Type 2 Diabetes What Causes Diabetes? Insulin Resistance Signs of Diabetes Hypoglycemia Hyperglycemia Diabetes Treatment Glycemic Index Diabetic Recipes Canine Diabetes Feline Diabetes Articles Library	Diabetes Food Pyramid - Food Groups and Sample Serving Sizes The Diabetes Food Pyramid is a tool to help visualize the number of servings from each food grouping you would aim for in a healthy diet. The top of the pyramid represents fewer servings, while the bottom of the pyramid -- the widest part -- represents a larger number of servings. The Diabetes Food Pyramid groups foods according to their carbohydrate and protein content instead of the better-known "food groups." For example, cheese is a protein rather than a dairy product (as in the regular Food Guide Pyramid). Serving portions are also different because they are based on carbohydrates per serving. Breads, Grains and Other Starches: 6 to 11 servings per day. Included in this group: bread, oats, rye, cereals, rice, pasta, plus starchy vegetables like corn, peas, and potatoes. Sample serving sizes: 1 slice of bread 1 oz. bagel (approximately 1/4 of an average-sized bagel) 3/4 cup dry cereal 1/2 cup cooked cereal 1/3 cup pasta or rice 1/2 cup potato Vegetables (3 to 5 servings) and Fruits (2 to 4 servings). Included in this group: most vegetables and fruits. The exceptions are starchy items like potatoes and corn, which belong in the Starches group. Sample serving sizes: 1/2 cup cooked veggies, or 1 cup raw 1 small piece of fruit 1 cup of melon 2 tablespoons of dried fruit 1/2 cup of canned fruit. Milk and Diary Products (2 to 3 servings, with an emphasis on low-fat products). Included in this group: milk, yogurt. Cheese is not a part of this group, but rather included in the Meat group due to its protein content. Sample serving sizes: 1 cup of skim milk 1 cup of yogurt. Meats and Meat Substitutes (4 to 6 ounces - emphasis on lean meats) Included in this group: beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, cheese, cottage cheese, peanut butter, and dried beans. Sample serving sizes (1 ounce, approximately the size of a deck of cards): 1 ounce of any meat (try to aim for lean meats like skinless chicken breasts and fish) 1 egg 1 tablespoon of peanut butter 1/2 cup of tofu 1/4 cup of cottage cheese. Fats, sweets, and alcohol (consume sparingly). Included in this group: treats like potato chips, cookies, candy, cakes, etc. Also includes alcohol and oil (including that which you use in cooking). Sample serving sizes: Two small cookies 1/2 cup of ice cream. The Diabetes Food Pyramid is only a guideline. As a part of your diabetes treatment plan, consult with a dietician to develop an individualized eating plan with appropriate portion sizes.     The information on this website is based on our own research and personal experience, and is not a substitute for medical advice. Questions about your health and individual situation should be directed to your doctor.
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