Seeking to simplify healthy eating? Try using the Diabetes Plate method to guide your portions and support managing your diabetes. The Diabetes Plate is based off a 9-inch plate. Generally, half of the plate at most meals should be nonstarchy vegetables, one-quarter of the plate should be lean or plant-based proteins, and the remaining one-quarter should be carbohydrate foods, like starchy vegetables, whole fruit, whole grains, or low-fat dairy. Next to the plate is water, sparkling water, or zero-calorie flavored water.