The basic principle behind a calorie controlled diabetic diet is of course controlling your daily calorie intake. A 1200-1600 calorie diet is based around consuming no more than those calories per day. The benefits of these diabetic diets is that they give you the opportunity to control your sugar levels in your blood stream, this in turn will give you better control over your weight and reduce any heart complaints. The 1200-1600 daily calorie diets are aimed at small women who exercise, small or medium-sized women who want to lose weight, and medium women who do not exercise much. A major factor when starting these diet plans is to make sure you are taking on a complete and balanced diet that will pack in your recommend daily nutritional intake.

The key to any calorie controlled diabetic diet is Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates is the main source of Glucose or sugar, this is also your body's main source of energy. A 1200-1600 calorie diabetic diet works on controlling your intake of fat, protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

You will have to ensure you only consume the right amount of calories per day. This will mean getting an understanding on the calorie values in each food type and portions. One gram of carbohydrates equals four calories.

There is no big secret to these diabetic diet plans other than eating a healthy balanced diet. A diabetic controlled diet is all to do with maintaining a balance of carbohydrates, fat and protein that you consume in your 1200 - 1600 calorie plan. For diabetics it is advised to break your meals into 4 to 6 small snacks and meals.

6 serving of starches

2 servings of milk and yoghurt

3 servings of vegetables

2 servings of meat or meat substitute

2 servings of fruit

Up to 3 servings of fats

The above gives you a guide for portioning suggested from each food grouping. Sticking to your 1200-1600 calorie diet plan is essential because any excess calorie intake may increase your body fat.

To aid your success you could pack your foods the night before - ensuring you have your fresh foods maid already. Keep your food simple to start, just start by calorie counting and progress from there. Try eating you foods a little slower and avoid foods that have a high calorie and fat content.