Diabetic Food Vegetarian Recipes

Meal Planning for Vegetarian Diets September 6, 2013 – 10:22

Vegetarians Many people are choosing to follow a vegetarian diet these days. People who follow a vegetarian diet do not eat any meat (meaning no red meat, poultry, seafood, or products made with these foods).

This diet is a healthy option to consider, but it should be well-planned. If you choose to follow a vegetarian diet, be sure to eat a mix of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy products (if you choose to include dairy).

There are many different types of vegetarian diets. The most common types are:

Vegan — This group does not eat meat, eggs, or dairy products.
Lacto-vegetarian — This group does not eat meat or eggs. However, they will eat dairy products.
Lacto-ovo vegetarian — This group does not eat any meat. However, they will eat both dairy products and eggs.

Is it Safe for Someone With Diabetes to Follow a Vegetarian Diet?

Yes! A vegetarian diet is a healthy option, even if you have diabetes. Research supports that following this type of diet can help prevent and manage diabetes. In fact, research on vegan diets has found that carbohydrate and calorie restrictions were not necessary and still promoted weight loss and lowered participants' A1C.

Vegan diets are naturally higher in fiber, much lower in saturated fat, and cholesterol-free when compared to a traditional American diet. The high fiber in this diet may help you feel full for a longer time after eating and may help you eat less over all. When fiber intake is greater than 50 grams per day on a vegan diet, it may help lower blood glucose levels.

This diet also tends to cost less. Meat, poultry, and fish are usually the most expensive foods we eat.

The Vegan Diet

This is also called the total or pure vegetarian diet. Those who follow a vegan diet do not eat any meat or foods made with meat products.

People with diabetes can choose to follow this type of vegetarian diet too. The vegan diet includes a variety of plant-based foods. Eating soy products and a mix of vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains provides plenty of protein and other important nutrients. The main nutrient of concern for this group is vitamin B12, so taking a supplement or multi-vitamin is usually necessary.

Be sure to check out the Key Nutrients page to learn more about vitamin B12.

Next: Protein and Vegetarian Diets

Last Reviewed: August 1, 2013
Last Edited: August 9, 2013

Source: www.diabetes.org

2005-06-05 17:22:46 by brigitte

Laurel's Kitchen

Is my favorite by far of this genre. It is vegetarian, and has extensive nutritional information for vegetarian and vegan diets, including sections covering special health needs for different stages of life (child, adult, old person, athlete, diabetic I think, etc.). It's a wealth of information and the recipe ideas are solid too. The book has a sort of hippie vibe but the information is very scientific and the recipes are pretty conventional.
The Chez Panisse books are not consciously health-food-y, but they also stress fresh, seasonal, local eating which to me is the fundamental requirement for healthy food

2006-10-11 15:05:41 by mirah_music

Menu Update.... Thanks!

I like the idea of setting out plates with all the makings for sandwiches and letting people make them. It seems like everyone will be happier with that. Plus, it's easier for me : )
I agree that its lacking in the veggie department. I found two great looking recipes for prosciutto wrapped asparagus and stuffed tomatos. They both look wonderful! I'm also adding some frech fruit and dip. Maybe some meatballs too. My menu needed quite a few more things so it's no problem to add to it. I'm glad that most diabetics can find things to eat at parties. I was a vegetarian for years so I'm more than happy to accomidate people with special diets

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People who consume animal products are also at increased risk for many other illnesses, including strokes, obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer's, multiple allergies, diabetes, and food poisoning.