The Diabetic Food Pyramid

Because a diet impacts greatly on someone with diabetes, the Diabetic Food Pyramid is a helpful tool to guide you through your meal planning and grocery shopping. Dont think of the Diabetic Food Pyramid as merely a duplicate of the famous USDA Food Guide Pyramid. The foods on the Diabetic Food Pyramid are grouped together based on their carbohydrate and protein content and not their classification as a food.

This will mean that the portion sizes will vary as well. With the focus on carbs and protein, the Diabetic Food Pyramid puts potatoes and other starchy vegetables in the grains and beans level instead of the vegetables level. Cheese is in the meat group instead of the milk group because of the protein benefits. If that sounds confusing, dont worry. It all makes sense when you think of it as a pyramid.

The Diabetic Food Pyramid breaks up food into six groups. These groups vary in size. The bigger the group, like those at the bottom of the pyramid, means the more of these foods you should have every day. Of course the top of the pyramid is the smallest group and that means these foods should be eaten in small portions every day. And yes, the good stuff is at the top!

At the bottom level of the Diabetic Food Pyramid are the grains and starches.
These would include servings of bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. The common theme here? Carbs. Starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas, corn and beans also belong in this group. Consider 6-11 servings per day of these food items.

The next level on the Diabetic Food Pyramid is split between the classic combo of fruits and vegetables. Anything from these groups make for perfect low cal snack. Veggies are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Consider at least 3-5 servings a day of spinach, broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers or lettuce.

Along side the veggies is the fruit group. Again, these are great items loaded with essential carbohydrates. And youve got plenty to choose from with blackberries, cantaloupe, strawberries, oranges, apples, bananas, peaches, pears, apricots, and grapes. Go for 2-4 servings a day

Next on the Diabetic Food Pyramid are the milk and dairy products. Try to pick the non-fat or low-fat versions of these foods and go for 2-3 servings a day.
After milk and diary comes meat and meat substitutes. This could include beef, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, dried beans, cheese, cottage cheese and peanut butter. These are the power packed sources of protein on the Diabetic Food Pyramid. Divide up 4-6 ounces from this group for your daily serving.

Finally at the top of the Diabetic Food Pyramid are the fats, sweets, and alcohol. You know this group! Potato chips, candy, cookies, cakes, crackers, and fried foods should only be eaten in small servings each day. Let the Diabetic Food Pyramid be your new guide.