Download What is in a food?

Whatisinafood?
Overview
Knowing how to plan
meals is an important part
of managing all types of
diabetes. The type and
amount of foods that are
eaten affects how high
and how fast blood sugar
will rise.
OBJECTIVE: Explain how carbohydrates,
protein and fat affect blood sugar levels
What are the important nutrients in foods?
There are 6 basic types of nutrients found in all foods: 1)
carbohydrates (carbs), 2) proteins, 3) fats, 4) vitamins, 5) minerals
and 6) water. All of these nutrients, eaten in the correct
amounts, are important for good health. Choose foods high in
nutrients and fiber instead of processed foods with added
sodium, fat and sugars. The most important nutrients to
understand are carbs, proteins and fats.
Carbohydrates
Most of the carbs we eat are in the form of starch or sugar. They
make blood sugar levels rise because: 1) they are already in the
form of sugar; or 2) they break down into sugar during digestion.
Foods that contain carbs include breads, cereals, rice, pasta, starchy
vegetables (potatoes, corn, beans and peas), crackers, pretzels,
fruits, milk and desserts/sweets. We should eat 6 or more servings
of the starch group, 3-4 servings of the fruit group and 2-3 servings
of the milk group everyday. These all contain large amounts of
carbs.
Protein
Protein is found in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, milk, nuts and
dried beans. Protein has much less effect on blood sugar levels.
It does not easily turn into sugar. When a food contains protein,
digestion usually occurs more slowly. Blood sugar levels rise more
slowly. We should eat 2-3 servings per day.
Fat
A small amount of fat is needed for good health. Most of us eat
more fat than we need. Fat is found in foods like oil, margarine,
salad dressings, mayonnaise, butter, sour cream, fatty meats,
fried foods, whole milk and cheeses, nuts and seeds. Like protein,
fat does not easily turn into sugar. People with diabetes have an
increased risk for high cholesterol and heart disease. They should
eat small amounts of fat.
70023 Rev. 2/18/14
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Important things to remember
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Everyone with diabetes should have a meal plan. A
dietitian or diabetes educator can help you develop
a plan that works for you.
Eat regular meals and snacks. How often you eat will
depend on your lifestyle and the type of insulin or
diabetes pills you take.
Meals should be about the same size. Spread your
food evenly throughout the day. This will help keep
your blood sugar controlled.
Meals should include a variety of foods from each of
the food groups.
Food portions should be large enough to satisfy you,
but, not so large that they cause you to gain weight.
Choose lean meats, low fat milk and cheeses. Choose
foods that are prepared without frying and served
without a lot of fat.
QUIz
QUESTIONS
1. How many basic types of
nutrients do we get from food?
2. Which of the following
nutrients makes blood sugar
levels go up the most?
a) Protein
b) Fat
c) Carbs
d) All of the above
e) None of the above
3. How much fat should we eat?
How can your doctor help you?
If you are not sure on how to choose healthy foods, your
doctor can refer you to a dietitian or diabetes educator.
Finally, your doctor can inform you of any dietary needs
that you might have (such as low sodium to control high
blood pressure).
ANSWERS
1. 6
2. c
3. small amounts