What is the Diabetes Food Pyramid?
by fk
Filed under Diabetes Diet
The Diabetes Food Pyramid is a general guide of what and how much to eat
each day. It is similar to the Food Pyramid you see on many
food packages. The pyramid is divided into six groups. You
should eat more foods from the largest group at the base of
the pyramid and less from the smaller groups at the top of
the pyramid. The number of servings needed every day is not
the same for everyone, so a range of servings is given to
ensure you get the foods you need for good health. The food
groups and suggested servings per day are listed below.
- Grains,
Beans, and Starchy Vegetables: (good source of B vitamins
and fiber) 6 or more servings/day - contain vitamins C, A, potassium, folate, and fiber) 3-4
servings/day - Vegetables:
(provide vitamins A, C, folate, and fiber) 3-5 servings/day - Milk:
(source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and D) 2-3
servings/day - Meats
and Others:(good source of iron, zinc, B vitamins,
and protein) 2-3 servings/day - Fats,
Sweets, and Alcohol: The foods at the tip of the pyramid
should be eaten in small amounts. Fats and oils should be
limited because they are high in calories. Sweets are high
in sugar and should only be eaten once in a while.
What is the right number of servings for you?
The Diabetes Food Pyramid gives a range of servings for each group, but it is only a guide.
If you have diabetes, a dietitian can design a specific meal plan for you.
Remember that the number of servings listed is for the entire
day. Since food raises blood sugar levels, it is best to space
servings throughout the day. For example, 4 servings of fruit
might be divided between 3 meals and 1 snack.
Follow a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy foods, and keep physically
active to help control diabetes. If you have diabetes, be
an active member of your diabetes care team: you, your doctor,
dietitian, and other health care providers. This meal planner
gives you only general information. Consult with your diabetes
care team.
Each of the following represents 1
serving from each of the food groups in the Diabetes
Food Pyramid:
Grains, Beans, and Starchy Vegetables:
1 slice of bread; 1/2 small bagel, English muffin, or bun;
1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, rice; 3/4 cup ready-to-eat cereal;
1/2 cup cooked dried beans, corn, peas
Vegetable Group: 1 cup raw
vegetable; 1/2 cup vegetable juice
Fruit Group: 1 medium-size
fresh fruit; 1/2 cup canned fruit; 1/2 cup fruit juice
Milk Group: 1 cup (8 ounces)
milk or yogurt
Meat Group: 2-3 ounces
cooked lean meat, skinless poultry, or fish; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons
peanut butter; 2-3 ounces cheese
Fats, Sweets, and Alcohol:
1 teaspoon butter, margarine, or mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon
cream cheese or salad dressing; 1 tablespoon cream cheese;
1/2 cup ice cream.
