The diabetes chart is actually very similar to the overall healthy eating food pyramid, in as such that it is presented in the same way. Simply put, this particular chart that is suggested for use by diabetics is about understanding how to have a balance of foods that are good for you, and which ones are not. When you were first diagnosed with diabetes, you will probably have had to learn about the sugar factor, and it is likely that you have struggled to understand that for a while, but you got there in the end. The diabetic food chart is just the same.
Understanding the Diabetes Chart:
Basically, there is a simple and painless process. The top of the chart shows the foods you should avoid as much as possible. These include high fat and high sugar foods. At the bottom of the chart, you will see the foods that are good for you, meaning you can eat them without creating a problem in your blood sugar level. That really is all there is to it.
What Can and Can't You Have?
There are a number of basic rules when it comes to the diabetes food chart. These are:
– No more than three glass of non-fat milk per day
– No more than two to three meat servings per day. Try to have fish and chicken as much as possible.
– Eat as much grain foods, vegetables, and fruits as you want. This is the bottom group of the chart, meaning it is the group that you cannot only have as much as you like, but that will actually help you to fight the disease itself. Try, therefore, to have at least three servings per day of fruits that are contained in this groups. Grains and vegetables in particular, are Mother Nature's gift to people who are diabetics. Hence, try to have at least five servings of these portions every day to help you break down your glucose and thereby also avoid diabetic coma.
Implementing the Diabetes Chart:
The best thing about this chart for diabetics is that it is designed to make your life easier. You have a simple visual reminder in front of you with six food groups and categories that ensure you have a true picture of what you should eat and what you should take it easy on. It really is very easy to use, therefore.
Diabetics should have a copy of the diabetes chart, as it ensures that they know exactly what they can and cannot eat on a daily basis. What it really teaches you, as well, is that the three ingredients in a diabetic's diet should be beans, starchy vegetables, and whole grains. Follow this with plenty of vegetables and fruits, in the right portions, and have some healthy proteins in your diet as well, and you will be able to even treat yourself to a bit of red meat every once in a while. But avoid sweets, sugars, oils, and fats as much as possible.