The 1800-Calorie ADA Diet

The 1800-Calorie ADA Diet was said to be set forth by the American Diabetes Association to help diabetics control blood glucose levels by eating the right combinations of food. Although the ADA does not currently endorse this specific diet, it does promote many of its basic principles. The foundation of the diet is to restrict daily caloric intake to 1800 and to balance the ratio of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Maintaining a diet of less than 1800 calories a day may reduce or eliminate many symptoms associated with diabetes and assist in weight loss. Some doctors and hospitals use this diet plan to treat diabetic patients, however it has gained widespread skepticism due to the fact that it does not take into account individual nutritional needs.

The recommendations under the 1800-Calorie Diet are:

1. Eat two to four servings of fresh fruit each day. A serving size is a small piece of fruit, or about 1/3 cup of sliced fruit.
2. Eat three to five servings of non-starchy vegetables each day. The best choices are either fresh vegetables or frozen vegetables without added fat or sugar.
3. Eat six servings per day of whole grains, legumes or starchy vegetables.
4. Eat two to three servings of protein. Your protein intake should include fish a few times per week, as well as lean meats such as skinless chicken breast and pork tenderloin.
5. Eat two to three servings of non-fat dairy, such as skim milk or fat-free yogurt.
6. Drink water and calorie-free diet drinks instead of fruit juice or sweetened soft drinks.

The following foods and products are to be avoided:

• Fruit juice or sweetened soft drinks.
• Trans-fats and saturated fats.
• Snacks such as crackers, pretzels and potato chips.

Pros:

• Following a calorically restrictive diet can help maintain weight and improve overall health.
• Eating more consistently through the day may improve the efficacy of diabetes medication.

Cons:

• Measuring tools may be needed to ensure correct caloric calculations are made.
• You are required to count every single calorie, which can be time-consuming and monotonous.

Sources:

1. “List of 1800 ADA Diet for Diabetics.” livestrong.com. 15 March 2011.
2. “The Death of the 1800-Calorie ADA Diet”. clinical.diabetesjournals.org. 21 November 2011.

Additional Learning:

“Diabetics Diet – Diabetic Exchange List.” Umm.edu. 21 November 2011.

“1800-Calories ADA Diabetic Diet.” Ehow.com. 21 November 2011.

“Healthy Eating Diet Tips: 1800-Calorie Diet Plan.” YouTube.com. 27 September 2010.