2000 Calorie Diabetic Diet

Diabetes is a health disorder affecting people of all ages and is more common in overweight people. It occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin (a hormone that converts sugar, starch and other food in to energy), resulting in abnormal blood sugar levels in the body. Diabetics with high blood sugar levels are at a risk of having serious health disorders like kidney, nerve or eye damage. Since obesity is one of the main cause of diabetes, weight loss is one common factor that most diabetics have to work on. Along with exercise, another effective way to lose weight and control the blood sugar levels in the body is to follow a healthy calorie diabetic diet plan.

Considering the weight one needs to shed off, a diet is recommended hence obese diabetics need to follow a diet that will help them shed weight as well as control their blood sugar levels. 2000 calories diabetic diet is a healthy diet comprising all the food groups and is low in calories and fat. The cornerstone of a 2000 calorie diet for diabetics is monitoring the carbohydrate intake carefully and eating every food in right proportion. Depending upon the diabetic exchange and carbohydrates intakes 2000 calorie diet for diabetes is based on a diet plan that has a ratio of 50 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent fats and 20 percent proteins. Since it is not healthy to cut down calorie intake too drastically at once, 2000 calorie diabetic diet restricts to 2000 calories per day and so it is not very difficult to follow.

Diet Plan

The diet plan should comprise whole grains like brown rice, corn, rolled oats, and whole-wheat grain or flour, having all three parts of the grains (the inner germ, the middle endosperm, and the outer bran covering). Avoid sugar, artificial sweeteners and fast foods like burgers, pastries, candies, pizzas, etc, and make healthy food selections like fruits, green vegetables, low fat dairy products, low fat meats, fish and skinless poultry. Keeping the diabetic diet menu simple and planning the diet menu for next day in advance will help you by having enough fresh and low fat foods around.

Diet Menu

Breakfast: 2 slices of bread, 2 rice cakes or ½ cup pasta, 1 cup skimmed milk or a cup sugar-free yogurt, 1 egg (boiled or poached or scrambled) and 1 serving of one's favorite fruit. Or one can have a sandwich with the margarine spread on it and egg can be substituted by 2 slices of bacon.

Lunch: A bowl of pasta, 2 servings of your favorite vegetables and a meat product, like chicken or turkey. Or the pasta can be substituted with a cup of cooked brown rice, 2 to 3 slices of bread and fish, too, can be considered for lunch, for it is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

Afternoon Snack: A fruit, 2 to 3 saltines or crackers, a small helping of cheese and ½ a cup of tea or coffee made with artificial sweetener can be had for snacks.

Dinner: 3 servings of meat or fish, like salmon or tuna (baked or roasted), ½ baked potato or 2 to 3 slices of bread, 2 helpings of vegetables; and a fruit. For nightcap, 1 cup of milk accompanied by cheese or a few saltiness.

2000 calorie diabetic diet plan is a healthy combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fat and fiber. However, before opting this diet plan, consult your dietitian so that considering your health, age and nutritional requirements he can provide you with the best diet plan. Drinking enough fluids up to 2 to 3 liters of water or juices and following a regular exercise program will help you to get best results and stay healthy in the long run.