Diabetes can be managed by eating a nutritious diet. If you also one of those diabetics who want to optimize his health with the help of healthy diet, read on. As here you’ll find valuable tips on healthy meals, portion size and foods that are best for the diabetic health. The basic aims of the diabetics’ nutrition program should be to

• Maintain the ideal body weight.
• Support in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.
• Limit the consumption of food that contributes to cardiovascular problems.

Following are few tips to help achieve these aims.

Healthy Meals
It is recommended by American Diabetic Association that the major portion of calories of diabetics should come from good carbohydrates like those found in fruits, vegetables and whole grain. American Diabetic Association states this more exactly by explaining the portions of one meal. Diabetic should fill

¼ plate with starches or grains (corn, potatoes, rice)

¼ plate with proteins (lean meat, fish)

½ plate with non starchy vegetables (salad, tomatoes, broccoli)

This plate should be accompanied by a fruit or a glass of milk. This meal plan will help in maintaing the steady blood sugar levels and will fulfill the nutritional needs as well.

Take Smaller Meals Frequently
Doctors are of the view that diabetics should eat frequently smaller meals evenly spread throughout the day. This contradicts the previous thoughts of healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Now it is recommended that for a diet comprising of 2400 calories, the diabetics must take three 600 calorie meals and two 300 calorie snacks. Smaller meals helps to supply the constant energy to the body, this keeps the blood sugar stable. Frequent and smaller meals also prevent acid reflux and overeating.

Low Cholesterol Diet
Diabetics are at higher risk of cardiovascular problems compared to non diabetics. The diabetics should choose the food keeping a close eye on the health of their heart. It is recommended that cholesterol and saturated fats should be reduced in the diet plans. These saturated fats should be replaced with unsaturated fats. The example of saturated fats is dairy products, hydrogenated vegetable oil and fatty meats. The examples of unsaturated fats are nuts, olive oil, canola, safflower and sunflower oil. It is better to read thoroughly the label of the packaged product before buying it. Remember to consult your doctor before starting any new nutritional program. The doctor is in a better position of deciding the diet plan for you keeping in account your medical record, family history and your physical activity level.