Food List for Diabetics

Whole Grains

• Whole grains are beneficial and essential for a diabetic diet. Excellent sources of whole grains include brown rice, rye, legumes, wheat, and oats. These foods are a good source of complex high-fiber carbohydrates, which helps prevent high blood sugar. Refined carbohydrates, such as white rice and bread, should be avoided. Two to three servings of whole grains should be integrated into a diabetic diet.
  
  

Vegetables

• Fresh vegetables should be a daily part of a diabetic's diet. Cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes, and broccoli are all excellent choices for daily consumption. Avoid canned vegetables, which include added sodium, and instead opt for fresh, steamed, or grilled vegetables. Three to five servings per day is recommended for diabetics.
  
  

Dairy

• Dairy foods are an excellent source of calcium and should implemented daily into the diabetic diet. Good sources of dairy are cottage cheese, low fat milk, low fat yogurt, and sugar free ice cream. Avoid whole milk and any dairy that is not reduced or fat free. Consume two to three servings of dairy per day.
  
  

Meats

• Meats are high in protein which is necessary for diabetics. However, there are meats, such as fried chicken, ribs, and bacon, that should avoided at all costs. Healthy choices of meat for the diabetic, include skinless turkey or chicken, turkey bacon, and reduced fat strips of sirloin. At least two to three servings of meat should be consumed daily.
  
  

Seafood

• Tuna, lobster, shrimp, cod, and shrimp are all appropriate foods for diabetics. Avoid any fried seafood, and instead choose broiled, baked, or grilled. Seafood provides protein and omega 3 fatty acids. Seafood may be substituted for meats a few times a week, with two to three daily servings.
  
  

Fruit

• Fruit is a good source of vitamins, potassium, and fiber. Apples, bananas, plums, oranges, peaches, and grapes are all beneficial to diabetics. However, since fruits contain more carbohydrates than vegetables and lean meats, the peels of apples and grapes should be eaten to ensure slower digestion, that in turn will help to keep blood sugar regulated. Avoid fruits that are canned, as they usually contain too much heavy syrup and sugar; two to three servings of fruit daily is ideal.
  
  

Beverages and Snacks

• As with food, beverages and snacks containing sugar and refined carbohydrates should be avoided altogether. Healthy snacks and beverages for diabetics include water, sugar free fruit juice, and lemonade. Baked potato chips, peanuts, and almonds are an adequate snack for diabetics, as long as the snacks are limited to no more than one to two servings per day.