthy Fats: includes avocado, olive oil and nuts and should be incorporated in moderation. These healthy fats help to contribute to a healthy heart which is essential to people with diabetes.
• Lean protein: includes skinless chicken, fish, beans and tofu. It helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and aids fullness.
• Fruits and diary: they offer additional nutrients and should be included when planning meals, but portion control should be considered to avoid excessive intake of carbohydrates.
• Limited sugar and Refined grains: intake of added sugars and refined grains should be minimized like, sugary drinks, white bread, white rice as they can cause a rapid spike in the blood sugar levels of patients.

The thing to note here is that, balance and portion control real matters when planning a proper meal diet especially for a diabetic. And nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, oil, fruits and all, needs to be balanced to meet dietary goals.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends that a full plate of a nutrition balanced meal should include;

• 50% non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, carrots, peppers.
• 25% high fiber carbohydrates like; legumes or whole grains
• 25% lean protein such as fish, tofu, skinless chicken, turkey, or lentils.

A PROPER MEAL PLAN

• Instead of white bread and sweetened cereals for breakfast, you should replace with whole grain breads, oatmeal or shredded wheat.
• Instead of French fries, macaroni and cheese or fried rice, you should replace with; baked white or sweet potatoes, boiled corn on the cob, or brown rice with steamed vegetables.
• Instead of butter, margarine, or sour cream, replace with; olive oil, plain Greek yoghurt or light cream cheese.
• Instead of fast foods, replace with; salads with grilled chicken, burgers without cheeses, fruits or low sugar drinks.
• Instead of hotdogs you should replace with; natural peanut butter, grilled chicken breasts, or low sodium tuna,
• Instead of soda, fruit juice or sweet tea, replace with; water, diet soda, fruit infused waters or black coffee.
• Instead of cookies, cakes, ice-cream, pies or candies, replace with; fresh fruits, low fat yoghurt or sponge cake with fruits.