1800 Calorie Diabetic Diet Plan

Diabetes is a very serious health disorder that changes the lifestyle of a person. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body cells to absorb the glucose produced in the body. This glucose is used to generate energy required for daily activities. In diabetic patients, the body does not produce enough amount of insulin or does not produce insulin at all and hence, leads to accumulation of glucose in the blood. This causes a number of health problems and it is necessary to control the blood sugar level.

1800 Calorie Diet Plan for Diabetics

Diabetics need to give special attention to their diet, because they need to control their weight by reducing the intake of carbohydrates and fats. 1800 calorie diabetic diet plan is specially designed for diabetics, where the calorie intake is restricted to 1800 calories a day. It is one of the most effective diabetic diet plans, and helps diabetic people to reduce their calories. Even many dietitians and physicians refer such a diet plan to diabetic patients. This diet plan is designed according to the food pyramid. 1500 calorie diabetic diet plan and 1200 calorie diabetic diet plan, are two more such diet plans, where the calorie intake is restricted to 1500 calories/day and 1200 calories/day respectively.

Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose in our body. So, restricting carbohydrate intake does not mean completely avoiding carbohydrates. In fact, half of the calories gained by following the 1800 calorie diabetic diet plan, comes from carbohydrates and remaining comes from proteins and fats. However, you need to keep a count on carbohydrate intake. Before starting with this diet plan, you should be aware of the calories that various food items contain. Beans, chicken, beef are rich sources of proteins and contain 200 calories/serving. Potatoes, pastas and whole grain bread that are starch sources, contain 80 calories/serving. Fruits have approximately 60 calories/serving, while raw vegetables have 25 calories for one cup serving and cooked/boiled vegetables have 25 calories for half cup serving. A proper selection of the food for your diet plan will definitely succeed you in controlling the blood sugar level. Eat foods that have low glycemic index. Do not cut down your meals and have regular three meals a day, along with 2-3 snacks in between the meals. Count on the calories as you eat your food and see, that it does not exceed 1800 calories. Just a proper diet plan is not enough for controlling your blood sugar level. You also need to exercise at the same time. You should exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Walking exercise is the best exercise one can follow for burning calories. Exercise will not only help you control your blood sugar level but also help to avoid other health problems like high blood pressure and heart related problems.

Sample 1800 Calorie Diet Plan for Diabetes

For successful control of blood sugar level with the help of 1800 calorie diabetic diet plan, a proper planning of the food items to be consumed, is necessary. Here is a sample diet plan for a day that can help you design your own 1800 calorie diet plan.

Breakfast

Food Items	Calories
Cantaloupe (1 slice)	65
Whole grain toast (1) along with margarine (1 tbsp)	130
Boiled eggs (2)	150

Morning Snack

Food Items	Calories
Apple	81
Yogurt (low fat)	50

Lunch

Food Items	Calories
Green salad that includes cucumbers, carrots, etc	100
Vinegar with olive oil (1 tbsp)	119
Chicken sliced breast (½, not roasted)	143

Afternoon Snack

Food Items	Calories
Almonds (12)	100
A cup of coffee	5

Dinner

Food Items	Calories
Broiled salmon with lemon (4 oz)	371
Cooked rice (1 cup)	166
Asparagus (steamed)	31
Yams (baked/boiled)	158

Snack After Dinner
Now, you are left with approximately 126 calories for snack after dinner. You can consume any low fat, low glycemic index food items or snacks that will complete your 1800 calorie diet plan. Ensure that you drink enough water (8 glasses every day) during the diet plan.

So, if you are suffering from diabetes, then follow a 1800 calorie diet plan using diabetic diet recipes. Please consult your dietitian and physician before starting this diet plan, because every person has different nutritional needs and hence the diet plan differs from person to person.