An Ideal Diet should have the following qualities

An ideal diet should have the following qualities : 

1. It should be easy to follow. 
2. The food should be tasty. 
3. One should be able to eat sufficient so that one feels satisfied. 
4. The food items should be easily available. 
5. In addition to sugar control it should have a beneficial effect on serum cholesterol levels and other associated conditions. 
6. The diet should be acceptable so that permanent changes are made in the eating habits. 
7. It should provide all the nutrients in adequate amounts. 

The net result should not only be achievement of optimal weight and control of blood sugar but also the ability to maintain the achieved targets without feeling hunger, deprivation and fatigue. An ideal diet should make one feel better and more energetic. 

In medical terminology, an ideal diet should be

A. Low in saturated fats.
B. Contain minimal amount of cholesterol. 
C. Low in oxidants ( chemicals which cause damage to the body)
D. High in naturally occurring antioxidants ( vitamins like A, C and E and minerals like selenium and zinc which protect from oxidants).

A high complex carbohydrate and low fat diet, which contains a variety of fruits and vegetables would be ideal. 

One should be aware about the following facts in meal planning. 
1. Routine meal plan
2. Special foods.
3. Diet on special occasions
4. Dining out
5. Low cholesterol, low fat guidelines
6. Use of sugar
7. Use of salt
8. Effects of alcohol

The eating plan should :

• · Include foods liked by the patient. 
  · Take his daily activities and schedule into account.
  · Help in maintaining a healthy weight. 
  · Help in prevention of diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, which are linked to diet. 

Calories

The amount of energy produced by the food and the amount of energy spent by the body are measured in terms of calories. Calories are thus a unit of energy. 
The caloric requirement of a person of average build is about 30 calories per kilogram body weight per day. Factors that decide the caloric requirement are build of the body ( height, the type of frame and the weight) and the physical activity. 
See Appendix 7, 'Caloric Requirements and Expenditure' for details. 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Their function is to provide energy. One gram of carbohydrates provides four calories. Carbohydrates are of two types : 

1. Complex carbohydrates : They are starch in natural form. Examples are rice, whole wheat, potatoes, and carbohydrates present in most vegetables. Complex carbohydrates are low in calories and high in fibre. Because of their high fibre content, they are bulky and produce a feeling of fullness early. They are digested slowly providing more energy and stamina. Foods with complex carbohydrates also have other nutrients like proteins and minerals.

2. Simple carbohydrates : Sugar, alcohol and honey, are some examples of simple carbohydrates. As they do not contain fibres, they are not bulky. Thus you can consume a large amount of calories through them before you feel full. They usually do not contain additional nutrients. 

Nutrition for Healthy Digestion
An ideal diet should have the following qualities
Guidelines for the use of carbohydrate 
Food Labeled 'Sugar Free' is not Really Sugar Free
Eating Fats Leads to Higher Body Fat as Compared to Carbohydrate or Proteins.
Healthy Food
Food Items to be Avoided
Guidelines for alcohol consumption
How to Change Eating Habits