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    Learning About Your Health

    Sample Menu for Diabetes Management

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    Breakfast (7:00 AM)

    • 1 small orange or ½ banana

    • 2 slices whole grain bread or 1 whole English muffin

    • 1 egg/egg substitute or 1-2 oz lowfat cheese/ham/turkey

    • 1 Tbsp tub margarine

    • Coffee or tea or water

      Total Carbohydrate = 45 gm

    Snack (9:30 AM)

    • 8 oz nonfat or lowfat milk or 1 small fruit or ½ sandwich

      Total Carbohydrate = 15 gm

    Lunch (12:00 PM)

    • 2 slices bread or 2 corn tortillas or 2/3 cup rice or 1 medium potato

    • 8 oz 1% lowfat milk or 1 small fruit

    • 3-5 oz meat, chicken or fish (not fried or breaded)

    • Vegetable and/or green salad (no limit)

    • 1 Tsp mayonnaise or vinaigrette dressing (if desired)

    • Diet soda, coffee or tea or water

      Total Carbohydrate = 45 gm

    Snack (3:00 PM)

    • 1 cup light yogurt (with sugar substitute) or 8 oz lowfat milk or 6 crackers or small fruit

      Total Carbohydrate = 15 gm

    Dinner (6:00 PM)

    • 2/3 cup pasta or 2/3 cup rice or 1 medium potato

    • 8 oz lowfat milk or small fruit

    • 3-5 oz fish, meat or chicken (not fried or breaded)

    • 1-2 cups vegetables (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, pepper, spinach)

    • Salad greens with lowfat dressing (if desired)

    • Diet soda, coffee or tea or water

    • 1 Tbsp sour cream or diet margarine

      Total Carbohydrate = 45 gm

    Snack (8:30-9:00 PM)

    • 1 small fruit with ½ cup cottage cheese or ½ sandwich or 8 oz lowfat milk or 1 cup light yogurt (with sugar substitute)

      Total Carbohydrate = 15 gm
    Note: Meals and snacks should be at least 2 ½ - 3 hours apart.

    This is an example only. Individual needs vary greatly and are influenced by many factors.

    Note: This handout is also available in Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.

    Produced by the Center for Patient and Community Education in association with the Center for Diabetes Services at California Pacific Medical Center.


    Funded by: A generous donation from the Mr. and Mrs. Arthur A. Ciocca Foundation.

    Note: This information is not meant to replace any information or personal medical advice which you get directly from your doctor(s). If you have any questions about this information, such as the risks or benefits of the treatment listed, please ask your doctor(s).