Diabetes: Using a plate format for eating
How to use a plate format
A plate format is so simple that you can start using it right away.
- Post a copy of a sample plate format
on your refrigerator. Refer to it until you know how much space different foods should take up on your plate.
- Picture the food on your plate. Learn how much space each food needs on your plate and try to picture that amount when you are in different situations, such as eating out or attending an event.
- Practice. Use a copy of the sample plate format to plan a day's meals and snacks. If you need help, talk with your certified diabetes educator or a registered dietitian.
- Keep a record. Use a plate format for a week and keep track of your meals and snacks. You can make copies of the sample for each day. If you have questions about using a plate format, talk with your diabetes educator or registered dietitian.
- Check your blood sugar before and 1 hour after you eat, and write the results on your food record.
Test Your Knowledge
For lunch or dinner, a plate format recommends:
- Half a plate of grain and half a plate of meat, fish, or poultry.
- Half a plate of grain; a quarter plate of meat, fish, or poultry; and a quarter-plate of vegetables.
- Half a plate of vegetables; a quarter-plate of meat, fish, or poultry; and a quarter-plate of grain.
Which of these vegetables are included in the bread/starch/grain group (starchy vegetables): broccoli, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, winter squash, green beans, corn? You may need to review a sample plate format and the food groups.
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| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS | Last Updated: February 10, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator | |
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