We all have learnt in school days about. You must not only vary the composition to make a diet balanced and healthy, but also understand the serving recommended by food pyramid. As adults, people rarely pay as much heed to it if any at all. It is in the interest of all diabetics to thoroughly learn about food groups.
There is a food pyramid that is available specifically for diabetics known as the Diabetes Food Pyramid. It is made up of six food groups just like the standard version. The way the two pyramids differ is that the diabetic version lists foods together that have the same or similar carbohydrate content instead of the regular version that does it by food groups alone. This lay out makes it easier for diabetics to make food choices based on information that can have a negative impact on blood glucose levels.
A large number of Vegetarians eat a larger amount of fruits and vegetables in a day than a non-vegetarian and getting larger fibre intake. An increased quantity of fiber in a diabetic's diet can help blood sugars because it slows down the process of the body digesting carbohydrates. A vegetarian's diet is usually lower in cholesterol as well and it can help ward off cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and strokes.
Some of the differences you will notice are that cheese is placed in the meat group instead of the dairy group as a protein and the serving size will be equivalent to other proteins in the same group. Vegetables like potatoes and corn have an effect on blood sugar levels which is similar to bread and grains. So they are grouped together.
Another difference is the actual serving sizes, especially in the bread and grains group. A diabetic must control the carbohydrate intake at each meal and it has been found that smaller portion sizes are a good way to manage this.
You can get a copy of the Diabetic Food Pyramid from your dietician, doctor, or diabetes educator. It is a good reference material to have on hand when you are planning your meals.
by Laxmi Keshav