What to Eat When You Have Diabetes

Your daily diet should still include protein, up to 20 percent to 30 percent of your total daily caloric intake, but focus on protein sources that aren't high in saturated fat. Vegetarian sources like nuts, seeds, legumes and tofu are great, but you can also eat fish, skinless poultry, some lean cuts of meat and non-fat or low-fat dairy products. If you have kidney disease along with diabetes, consult with your health care professionals about your recommended protein allowance.

If you're craving something to satisfy your sweet tooth, try a dessert-flavored low-fat or nonfat yogurt, like chocolate or key lime pie. If only real chocolate will do, have a 1-ounce Dove Dark Chocolate Bar with a GL of 4 or 1 ounce of peanut M&Ms (about 25 pieces) with a low glycemic load (GL) of 5.

A registered dietitian or nutritionist can be a valuable member of your diabetes care team. Ask your health care provider if you can get help with your nutrition planning. There are also plenty of online resources and apps to help you eat healthy and count your carbs.

If you are planning holiday meals for someone who has diabetes, click here for more ideas.