An example of the best way to lose weight

This is for reference only. Please see your provider to make sure this is appropriate. Weight loss is difficult to maintain without a proper long term diet.

What is it? A 1500 calorie diabetic diet means eating no more  than 1500 calories of food each day. You may need this diet to control  your blood sugar or lose weight. Or lower your risk for heart problems.

• Blood sugar is the amount of glucose (simple sugar) in your blood.  Glucose is the main source of energy for your body. Glucose comes from  carbohydrates in your diet.
• A diabetic diet limits how much carbohydrate (kar-bo-hi-drate), fat,  and protein you eat. A 1500 calorie diet is low in calories and fat.

• A sample of a 1500 calorie diet is listed below. You can exchange or  trade one food for another from the same food group. For example, you  can choose 1 slice of bread instead of 3/4 cup of another dry cereal. Or  you can choose 1/2 cup fruit juice instead of 1-1/4 cups of melon.

Serving Sizes: Use the list below to measure foods and serving sizes. A serving size means the size of food after it is cooked or prepared.

• 1 pint or 2 cups (16 fluid ounces) of liquid is the size of 1-1/3 soda-pop cans.
• 1-1/2 cup (12 fluid ounces) of liquid is the size of a soda-pop can.
• 1 cup of food is the size of a large handful, or 8 fluid ounces of liquid.
• 1/2 cup of food is about half of a large handful, or 4 fluid ounces of liquid.
• 2 tablespoons (Tbsp) is about the size of a large walnut.
• 1 tablespoon (Tbsp) is about the size of the tip of your thumb (from the last crease).
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) is about the size of the tip of your little finger (from the last crease).
• 3 ounces of cooked meat, fish, or poultry is about the size of a deck of cards.
• 1 ounce of cooked meat, fish, or poultry is about 1/4 cup (c).
• One ounce of hard cheese is about a 1 inch cube.
• A serving of vegetables is 1/2 cup (1/2 handful) cooked, or 1 cup (1 handful) raw.

SAMPLE 1500 CALORIE MENU

Breakfast

• 2 breads or starches, such as 3/4 cup (1 ounce) corn flakes and 1 slice toast
• 1 fruit, such as 1 small (5 inch) banana or 1/2 of a 9 inch banana
• 1 milk, such as 1 cup skim or 1 cup 1% milk
• 1 meat or protein, such as 1/4 cup cottage cheese or 1 poached egg
• 1 fat, such as 1 tsp margarine

Lunch

• 2 ounces meat or protein, such as 2 ounces sliced turkey breast
• 2 breads or starches, such as 2 slices bread
• 1 vegetable, such as 1 lettuce leaf and 2 tomato slices
• 1 fat, such as 1 tsp regular mayonnaise or 2 tsp lowfat mayonnaise
• 1 fruit, such as 1 medium (3 inch) apple

Afternoon Snack

• 1 starch, such as 3 cups air-popped popcorn

Dinner

• 2 ounces meat or protein, such as 2 ounces lean roast beef
• 2 starches, such as one 3 inch baked potato and 1 medium (2-1/2 inch) dinner roll
• 1 fat, such as 1 tsp margarine
• 2 vegetables, such as 1 cup (8 ounces) cooked mixed vegetables
• 1 fruit, such as 1-1/4 cups fresh strawberries

Evening Snack

• 1 bread, such as three 2-1/2 inch squares graham crackers
• 1 milk, such as 1 cup (8 ounces) skim or 1 cup 1% milk

Call  YOUR  Provider for an appointment IF:

• You have questions about the serving sizes in this diabetic diet.
• You have questions about how to prepare or cook foods on this list.
• You have questions about how or where to buy foods on this list.
• You have questions or concerns about this food list, your illness, or medicine. 
• Enfield and Cromwell