Thursday, April 3, 2008

Diabetic Meal Plans

At my new rotation, I'm working at an outpatient clinic for a major hospital chain. Most of the clients come in for weight loss, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. I was given the project of designing diabetes meal plans for 1300, 1500 and 2500 kcal (calorie) menus using Exchange Lists. It's extremely tedious. But it must be done!

Here's a typical breakfast for someone on a 2500 kcal menu:

3 starch = 1 slice whole-grain toast, 1 cup oatmeal
1 fruit = 1 small orange
1 milk = 1 cup fat-free (skim) milk
1 meat = 2 egg whites, scrambled prepared with cooking spray
1 fat = 1/2 Tbsp natural peanut butter

As you can see, it's a pain to be a diabetic, but it's doable.