Basics of a Diabetes Meal Plan

Basics of a Diabetes Meal Plan

Everyone needs to eat a certain numbers of calories to survive. Eat more than you need and you gain weight; eat less (or burn more) than you need and you lose weight. It sounds simple, but how many calories do you really need?

Calorie needs depend on gender, age, height, activity level, current weight, and the number of calories your body burns at rest.

For instance, a 35-year-old 150-pound woman who is 5 feet tall and does not exercise needs about 1,500 to 1,600 calories per day to maintain her weight. If she eats more than that each day, she will gain weight. If she eats less or exercises more, she will lose weight.

How many calories do you currently eat per day? For a few days, keep track of everything you eat and drink, look at the food label, and record the calorie amounts. Are you eating more calories than you need?

Find out how many calories you need each day by using the calorie estimator.

Calorie Estimator

USDA Nutrient Database