Although diabetes dietary recommendations in the UK vary somewhat, the American Diabetes Association focus on something called the Diabetes Food Pyramid.
The ADA Diabetes Food Pyramid clearly groups foods depending their protein and carbohydrate content.
They then advise which foods to focus on at which concentration, with the most regularly eaten food forming the wide base of the pyramid and those foods that should be eaten less regularly forming to top.
According to the ADA website, the following servings per day should be eaten by people with diabetes.
- Grains and starches – RDA 6 to 11 servings per day. Including bread, cereal, rice, and pasta.
- Vegetables – RDA 3 to 5 servings per day. Including spinach, chicory, sorrel, Swiss chard, broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.
- Fruit – RDA 2 to 4 servings per day. Including blackberries, cantaloupe, strawberries, oranges, apples, bananas, peaches, pears, apricots, and grapes.
- Milk – RDA 2 to 3 servings per day. Low- or non-fat milk or dairy alternatives.
- Meat and meat substitutes – 4 to 6 ounces per day, divided between meals. Meat replacements include tofun, eggs, dried beans, cheese, cottage cheese, and nut butters.
- Fats, sweets, and alcohol – Rare/Never/Special treats – Potato chips, candy, cookies, cakes, crackers, and fried foods belong to this group.
