Nutritious Diabetic Diet

A nutritious diabetic diet should consist of foods low in fat and sugar. High-energy foods are excellent to give diabetics the boost of energy needed to complete tasks like running up and down steps, toting groceries, exercising and mowing the lawn. According to the American Diabetes Association, eating well-balanced meals in the correct amounts allows diabetics to thrive with their illness. The key is to eat foods with a low glycemic index. The glycemic index rates the effect carbohydrates have on our blood-glucose level.

A Fresh Start

Consume whole-grain cereals that are high in fiber with a cup of low or non-fat milk. A more filling, but equally healthy, option would be a two-egg omelet with spinach, onions and red peppers and a slice of whole wheat toast. Remember to use olive, canola or avocado oil in small amounts.
The American Diabetes Association promotes consuming fresh and or frozen fruits for healthy eating. Create a nice light breakfast with a half cup of apples and grapes and a cup of low-fat, low-sugar yogurt. The ADA states fruits such as kiwis, oranges, and grapes have a low glycemic index because of their fructose and fiber content. Melons and pineapple have medium GI values as do some dried fruits such as dates, raisins and sweetened cranberries.

Snack on Something Good

Enjoy a snack in between breakfast and lunch. Try low-fat popcorn, a serving of non-starchy vegetables, such as raw baby carrots and broccoli, or a serving of whole-wheat crackers. Remember to eat only whole-wheat crackers. They are high in fiber and easily digested. Avoid products that do not list whole-wheat as the first ingredient. Another option would be to eat crackers made with bulgur or cracked wheat.

Fuel the Middle of Your Day

Stay light on your feet with a large tossed salad. Try one with romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, chick peas, broccoli and peppers. Add three slices of chicken or chopped turkey. Remember to choose a salad dressing that is low in fat and sugar.
Eat a hot lunch with lightly sauted spinach, salmon or catfish and wild rice. You can always substitute the wild rice for a small potato. Remember to count your carbohydrate intake for the day. Doing this, will help you decide on the type of dinner you can eat.

Have a Delectable Dinner

Eat a three-ounce piece of marinated grilled chicken or seafood with a half cup of brown rice and non-starchy vegetables such as peppers and onions or steamed carrots and broccoli. The trick is to spruce up the vegetables with non-fattening condiments such as herbs and spices.
Turkey or chicken chili with red beans go well with a medium-sized salad. Add a serving of light cheese or low-fat sour cream to the chili. Turkey and chicken are less fattening than beef.
Try a low-carbohydrate dinner by making a bowl of steamed, non-starchy vegetables, a serving of protein and a fresh spinach salad with Roma tomatoes and red onions.