| The basic principle behind a calorie controlled diabetic | | | | calories. |
| diet is of course controlling your daily calorie intake. A | | | | There is no big secret to these diabetic diet plans |
| 1200-1600 calorie diet is based around consuming no | | | | other than eating a healthy balanced diet. A diabetic |
| more than those calories per day. The benefits of | | | | controlled diet is all to do with maintaining a balance of |
| these diabetic diets is that they give you the | | | | carbohydrates, fat and protein that you consume in |
| opportunity to control your sugar levels in your blood | | | | your 1200 - 1600 calorie plan. For diabetics it is advised |
| stream, this in turn will give you better control over | | | | to break your meals into 4 to 6 small snacks and |
| your weight and reduce any heart complaints. The | | | | meals. |
| 1200-1600 daily calorie diets are aimed at small women | | | | 6 serving of starches |
| who exercise, small or medium-sized women who | | | | 2 servings of milk and yoghurt |
| want to lose weight, and medium women who do not | | | | 3 servings of vegetables |
| exercise much. A major factor when starting these | | | | 2 servings of meat or meat substitute |
| diet plans is to make sure you are taking on a | | | | 2 servings of fruit |
| complete and balanced diet that will pack in your | | | | Up to 3 servings of fats |
| recommend daily nutritional intake. | | | | The above gives you a guide for portioning suggested |
| The key to any calorie controlled diabetic diet is | | | | from each food grouping. Sticking to your 1200-1600 |
| Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates is the main source of | | | | calorie diet plan is essential because any excess |
| Glucose or sugar, this is also your body's main source | | | | calorie intake may increase your body fat. |
| of energy. A 1200-1600 calorie diabetic diet works on | | | | To aid your success you could pack your foods the |
| controlling your intake of fat, protein, fat, and | | | | night before - ensuring you have your fresh foods |
| carbohydrates. | | | | maid already. Keep your food simple to start, just start |
| You will have to ensure you only consume the right | | | | by calorie counting and progress from there. Try eating |
| amount of calories per day. This will mean getting an | | | | you foods a little slower and avoid foods that have a |
| understanding on the calorie values in each food type | | | | high calorie and fat content. |
| and portions. One gram of carbohydrates equals four | | | | |