Diabetes Diet Resources: 6 Sites For Diabetics' Meal Planning

For people with diabetes, planning healthy meals is not just a good idea; it is a critical factor in the management of their disease. Diabetics face unique food challenges as they strive to balance their blood glucose levels.

Here are six diabetes diet resources that can help diabetics with meal planning:

1. EatingWell: This site offers seven-day diabetes meal plans that adjust for desired calorie intake from 1,200 calories up to 2,000 calories. The menus are easy to read and contain a breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner menu. In addition, each menu dish is linked to a recipe that includes nutritional information and exchanges.

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2. American Diabetes Association: ADA is a comprehensive resource for people with diabetes and the site provides valuable information on everything from signs and symptoms of the disease to treatment options and fitness advice. ADA also provides a free newsletter that provides "Diabetes-friendly recipes and meal plans every month." Recipes come with a grocery list and "tips to adjust carbohydrates & calories to better fit your needs."

3. Mayo Clinic: The Mayo Clinic describes a diabetes diet as medical nutrition therapy and states, "Rather than a restrictive diet, a diabetes diet or MNT is a healthy-eating plan that's naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In fact, a diabetes diet is the best eating plan for most everyone." The site provides lists of recommended foods as well as foods to avoid. Also available are sample menus to show what a daily meal plan should consist of.

4. Lilly Diabetes: This site, which provides a downloadable comprehensive meal-planning guide, reminds diabetics that having the disease does not mean a person has to give up all the foods they enjoy. Included on the site are resources for diabetes education, how to manage blood sugar, a carbohydrate counter, fitness advice and healthy recipes. A list of seasonings to spice up the diet and advice on which spices go best with which foods is also available.

5. Diabetic Living: With easy to understand slideshows, this site provides hints, tips and meal planning advice for diabetics trying to maintain a healthy diet. Some examples include, "23 Easy Plate Method Dinners" and "Tips for Healthy Shopping at the Grocery Store." Also available are topics on the best sweet and low-carb snacks for diabetics.

6. HealthLine: In addition to resources for meal planning, this site also has additional features such as a symptom checker, pill identifier, doctor locator, and more. 

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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