Prediabetes Diet Plan

The Prediabetes Diet is recommended for those diagnosed with Prediabetes, with refers to the phase that occurs before a person develops full-blown diabetes. Blood glucose levels are higher than normal but they are not high enough for the person to be classified as diabetic.

Almost 26 million Americans have prediabetes and up to 70 percent of them will eventually become type 2 diabetics. It is also a risk factor for many health problems including:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Amputations
• Kidney failure
• Blindness
• Cancer
• Brain disorders

In The Prediabetes Diet Plan nutritionist, Hilary Wright, lays out a program for getting your blood sugar under control and reversing prediabetes.

Prediabetes Diet Basics

Research shows that when healthy lifestyle changes are implemented in the early stages of prediabetes health risks can be minimized or avoided altogether.

Perhaps the most important issue relates to consuming the right types of carbohydrates in the correct amounts.

Two Approaches for Managing Carbs

You have two options for keeping control of your carbohydrate intake. The approach you choose will depend on whether you are more comfortable making general changes or prefer a structured diet.

1. The Balanced Plate Approach

This method works well for people who are just getting started with healthy eating. For each meal you will compose a plate of:

• 50 percent non-starchy vegetables – helps you feel full, provides more nutrients for less calories, blunts insulin response, reduces the risk of heart disease cancer and many other health problems.
• 25 percent lean protein– include plant sources. Holds hunger at bay for longer.
• 25 percent healthy carbohydrates – Limit fruit intake to one serving at a time – 2 or 3 servings a day.
• A dab of healthy fat – enhances flavor and helps with absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.

2. Carb-Counting Approach

On this plan you figure out your carb budget for the day based on your daily calorie requirements. You then determine how to best distribute them over the day in your meals and snacks.

Regardless of the method you choose the key to success is spreading out your carbohydrate intake into smaller portions over the course of the day. This helps maintain your blood glucose level in a steady range.

There are three days of meal plans for four different calorie levels: 1500, 1700, 2000 and 2300.

Recommended Diabetes Preventing Foods

Chicken breast, turkey breast, fish and seafood, lean meat, fat-free milk, non-fat yogurt, tofu, tempeh, veggie burgers, lentils, chickpeas, black beans, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, whole grain bread, sweet potato, apples, cherries, raspberries, grapefruit, spinach, tomato, lettuce, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil.

Prediabetic Diet Meal Plan

Breakfast 1 cup old-fashioned oats (cook in water) Small banana 12 walnut halves 8 ounces skim milk

Morning Snack ¾ cup cubed pineapple

Lunch Whole wheat pita pocket 2 tablespoons hummus 2 ounces roasted turkey breast ½ cup lettuce 3 slices tomato 1 small apple

Afternoon Snack 2 ounces low-fat cheddar cheese 5 whole wheat crackers

Dinner 4 ounces salmon 2 teaspoons olive oil ½ cup roasted carrots ½ cup steamed broccoli 1 ounce cheddar cheese 2/3 cup brown rice

Exercise Further Prevents Type 2 Diabetes

Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, especially for people with prediabetes. It plays an important role in weight management, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease risk.

Ideally you should do 150 minutes a week of moderate activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous activity.

Moderate exercises consist of brisk walking, cycling, resistance band training or playing tennis. Vigorous activities can include aerobic dancing, swimming laps and weight lifting.

Costs and Expenses

The Prediabetes Diet Plan: How to Reverse Prediabetes and Prevent Diabetes through Healthy Eating and Exercise retails at $15.99.

Available from Amazon →

Pros

• Explains the science of blood glucose regulation and insulin function.
• Includes information about how to test for prediabetes.
• Does not require a strict low carb diet.
• Offers two different approaches for managing carbohydrates in the diet.
• Provides information about nutritional supplements for prediabetes.
• Emphasizes importance of a positive attitude and emotional balance.

Cons

• Only contains three days of meal plans and does not include recipes.
• Some individuals with prediabetes may require assistance from a qualified health professional to effectively manage their condition.
• Requires either calorie counting or portion control.

A Practical Guide to Improve Health

This prediabetes diet offers a practical guide to managing and reversing prediabetes with diet and exercise.

By implementing the recommendations it may be possible to avoid this condition from developing into full blown diabetes. It also can reduce the risk of a variety of other health risks that are associated with prediabetes.