Managing Diabetes Symptoms Using the Diabetes Food Pyramid

The Diabetes Food Pyramid is a blood glucose management system that divides food items into six groups, with each group varying in size on the pyramid. Food is categorized based on its carbohydrate content, and portions are adjusted to equal about 15 grams of carbs. Here are the guidelines to managing your diabetes symptoms using the Diabetes Food Pyramid.

Grains and Starches

Eat 6 to 11 servings of grains and starches every day. The base of the diabetes food pyramid contains carbohydrates. Most of this group is made of grains, including oats, rye and wheat. Starchy veggies like corn, peas and potatoes, also belong in this group, as do dry beans such as pinto beans and black-eyed peas.

Veggies

Have 3 to 5 servings of vegetables each day. This group contains veggies that are low in starch and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. You can have 1 cup of raw or one-half cup of cooked spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower or cabbage. Tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce can make a great side salad to your meal.

Fruit

Eat 2 to 4 fruit servings every day. The next layer of the pyramid includes fruits. Try to fill up on fruits with high levels of antioxidants, such as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. Melons such as cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon are other healthy choices. Snack on apples, oranges, grapes, bananas and peaches. A serving size is 1 small fresh fruit, one-half cup of canned fruit or 2 tbsp. of dried fruit.

Dairy

Choose 2 to 3 servings of dairy products each day. Dairy products contain high levels of calcium, protein and vitamins. It is better to choose a low-fat or a non-fat variety to get the nutrients and taste of dairy products without the calories or the saturated fat. A serving is typically 1 cup, and you can choose from yogurt, milk, cheese or cottage cheese.

Protein

Eat 4 to 6 ounces of protein per day. This group includes eggs, dried beans, tofu, cottage cheese, peanut butter, cheese and fish. You can also have poultry, but should eat very little red meat. Choose lean meats and cut off all fat. It is best to eat fatty fish to get the additional health benefits.

Fats and Sweets

Consume very little sweets, fats and alcohol. Candy, cakes, cookies, muffins and donuts all contain a lot of sugar. Fried foods and potato chips have a lot of fat. Keep your serving sizes really small and save them for special treats. Alcohol can raise blood sugar levels, so it is best if you talk to your doctor before consuming any alcoholic beverages. Serving size is typically 1 small muffin or cupcake, 2 small brownies or cookies and one-half cup of low-fat ice cream.

References

http://www.joslin.org/managing_your_diabetes_4593.asp
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabeticdiet.html