Tips for a Healthy Type 2 Diabetes Diet
Eat a Variety of Foods
A healthy type 2 diabetes diet can reduce the risk of some serious complications like heart disease and stroke. It's important to eat a wide variety of foods:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Non-fat dairy products
- Beans
- Lean meats
- Poultry
- Fish
Remember, no food is perfect, and even healthy food can become unhealthy if you eat too much of it. Eating a variety of
different foods and watching your portions are keys to a healthy type 2 diabetes diet.
Download the Soul Food Pyramid
from Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc. to learn more about what and how much you should eat from each food group.
Watch Your Portions
When you sit down to eat, draw an imaginary line through the center of your plate, making two sections.
Then draw another line to divide one of those sections into two. Look at the diagram below to see what type of food should
fill up each of these sections, and how to create a balanced plate for your type 2 diabetes diet.
These are general guidelines. Always work with your diabetes care team to create a plan that is specific to your individual needs.
What About Sweets and Desserts?
While it will take some planning, you can still enjoy sweets and desserts. Because the purpose of your specific type 2 diabetes diet is to help meet your blood sugar goals, you want to make sure you eat nutrient-rich foods most of the time. Otherwise your body misses out on important vitamins and minerals.
This means saving sweets or desserts for special occasions, like a birthday or anniversary. When you do enjoy a sweet or dessert, have a small portion.