What is a suggested model meal for a patient?

Model Meal Plan for Patients

A model meal should provide 1,500-2,000 calories with 50% of calories from carbohydrates, 20% from protein, and 30% from fat, with consistent carbohydrate content across meals to help maintain stable blood glucose levels. 1

Meal Structure and Composition

Breakfast

• 1 serving whole grains (e.g., 1 cup high-fiber whole-grain cereal or ½ cup cooked oatmeal)
• 1 serving fruit (e.g., 1 medium apple or ½ cup berries)
• 1 serving protein (e.g., 1 egg or ¼ cup unsalted nuts)
• 1 serving dairy (e.g., 1 cup plain yogurt)
• Unsweetened beverage (water, black coffee, or tea)

Lunch

• 2 servings non-starchy vegetables (e.g., 2 cups leafy greens or 1 cup cooked vegetables)
• 1 serving lean protein (e.g., 3.5 oz grilled chicken or fish)
• 1 serving whole grains (e.g., ½ cup brown rice or 1 slice whole-grain bread)
• 1 serving healthy fat (e.g., 1 teaspoon olive oil or ¼ avocado)
• Water as beverage

Dinner

• 2 servings non-starchy vegetables (e.g., 1 cup broccoli and 1 cup carrots)
• 1 serving lean protein (e.g., 3.5 oz salmon or 1 cup legumes)
• 1 serving whole grains (e.g., ½ cup quinoa)
• 1 serving healthy fat (e.g., 1 teaspoon vegetable oil for cooking)
• Water as beverage

Snacks (1-2 per day)

• 1 serving fruit with 1 tablespoon nut butter
• 1 cup raw vegetables with 2 tablespoons hummus
• 1 oz unsalted nuts or seeds

Key Nutritional Components

Carbohydrates

The meal plan should maintain consistent carbohydrate content across meals to help with blood glucose management 1. Carbohydrates should:

• Provide approximately 50% of total calories
• Focus on high-fiber, nutrient-dense sources
• Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes
• Limit refined grains and added sugars

Protein

Protein should comprise about 20% of total calories 1:

• Include lean sources such as fish, poultry, legumes, and plant-based proteins
• Limit processed meats to no more than 1 serving per week 1
• Limit unprocessed red meats to 2-3 servings per week 1
• For those with diabetic kidney disease, maintain protein at 0.8 g/kg body weight/day 1

Fats

Fats should provide approximately 30% of total calories 1:

• Emphasize unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish
• Limit saturated fats
• Avoid trans fats completely 1
• Include 2 or more servings of fish per week, preferably fatty fish like salmon 1

Sodium

• Limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day 1, 2
• Choose fresh foods over processed options, as over 75% of sodium intake comes from processed and restaurant foods 2

Special Considerations

For Diabetes Management

• Maintain consistent carbohydrate intake at each meal
• Monitor carbohydrate intake and consider blood glucose response to dietary carbohydrate 1
• Include high-fiber foods to help with glycemic control
• Space meals evenly throughout the day

For Weight Management

• Adjust total calorie intake based on individual needs and goals
• Provide an individualized meal plan that creates an energy deficit for those needing weight loss 1
• Focus on nutrient-dense foods that promote satiety

For Kidney Health

• For those with diabetic kidney disease and albuminuria, protein intake should be maintained at the recommended daily allowance of 0.8 g/kg body weight/day 1
• Monitor sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake as needed

Sample One-Day Menu (Approximately 1,800 calories)

Breakfast (~ 450 calories)

• ½ cup cooked oatmeal with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
• 1 medium apple, sliced
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted almonds
• Water or unsweetened tea/coffee

Lunch (~ 550 calories)

• 2 cups mixed green salad
• 3.5 oz grilled chicken breast
• ½ cup cooked quinoa
• 1 tablespoon olive oil and vinegar dressing
• 1 small orange
• Water

Dinner (~ 550 calories)

• 3.5 oz baked salmon
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• ½ cup brown rice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for cooking)
• Small side salad with lemon juice
• Water

Snacks (~ 250 calories)

• Morning: 1 medium pear with 1 tablespoon almond butter
• Afternoon: 1 cup carrot and cucumber sticks with 2 tablespoons hummus

This model meal plan aligns with the consistent-carbohydrate diabetes meal planning system recommended for healthcare institutions 1 and incorporates the dietary priorities for cardiometabolic health 1, making it suitable for patients with or at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.