Heart-healthy eating with diabetes: Making good protein and fat choices

People who have diabetes are more at risk for heart disease. That means the type and amount of protein and fat you eat can affect your heart health.

Poultry, meat and fish are high in protein which help your muscles stay healthy. However, if you eat too much of these, you add extra calories and fat. Most adults need about 6 to 8 ounces of meat (weight after cooking) each day. Think of this as one small and one medium serving each day. Three ounces look like a deck of playing cards.

You need some fat in your diet for good health.

Fat provides energy and important nutrients. It is important to choose foods that have healthy kinds of fats.

Unhealthy fats can clog blood vessels which can cause a heart attack or stroke. A general rule is to use 1 to 2 teaspoons of fat at each meal.

Types of fat found in food These are general guidelines. Talk with your doctor or diabetes educator to find out what is best for you.
Monounsaturated (healthiest)	Polyunsaturated (healthy)	Saturated (Unhealthiest)
Olive oil Canola oil Avocados Olives Fish Almonds	Soybean oil Safflower oil Corn oil Walnuts Margarine, tub Peanuts	Whole milk Meat fat Bacon Margarine, stick Butter Lard Shortening

Related Links

Heart-healthy cooking

My eating guide

Food and exercise diary

First published: 12/01/2006
Last updated: 12/01/2006

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts