Meal Planning for Kids with Diabetes

Healthy eating is important for all kids, but it’s especially important for kids that have diabetes. But rest assured, children with diabetes don’t have to give up all of their favorite foods nor do they have to eat “special” foods. With a little education about carbohydrates, portion sizes and meal planning, they can enjoy the same foods as their family
and friends, while still managing their diabetes.

Carbohydrates and Meal Planning
Children with diabetes need to pay special attention to carbohydrates, which are found in grain products, fruits, starchy vegetables, milk products and foods with added sugar. Carbohydrates are important because they serve as the main source of energy for children, but they also have an effect on blood sugar levels. To keep blood sugar at a
healthy level, it is important for kids to keep the amount of carbohydrates they consume consistent throughout meal times. Talk to your doctor or registered dietitian to see how many grams of carbohydrate your child needs every day. Here are some meal ideas that contain similar amounts of carbohydrates:

Breakfast - Breakfast is an essential meal for children because it provides them with plenty of energy as they begin their day. Combine some protein, healthy fat and carbohydrate to give kids the best mix of nutrients and energy to tide them over until a snack or lunch. Each breakfast below provides 40-50 grams of carbohydrate:
· ¾ cup whole-grain, low-sugar cereal with 1 cup of low-fat milk and 1 medium banana
Choose a cereal that lists whole grain as the first ingredient and contains at least 3 grams of fiber and less than 10 grams of sugar per serving.
· 2 whole-grain pancakes or waffles (about 4 inches) with ½ cup fresh berries and ¼ cup slivered almonds
Try: ShopRite Fiber Twigs and Honey Puffs Cereal or ShopRite Multigrain Clusters

Lunch- When packing lunch, keep in mind your child’s favorite foods and incorporate them into their meal plan. Each lunch below has 40-50 grams of carbohydrate:
· Peanut butter and 1 tbsp of low-sugar jelly on whole-grain bread, 1 cup of low-fat milk.
· 1 cup of reduced sodium chicken noodle soup with 2-3 whole-grain crackers, a string cheese, and 1 small orange and water
· 1 slice of cheese pizza, with veggie sticks and low-fat dip, apple or pear and water
Try: ShopRite low-fat cheese sticks, Smuckers low-sugar jelly, Triscuit crackers or thin crisps

Dinner – Kids love to try new foods when they’re involved in meal preparation. So get them in the kitchen and experiment with different whole-grains and vegetables. Each dinner below contains 40-50 grams of carbohydrate:
· 1 cup whole-grain spaghetti (with sauce) and 2-3 meatballs with a tossed green salad
· Grilled or baked chicken breast with broccoli, and 1 cup cooked brown rice
· Turkey burger on a whole-grain bun with a medium sweet potato and green vegetable
Try: ShopRite whole-wheat pasta, Pepperidge Farm 100% whole-wheat fish bread (used as a “bun”)