Diabetic
Food
Foods are classified as
"free" for people with diabetes when they do not contribute a
significant amount of carbohydrate to the diet. That is to say
that they provide less than five grams of carbohydrate per
serving, or less than 20 calories.
Foods in the following list that
do not have serving sizes can be consumed freely (for best
blood sugar control spread the intake over the day). Foods
with serving sizes should be limited to no more than three
portions per day.
In terms of snacking, extra salads
usually fit nicely. Otherwise, you may want to consider
high-fiber crackers with lowfat cheese (depending on any
dietary restrictions), or low salt vegetable or tomato juice.
Some people find that high-fiber dry cereals without milk,
small amounts of popcorn, or unsalted pretzels do nicely as
well.
When considering sugar-free candy
and chocolates, one needs to be careful. Some of these foods
are not low-calorie and may offset your dietary goals. Others,
like sugar-free hard suckers in small amounts, may be useful.
You may want to discuss this further with your
dietitian.
Free Foods
Include:
Drinks:
- Bouillon
or broth (fat-free)
- Seltzer
water
- Coffee
or tea
- Diet
soft drinks and teas
Sweet
Substitutes:
- Sugar-free gelatin
- Jam or
jelly (sugar-free, 2-tsp.)
- Whipped
topping (2 tsp.)
Fruit:
- Cranberries or rhubarb, no sugar added (1/2
cup)
Vegetables:
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Peppers
(hot, chile)
- Salad
greens (all types)
- Cilantro
- Onions
- Radishes
- Sugar-free salsa
Condiments:
- Catsup
(1 tbsp.)
- Dill
pickles, unsweetened
- Horseradish
- Mustard
- Taco
sauce (2 tbsp.)
- Calorie-free sugar substitutes
- Hot
sauce
- Salad
dressing (low calorie, 2 tbsp.)
- Vinegar
