Please share your experiences and recipes so we can all have a healthy diet. For the most part, those recipes are carb conscious, low fat, high fiber and avoid sugar.

Recipe renovating or recipe makeovers need to consider both the purpose of the . . .

Please share your experiences and recipes so we can all have a healthy diet. For the most part, those recipes are carb conscious, low fat, high fiber and avoid sugar.

Recipe renovating or recipe makeovers need to consider both the purpose of the ingredient and what can truly be changed or eliminated. For instance, a bread recipe using yeast will not work without salt.

Meal planning can be one of the hardest parts of managing diabetes. Look for sugar-free, low-carb and low fat diabetic recipes for beverages, breads, desserts, condiments, side dishes and main dish recipes. Focus on low-fat low-calorie options. Increase your fiber intake and consider eliminating white flour as much as possible from your diet.

Nutrition experts say that there is no one diet for diabetes, but people with diabetes should follow the nutrition guidelines in the Food Pyramid, while paying special attention to carbohydrate intake. People with diabetes should also eat about the same amount of food at the same time each day to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Overall, a nutrition plan for a person with diabetes includes 10 to 20 percent of calories from protein, no more than 30 percent of calories from fats (with no more than 10 percent from saturated fats), and the remaining 50 to 60 percent from carbohydrates. Carbohydrate foods that contain dietary fiber are encouraged, as a high fiber diet has been associated with decreased risks of colon and other cancers. For people with high blood cholesterol levels, lower total fat and saturated fat contents may be recommended. Sodium intake of no more than 3000 mg per day is suggested.

Most sugary foods are high in calories and fat, and low in nutrients. So if the choice is between a cupcake and a pear, the pear is still the smarter food choice. Moderation is the key. If you want to enjoy an occasional cookie, count it as a carb and take a walk around the block to burn off some of the extra calories.

A healthy diabetic diet includes:
Eating a variety of foods as recommended in the Diabetes Food Pyramid to get a balanced intake of the nutrients your body needs - carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Making changes gradually because it takes time to accomplish lasting goals.
Reducing the amount and type of fat you eat by choosing fewer high-fat foods and cooking with less fat.
Making low fat choices in recipes and foods.
Eating more fiber by eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
Make sure bread has at least 3 grams of fiber or more. The higher the fiber the better it will be for your health.
Avoiding unbleached white flour and refined sugar is suggested by some nutritionists.
Eating fewer foods that are high in sugar like fruit juices, fruit-flavored drinks, sodas, and tea or coffee sweetened with sugar.
Looking for 7 grams or less of sugar on a label.
Consider using sugar substitutes like Splenda, Stevia, Sweet-n-Low, Equal and others. Though sugar substitutes have a long history of controversy, the Calorie Control Council of America says people are continually searching for good-tasting, low-calorie products as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Using less salt (sodium) in cooking and at the table. Eat fewer foods that are high in salt, like canned and packaged soups, pickles, and processed meats. Or, look for the lower sodium options currently available at most stores.
Eating smaller portions and never skip meals.
Learning the difference between good carbs and bad carbs.
Learning about the right serving sizes for you.
Learning how to read food labels.
Limiting the use of alcohol.


Make Your Calories Count — interactive learning program that provides consumers with information to help plan a healthful diet while managing calorie intake.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~ear/hwm/labelman.html

Diabetes Food Pyramid
http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/MealPlanner/pyramid.htm

FoodFit.com
http://www.foodfit.com/