Diabetic diet is meant for people who are suffering from diabetes. These dishes are specially formulated to meet the dietary requirements of patients to help build enough energy for them to perform daily activities.
Diabetes is a medical condition where the glucose in the body is underutilized resulting in high blood glucose levels. As glucose helps produce energy to perform various activities, a diabetic is advised to consume special diabetic food or diabetic recipes that help maintain the glucose levels. Some popular diabetic recipes are couscous salad, chicken stew, herbed zucchini penne, grilled chicken sandwich and mushroom bisque.
Diabetic Meal Plan
A diabetic diet should consist of a good combination of nutrients i.e. carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals to stay fit and fine and to keep the blood sugar levels in check. It is also very important for a diabetic to eat small meals at regular intervals throughout the day rather than eating huge meals. Here are some suggestions for different meals of the day that a diabetic person can adhere to and maintain a healthy body.
Breakfasts and Snacks
These two meals of the day are extremely important for a diabetic as they help to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Diabetic dishes like sandwiches, pancakes or subs are recommended.
Soups
Soups prove as great diabetic dishes. A generous steaming bowl of soup gets the meal to a great start and when served with a sandwich made with whole wheat bread makes a satisfying meal in itself.
Main course
The main course can be anything from pasta, to grilled meat to a baked casserole as long as it is well balanced with fiber rich ingredients and whole grains.
Breads and Rice dishes
Breads made with whole wheat grains are recommended for a diabetic. Diabetic dishes in the form of rice can also be consumed as long as rice is balanced with other ingredients like vegetables, pulses and sprouts.
Desserts
It is alright for a diabetic to consume a small serving of desserts. Special diabetic recipes in desserts using low fat dairy products and artificial sweeteners are commonly found and are usually easy to prepare.
Popular Diabetic Recipes
Some popular recipes crafted especially for diabetics are:
Mushroom soup: Mushrooms are low in fat and virtually harmless. A flavorful mushroom soup can be had for meals or even as a snack.
Sprouted Fenugreek Salad: Fenugreek is known to maintain blood sugar levels. In its sprouted form as a part of a salad it serves beneficial as a diabetic food.
Stir fried Broccoli: Broccoli is an ideal diabetic food which has potassium and fiber and helps improve body insulin levels and control blood sugar levels.
Trivia
Every 5 years, the American Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) publish Dietary Guidelines for Americans in which expert advice on how to maintain good health and reduce risk of getting major illnesses is given by a group of medical professionals. Major illness diet plans especially for Diabetes are discussed in the guidelines.