Simplify Meal Planning with the Diabetes Plate Method
To better manage your blood glucose (blood sugar), eat at regular times and give your body two to three hours between meals to allow your blood glucose to lower to a desirable level before you eat your next meal.
There are seven recognized meal patterns that are recommended for people with diabetes. Work with your health care team to identify the right pattern for you.
Simplify Meal Planning with the Diabetes Plate
The Diabetes Plate is the easiest way to create healthy meals that can help manage blood glucose. You can create perfectly portioned meals with a healthy balance of non-starchy vegetables, protein, and quality carbohydrates—without any counting, calculating, weighing, or measuring. All you need is a nine-inch plate! The Diabetes Plate can be used with any of the seven recognized meal patterns.
Tips for Healthy Snacking
Healthy snacks can be part of your meal plan and help with hunger management between meals. Before you reach for a snack, figure out if you are hungry or thirsty (sometimes being thirsty can make your body think it’s hungry). If thirsty, drink water or a zero-calorie beverage. This can help prevent adding more calories to your day.
When you do select a snack, choose healthy options that offer a combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, with or without carbohydrates. Some good options are:
- Fruit with cheese or nuts
- Hummus or guacamole with carrots or celery
- Nut butter with apple slices or celery
