Diabetes – What is the TLC Diet?

A lot of people who have diabetes along with abnormal cholesterol levels are placed on the TLC diet. What this particular diet does is it reduces the intake of high cholesterol foods and promotes quick weight loss. Aside from its dietary restrictions, this particular weight loss plan also calls for an increase in physical activity. Here is a little more information on what to expect.

While on the TLC diet, the participant’s total fat consumption should be 25 to 35% (or less) of total carbs eaten per day. Saturated fats should be less than 7% of the total calories eaten in a day while polyunsaturated fats (such as that found in liquid vegetable oils and margarines) should equal 10% of the total calorie intake per day. Monounsaturated fats, on the other hand, should be no less than 20% of the daily calorie intake. Eating all of these fats in their required proportions reduces cholesterol levels and promotes quick weight loss.

The next step towards the TLC diet is the proper intake of carbohydrates. Carbs should equal 50 to 60% of our daily calorie intake. This particular diet also encourages the participant to consume a decent amount of fiber. The daily intake should be 20 to 30 grams. Fiber can be obtained through the consumption of many foods such as oats, barley, psyllium, and beans. Fiber is beneficial because it helps you feel full longer and it promotes healthy digestion. Another important part of the diet is lean protein consumption. It is recommended that protein equal 15 to 20 % of the daily calorie intake. And lastly, the participants should maintain the daily cholesterol intake below 200 milligrams. This is just a little bit of information about the TLC diet for diabetics. Usually your doctor will recommend this diet if you need to lose weight or reduce your cholesterol levels.