The video associated with this article promotes beginning a meal with vegetables. This article focuses on general meal-planning guidance and why meal order should not be treated as a diabetes treatment or a guaranteed way to lower blood glucose.
Use a meal-planning approach that fits your care plan
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes a plate method for organizing non-starchy vegetables, protein foods and carbohydrate foods. It is a planning tool, not a requirement to eat vegetables first or a replacement for an individualized care plan.
Rice, fruit, beans and some types of milk contain carbohydrates. The amount and timing of meals may matter for people who use insulin or certain medicines, because delaying or skipping a meal can affect blood glucose. Follow the timing and monitoring plan provided by your healthcare team.
If you want to change the order of foods or adjust your meals, ask your care team whether the change is appropriate for your medication and other health conditions. A dietitian can help build a plan that fits your routine.
Practical steps
- Ask a registered dietitian or care professional for help with a realistic meal plan.
- Track blood glucose in the way your care team recommends.
- Do not stop medication, restrict food or skip meals to try a formula seen in media.
This is general educational information, not an examination, diagnosis or personal treatment plan. Contact a healthcare professional about sudden or severe symptoms, and before changing medication or supplements.
Watch the related video
Open the original video on YouTube.