Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

5-6 | CHAPTER 5

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Nutrition recommendations for people with diabetes are generally the same as for all Canadians, and are based on the principles of Canada’s Dietary Guidelines (9). People with diabetes can enjoy all foods in moderation. Canada’s Food Guide (10) (see Figure 1) provides guidance for healthy food choices and encourages healthy eating habits. Foods should be low in energy density to promote satiety and discourage overconsumption; help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight; and ensure an adequate intake of carbohydrate, fibre, essential fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Figure 1 . Canada’s Food Guide

Reprinted from Health Canada, Canada’s Food Guide (10)