Type 2 Diabetes Diet - One Day Meal Plan Suggestions

This sample type 2 diabetes diet plan is around 1710 calories, and provides 1454 mg of sodium.  (Type 2 Diabetics should maintain a lower sodium diet, striving to stay under 1500 mg per day.) This meal plan provides 7 servings of protein, 4 servings of grains, 7 servings of vegetables, 2 servings of fruit, 2 servings of dairy, and 4 servings of fats & oils (with emphasis on healthy fats).  If you find that you need to add more dairy to your diet, you can do so by drinking at least 1 glass of low fat milk or almond milk with your meals. This level of caloric intake is sufficient for those who are less active and wish to maintain current weight.

Breakfast: Scrambled Egg with Spinach, Feta Cheese, Tomato, and Mushrooms in a grilled Whole Wheat Lavash Wrap and ½ cup of Ripe Avocado Cubes 1 Cup Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, and/or Blackberries)

456 Calories, 498 mg Sodium, 41g of Carbohydrates, 1 serving of Grains, 1 serving of Protein, 1 serving of Dairy, 1 serving of Fruit, 2 servings of Vegetables, 1 serving of Grains, 1 serving of Fats & Oils

Nutrition Spotlight: 

Recent scientific studies show that skipping the first meal of the day is associated with irregular blood glucose numbers.  To help control your Diabetes, always make breakfast a priority! 3

Snack 1: 1/3 cup of Cottage Cheese and with 1 Cup of Assorted Fresh Cut Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber Sticks, Bell Peppers, Raw Zucchini, etc!) + ¼ cup Dry Roasted, Unsalted Almonds

332 Calories, 426mg of Sodium, 15g of Carbohydrates, 1 serving Vegetables, 1 servings Protein, 1 serving of Dairy

Nutrition Spotlight:  Studies have shown that almonds lower postprandial serum glucose responses and reduce hunger when eaten as a snack between meals.4 

Snack 2:  ½ cup Black Bean Salad with 2 unsalted Brown Rice Cakes 

137 Calories, 15mg of Sodium, 26g of Carbohydrates, 1 serving of Vegetables, 1 serving of Protein, 1 serving of Grains, 1 serving of Fats & Oils

Nutrition Spotlight: Black beans are a good choice for a snack in between meals because they are high in protein and fiber, which stabilize blood sugar and prevent spikes and crashes.  Fiber also creates a feeling of fullness to keep hunger pangs at bay until dinnertime.6

Dinner: Oven Roasted Apricot Stuffed Turkey Breast, Roasted Green Vegetable Medley, ½ cup Cooked Quinoa

428 calories, 275mg of sodium, 37g of Carbohydrates, 2 serving of Protein, 1 serving of Vegetables, 1 serving of Grains, 1 serving of Fats

Nutrition Spotlight: Diets high in vegetables like those in this recipe are associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.7

Sources:

1 Dangi-Garimella, Surabhi, PhD. "New Studies Affirm Mediterranean Diet's Potential for Patient Self-Management, Prevention of T2DM." AJMC (2014): n. pag. 17 Mar. 2014. Web. 

2"Diabetes Diet." University of Maryland Medical Center. Ed. Harvey Simon, MD,.University of Maryland Medical Center, 25 May 2012. Web.

3 Jakubowicz, Daniela et al. "Diabetes Care." Fasting Until Noon Triggers Increased Postprandial Hyperglycemia and Impaired Insulin Response After Lunch and Dinner in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. American Diabetes Association, 28 July 2015. Web. 

4 Tan, S Y, and R D Mattes. “Appetitive, Dietary and Health Effects of Almonds Consumed with Meals or as Snacks: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.”European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 67.11 (2013): 1205–1214. PMC. Web. 6 Dec. 2015.

5 Hensrud, Donald, MD. "Nutrition and Healthy Eating." Olive Oil: What Are the Health Benefits? Mayo Clinic, 25 Feb. 2014. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/food-and-nutrition/faq-20058439

6 "5 Healthy Snacks for People With (or Without) Diabetes." Health. Health Magazine, n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2015. .

7 Dominguez, Ligia J. et al. “Association of a Dietary Score with Incident Type 2 Diabetes Diet: The Dietary-Based Diabetes-Risk Score (DDS).” Ed. Manlio Vinciguerra. PLoS ONE 10.11 (2015): e0141760. PMC. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.