Diabetes Food Pyramid was designed by the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association. Unlike the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, diabetic food pyramid guide you with group of foods based on their carbohydrate and protein content because these foods affect blood glucose levels, which is indeed the primary concern to people with diabetes. You may find differences like potatoes and other starchy vegetables in the grains, beans and starchy vegetables group instead of the vegetables group, cheese is in the meat group instead of the milk group.
A serving of pasta or rice is 1/3 cup in the Diabetes Food Pyramid and ½ cup in the USDA pyramid. Fruit juice is ½ cup in the Diabetes Food Pyramid and ¾ cup in the USDA pyramid. This difference is to make the carbohydrate about the same in all the servings listed.
Grains and Starches
Situated at the base of the pyramid, these are foods contain mostly carbohydrates. Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta are food in this group mostly made of grains, such as wheat, rye, and oats. Starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and peas also belong to this group, along with dry beans such as black eyed peas and pinto beans. Starchy vegetables and beans are in this group because they have about as much carbohydrate in one serving as a slice of bread. As for beans and starches, they are group together because they affect blood glucose in the same way.
Recommended serving: 6 -11 servings per day.
Vegetables
Vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and naturally all of them are low in fat. Vegetables that should be at the top of your food list should be dark green and deep yellow vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, romaine lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, chilies and peppers. Try to get fresh or frozen vegetables rather than canned vegetables because they have less sauces, fats and salt added.
Recommended serving: 3 - 5 servings per day.
Fruits
Fruits are fabulous because they provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fruits also contain carbohydrates. Most dietitians recommend consuming whole fruits rather than juices because of the fiber contained. Avoid fruits and fruit juices that contain sweeteners or syrups added. This group includes blackberries, grapefruit and tangerines, cantaloupe, strawberries, oranges, apples, bananas, peaches, pears, and apricots.
Recommended serving: 2 - 4 servings per day.
Milk
Milk products contain a lot of protein and calcium as well as many other vitamins. When looking at milk or yogurt, try to choose low-fat or nonfat milk products for the great taste and nutrition without the saturated fat.
Recommended serving: 2 - 3 servings per day.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Includes in these group are beef, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, dried beans, cheese, cottage cheese and peanut butter. Meat and meat substitutes are great sources of protein and many vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists usually recommend fish and poultry over red meat, because it's less fatty. Keep your portion sizes small and trim away all the visible fat off meat. Baking, roasting or grilling is preferable to frying.
Recommended serving: 2 - 3 servings per day.
Sweets, Fats and Alcohol
Sitting at the very top of the pyramid simply means that your body should have smaller amounts of them. Your body needs fat for some things, but it's smart to avoid eating too much of it. And although sugary foods like candy and cookies are simple carbohydrates that can give you quick energy, they are usually loaded with calories and don't offer much in the way of nutrients. In the right amount, though, fats, alcohol and sweets can spike up the flavor in meals and snacks.
Recommended serving: Use them sparingly. In other words, eat only a little bit and don't eat them very often.
By following the Diabetic Food Pyramid Guide, you'll be sure to live a healthy lifestyle.
