Diabetic Diet Food List

Living with diabetes is not necessarily about what you can go through life eating and not eating, but rather, how much of a certain food you can enjoy before problems arise.

Eating healthy

As with any diet, there are certain foods that make good choices. Vegetables are welcome in every program; for diabetics, it it especially important that vegetables are included in meals as non-starchy varieties have little to no effect on blood sugar. Choosing dark green, leafy vegetables are best for diabetics since they are loaded with vitamins and nutrients, and they are so low in calories that it is impossible to eat too much.

Eating in moderation

Leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, kale and spinach, are among the exceptions when it comes to eating as much as you want without gaining weight. Nearly every other food, even the the most healthiest, is consumed in moderation to avoid packing on the pounds. Whole grains, lean meats, fish, dried beans and non-fat milk are all recommended food choices for diabetics, but eating too much of any, or all, of these foods leads to excess weight gain, which in turn can cause complications with the disease.

Eating "super foods"

Doctors have identified several "super foods", which they describe as having a low glycemic index, while providing the nutrients many diabetics need to lead a healthy life. Some of these "super foods" are sweet potatoes, tomatoes, nuts and yogurt. Again, even though these foods help maintain a target blood-sugar level, eating them in excess, especially nuts, causes weight gain.

Diabetes does not have to run your life. By watching what you eat and the volume of what you eat, you can ensure that your blood sugar levels stay steady.

Doctors have identified several "super foods"

by Samantha Stewart, Food & Grocery writer