Diabetic Diet, 1,500 Calorie

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

If you are both diabetic and overweight, your doctor may recommend a diet that limits your intake to 1,500 calories a day. To keep blood sugar levels under control, a diabetic diet strikes a balance among the carbohydrates, fats, and protein you take in. In addition, a 1,500-calorie diabetic diet restricts calories and fat.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

A sample 1,500 calorie diet is listed below. You can exchange or trade one food for another from the same food group. For example, you can choose 1 slice of bread instead of 3/4 cups of dry cereal, or a potato instead of a dinner roll. For other alternatives, see the lists under "Diabetic Exchange Diet."

BREAKFAST Food Groups

• 2 breads or starches, such as 3/4 cup (6 ounces) corn flakes and 1 slice toast
• 1 fruit, such as 1 small (5-inch) banana or 1/2 of a 9-inch banana
• 1 milk, such as 1 cup skim or 1 cup 1 percent milk
• 1 fat, such as 1 tsp. margarine

LUNCH Food Groups

• 2 ounces meat or protein, such as 2 ounces sliced turkey breast
• 2 breads or starches, such as 2 slices bread
• 1 vegetable, such as 1 lettuce leaf and 2 tomato slices
• 1 fat, such as 1 tsp. regular mayonnaise or 2 tsp. low-fat mayonnaise

AFTERNOON SNACK Food Groups

• 1 milk, such as 1 cup (8 ounces) skim or 1 cup 1 percent milk
• 1 vegetable, such as 1 cup carrot sticks
• 1 fat, such as 2 Tbs. fat-free salad dressing (can use with carrot sticks)

DINNER Food Groups

• 3 ounces meat or protein, such as 3 ounces lean roast beef
• 2 starches, such as one 3-inch baked potato and 1 medium (2-1/2 inch) dinner roll
• 1 fat, such as 1 tsp. margarine
• 2 vegetables, such as 1 cup (8 ounces) cooked mixed vegetables
• 1 fruit, such as 1-1/4 cups fresh strawberries

EVENING SNACK Food Groups

• 1 bread, such as three 2-1/2 inch square graham crackers
• 1 meat or meat substitute, such as 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese

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