Carbohydrate Counting Diet
Carbohydrates a very big impact on blood glucose levels as they are converted to sugar
by the body in the process of turning the food into energy. Too many carbohydrate
servings can increase blood sugar levels. It is important for a diabetic to control the
Carbohydrate Counting Diet
number of carbohydrates that are eaten at each meal and balance the carbohydrates with
protein while limiting fat intake.
In this type of meal plan foods are grouped into three different categories: carbohydrates,
Carbohydrate Counting Diet
proteins, and fats. The majority of foods that you eat contain carbohydrates and this will
be the largest food group. Foods in this group include
* Grains breads, crackers, rice, cereal, pasta
* Dairy milk, yogurt
* Vegetables that are considered starchy corn, peas, and potatoes
be the largest food group. Foods in this group include
* The rest of the vegetable family
* Fruit, including fruit juices
* Desserts and other treats chosen in limited amounts
be the largest food group. Foods in this group include
This diet will require you to measure your foods for serving sizes and read food labels to
determine how many servings are carbohydrates it should be counted as. It is standard to
consider 15 grams of carbohydrates as one serving. For instance, if you are having
be the largest food group. Foods in this group include
crackers as a snack and are allowed one serving of carbohydrates you would look at the
food label to figure out how many crackers you can have. If the serving size is 20
crackers and that equals 30 grams of carbohydrates, for a diabetic that would be
be the largest food group. Foods in this group include
considered two servings. In this example, you would half the serving size and eat 10
crackers to equal 15 grams of carbohydrates.
After some time and experience you will become adept at counting carbohydrates and
be the largest food group. Foods in this group include
knowing what foods work well with your blood glucose levels and what ones dont. No
two diabetics respond the same way to every food, you will need to learn what your own
ideal diabetic diet is.