American Diabetes Association Resource Center
The Idaho Potato Commission and the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) have announced a multi-year partnership making fresh Idaho® potatoes the first vegetable to participate in the ADA’s esteemed Better Choices for Life program. The purpose of the partnership is to help educate tens of millions of Americans on ways they can add Idaho potatoes to their meal plan.
Diabetes is one of the country’s greatest health crises.
- Every 23 seconds, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes.
- One in two Americans is living with diabetes or prediabetes.
With a mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, the number one question the ADA receives is, "What can I eat?" Many wrongly believe they cannot eat potatoes.
Better Choices for Life
The Better Choices for Life program uses the ADA’s evidence-based guidelines and perspective to help consumers make informed choices about the products they purchase. Participating products prominently display the Better Choices for Life mark on their packaging.
The Diabetes Plate Method
The Diabetes Plate Method was introduced by the ADA to help those living with diabetes and prediabetes prepare healthy meals that can help manage blood glucose (blood sugar). This approach allows individuals to put together a plate that includes a healthy balance of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates, which can include potatoes.
Step 1: Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables.
Non-starchy vegetables are low in carbohydrates and do not raise blood glucose very much. They are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Step 2: Fill one-quarter of your place with lean protein.
Foods high in protein like fish, chicken, lean beef, soy products, and cheese are all considered protein foods.
Step 3: Fill the last one-quarter of your plate with carbohydrate foods.
Foods that are higher in carbohydrate include grains, potatoes, starchy vegetables, beans and legumes, fruit, yogurt, and milk.
Step 4: To complete your meal, add water or another zero-calorie beverage.
Idaho® Potatoes
Potatoes are loaded with important vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. One 5.3-ounce potato has only 110 calories, contains no sodium, and is naturally saturated fat-free and gluten-free.
The key to enjoying potatoes is knowing how to prepare them healthfully:
- Be mindful of serving size.
- Combine with heart-healthy olive or avocado oils.
- Prepare with the skins on for added fiber.
- Bake or boil instead of frying.
Shippers, learn more about Licensing and packaging info on ADA HERE
