This is the approach that we all were given when first diagnosed with diabetes. Typically, we were told to walk a minimum of 30 minutes a day at least 3 days a week. We were instructed to limit carbohydrate intake to 45-60 grams per meal, with 3 servings of 15 grams each, for a total of 135-180 grams per day. We were also told that after a time diet and exercise would not be enough, that we’d probably need to take oral medications and, eventually, insulin. Here’s what our plate looked like:

Image credit http://getloss.com/weight-loss/diet/1800-calorie-meal-plan.html

Approach	Standard ADA Recommendations
Major Proponents	American Diabetes Association
Lifestyle Required	May be non-vegetarian or vegetarian/vegan
Description	Moderate-carbohydrate (about 45% of calories come from carbohydrate), 10% of calories from saturated fat, and focus on healthy or “good” fat sources (“Good fats” include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) 300 mg of cholesterol per day 25 grams of dietary fiber per day 2300 mg of sodium or less per day
Rationale	Having diabetes should not prevent you from enjoying a wide variety of foods.
Calories	Uses 2010 US Dietary Guidelines for Americans calorie chart (http://www.diabetes.org/assets/pdfs/food/calorie-intake-chart.pdf)
Macronutrient Percentages	10% fat, 45% carbs, 45% protein
Carbohydrates	45-60 grams per meal, 135-180 grams per day 15-20 grams per serving
Fats	Allowed: Monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids. Less than 10% of calories from saturated fat (20 grams/day) Not allowed: Saturated fat, trans fat (hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oil), cholesterol Reference: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/making-healthy-food-choices/fats-and-diabetes.html?loc=ff-slabnav
Protein (meat, eggs, dairy)	Lean meat Eggs Dairy, but recommends fat-free or low-fat.
Fiber	25-30 grams/day
Fruits	All fruit, unsweetened
Grains	Choose whole grains. Leave the processed white flour-based products, especially the ones with added sugar.
Legumes	You can’t find better nutrition than that provided by beans.
Vegetables	The best choices are fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables and vegetable juices without added sodium, fat, or sugar.
Processed Foods	Minimize
Exercise	30 min/day at least 6 days, or 3 hr/week
Water	8 glasses/day
Information & Resources	http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/?loc=ff-slabnav

References:

Are Carbs the Enemy?
The debate over eating and diabetes
http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2011/mar/are-carbs-the-enemy.html

Create Your Plate
http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/diabetes-food-pyramid.html

Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295

How Diabetes Works
http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diabetes.htm

How to Manage Diabetes with a “Carbohydrate-Friendly” Diet
http://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/diet-restrictions#1

Understanding Carbohydrates
Official ADA website
http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/

Additional resources in Books, Movies, and Videos.

• Standard American Diet (SAD)
• American Diabetes Association (ADA)
• Low-carb, high-fat, moderate protein (LCHF)
• High-carb, low/no-fat, vegan (“plant-based”)
• What Can I Eat?
• Why Can’t I Eat Low-carb AND Low-fat?
• References to Diabetes Diets