Hypoglycemic Diet Plan Foods

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is commonly associated with diabetes, but can be present in persons who do not have diabetes. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, depression, forgetfulness and a craving for sweets. Following a diet that is low in sugar and higher in protein and fiber can help to alleviate symptoms.

Carbohydrates

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  Whole grains such as rice are slower to digest, helping to maintain blood glucose levels.

  
  

  A person on a 2,000 calorie-per-day diet is encouraged to eat six to eight servings of whole grain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates include foods such as bread, pasta, corn, rice, crackers, cereal, tortillas and lentils. One serving of carbohydrates is the equivalent of one slice of bread or one half cup of pasta, corn or rice. Consumption of carbohydrates should be distributed throughout the day and are best digested when eaten with protein.

Protein

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  Lean protein supports a healthy diet for persons with hypoglycemia.

  
  

  The daily recommended amount of protein is four to six ounces. Sources of protein include chicken, turkey, beef, pork, fish, eggs, peanut butter, tofu, cottage cheese and cheese.

Vegetables

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  Vegetables are a low carbohydrate source of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

  
  

  Four daily servings of vegetables provide a low carbohydrate source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Low carbohydrate vegetables include lettuce, broccoli, spinach, peppers, carrots, green beans, tomatoes, celery and cabbage. A serving of vegetables is one half cup cooked or one cup raw.

Fruit

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  Fruit contains natural sugars and should be eaten in moderation.

  
  

  Due to their high sugar content, fruit should be limited to two to three servings per day. Healthy fruit choices include apples, strawberries, grapefruit, bananas, oranges, watermelon, peaches, mango, guava, papaya and berries.

Dairy

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  Dairy foods such as milk and yogurt are a source of protein and calcium.

  
  

  Dairy foods should be limited to two servings per day. One serving of dairy includes one cup low fat yogurt or one cup of low fat milk.

Fats

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  Limiting fats supports stable blood glucose levels and weight loss.

  
  

  A healthy hypoglycemic diet includes four or fewer servings of fat daily. Fats include salad dressing, oil, cream cheese, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, avocado, olives and bacon. One serving of fat includes one tablespoon of salad dressing, one eighth of an avocado or one slice of bacon.