Diabetes Meal Planning Guidelines

 

Follow the guidelines below to help control your diabetes.  You will receive more information on meal planning when you see the dietitian at the Diabetes Program.

 

  1. Eat three (3) balanced meals per day with about 4-6 hours between them.

 

  1. Do not eat fruit or drink fruit juice between meals.  If you are thirsty, drink water, tea, coffee or sugar-free pop, sugar-free Kool-Aid® or Crystal Light®.

 

3.  Try to lower your fat intake by:

 

Ø      Avoiding fried foods.

Ø      Trimming fat and skin from meat and poultry before cooking.

Ø      Using a lower fat milk – 2%, 1%, or Skim.

Ø      Using only small amounts of soft margarine, salad oils, mayonnaise, etc.

 

  1. Before you buy special diet foods or drink alcohol check with your doctor or dietitian.

 

 

Limit The Following Foods

 

v     White sugar, brown sugar, icing sugar.

v     Jam, jelly, marmalade, molasses, syrups, and honey.

v     Regular soft drinks.

v     Fruit flavoured crystals, fruit drinks, sweetened fruit juices, and iced tea mixes.

v     Canned fruit in heavy syrup, sundaes, regular Jell-O®.

v     Candy, chocolate bars, marshmallows, fudge, etc.

v     Liqueurs, sweet wines, and sweet drink mixes.

v     Deep fried foods, fatty meats, sauces and gravies.

v     Regular fruit flavoured yogurt.

v     Pickles, sauces, and spreads with sugar.

v     Regular baked goods such as pies, cakes, donuts, and muffins.

 

 

 

The following example can be used as a guide to help plan your meals.  You will receive more information on meal planning when you see the dietitian at the Diabetes Program.

 

Breakfast

 

1 egg or 1 slice cheese or 1 tablespoon peanut butter

 

2 slices whole wheat toast or ½ cup cereal and 1 slice of whole wheat toast

1 small orange or ½ small banana

 

1 teaspoon soft margarine (omit if having peanut butter)

 

½ cup milk (skim, 1%, or 2%)

 

Water, tea, or coffee as desired

 

Lunch

 

2 thin slices lean meat or cheese or ½ cup water-packed canned fish

 

2 slices whole wheat bread

 

1 teaspoon soft margarine or 1 tablespoon low fat mayonnaise

 

1 small apple or pear or 1 cup grapes

 

Lettuce and celery sticks

 

½ cup milk (skim, 1%, or 2%) or ½ cup yogurt sweetened with aspartame

 

Tea, coffee, water, or sugar-free soft drinks as desired

 

Supper

 

1 small fish fillet or 1 broiled meat patty or 3 slices chicken

 

1 baked potato or ½ potato and 1 slice whole wheat bread

 

½ cup peas or carrots or turnip

Broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, or tossed salad as desired

 

1 orange or ¼ cup canned fruit or 1 peach

 

1  teaspoon soft margarine or

2 tablespoons low calorie salad dressing

 

½ cup milk (skim, 1%, or 2%) or ½ cup plain yogurt

 

Tea, coffee, water, or sugar-free soft drinks as desired

 

Evening

 

1 slice cheese

 

1 slice whole wheat bread or

3 arrowroots or 2 digestive cookies

 

1 teaspoon soft margarine (if needed)

 

½ cup milk (skim, 1%, or 2%) or 1 package light hot chocolate