When one has been diagnosed with diabetes, the first question that comes to mind is about the foods to include and avoid in the diet. Following a healthy diet will help one eat better, control weight, manage diabetes better, and improve the quality of life. On receiving a diagnosis for diabetes, doctors will provide a detailed chart about what and what not to eat. One can use this as a guide for making healthy food choices.

A healthy diabetic meal plan should have the following, irrespective of the cuisine.

• Fruits and vegetables
• Lean protein foods
• Less added sugar
• No trans fats

Many diabetic-friendly recipes combine the finest local ingredients with different flavors. By being adventurous and trying out new recipes, one can include filling meals and snacks without compromising on the taste. Here are a few foods vital to a diabetes diet:

1. Fiber
One’s meal plan should include foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and a lot of fiber to help manage diabetes effectively.

2. Non starchy veggies
One’s plate should also include non-starchy vegetables. Non-starchy vegetables satisfy one’s appetite and are a great option for managing diabetes. Vegetables are also full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals. They have very few calories and carbohydrates as well.

3. No added salt or sugar
Always choose to eat fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables and vegetable juices without added sodium, fat, or sugar. It is best to consume at least 3–5 servings of vegetables in a day; of this, one serving of vegetables is equivalent to half a cup of cooked vegetables and one cup of raw vegetables.

4. Fresh fruits
Just like vegetables, fruits are also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. As most foods contain carbohydrates, it should be made as part of a diabetic meal plan. Enjoying a piece of fresh fruit or fruit salad for dessert could greatly satisfy one’s sweet tooth and also provide the extra nutrition that one would need. Ensure to choose fresh fruits and if one buys frozen or canned fruits, remember to choose those without any added sugar. Fruits can be eaten as a substitute for other carbohydrate sources in the diabetic meal plan such as starches, grains, or dairy.

5. Protein rich foods
Protein foods are also an important part of a healthy diabetic meal plan which can be achieved by adding lean meat, fish, and cheese, chicken, and soy products. Some plant-based proteins also provide the necessary nutrients for a person with diabetes. Dairy choices are a great way to get the necessary calcium and high-quality proteins.

6. Consult with your doctor
One should always make changes to their diet after consulting their doctor or dietician. These specialists will check one’s medical history and only make recommendations based on the same and ask one to include foods and drinks that can help manage diabetes effectively.