Tips For Making The Smoothies
Here are some tips for making great healthy smoothies.
What about carbohydrates?
Make sure you watch for the carbohydrate content of your smoothie. Be sure to avoid adding extra sugar, especially of the white, raw, and processed variety. You also need to keep track of the amount of fruit sugar, or fructose, and the amount of lactose, or milk sugar that goes into your smoothie. All of these are sugar, and raise blood glucose. In general if you keep the carbohydrate servings to 3 or less, you will be doing ok on your smoothie.
What kind of protein is good to put in a smoothie?
Always add in your protein when you are making a smoothie. The protein helps to balance the carbohydrates. It prevents the carbohydrates from causing a huge spike in your blood glucose by slowing how fast they are absorbed into your blood stream.
Adding in a wide variety of animal and plant proteins will also help to slow the absorption of carbohydrates. Protein from Greek yogurt, non-fat yogurt, other milk products, tofu, flax and other seeds, whey protein, and other bean proteins can ensure that you get the healthiest proteins in your smoothie.
Are there some fats that are better than others to put in smoothies?
Natural almond butter or natural peanut butter will add some good fats to your smoothie. Chia or flax seeds, avocados, or pecans, walnuts, and other nuts can add good fats. I dont particularly recommend coconut oils or milk, due to a tendency to elevate LDL cholesterol.
Get your fiber
Always Top Your Cereal With Fruit
We assume youre already starting out with a cereal that contains at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. Another important part of a balanced diabetic breakfast is fruit. Make it even more diabetes-friendly by adding half a cup of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries. Check out more tasty superfoods all diabetics should enjoy.
Diet Plans To Discuss With Your Healthcare Team
While its best to talk to your doctor before you start any diet plan, its especially important to talk to them if youre interested in the following:
Ketogenic diet
Intermittent fasting IF requires you to limit the time period in which you eat to a certain number of hours per day, or to eat a very low number of calories on certain days. Some research has shown benefits from IF to fasting glucose and weight. That said, skipping meals may hinder blood sugar control or cause low blood sugar , especially if youre on insulin or a sulfonylurea, so talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before you attempt it.
Paleo diet
You May Like: How Many Points Does Metformin Lower Blood Sugar
Main Takeaway: Healthy Foods In Proper Portions
Remember to choose lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while limiting sugary foods. Having trouble limiting sugars? Check out our article on How to Wean Off Sugar.
If youre trying to lose weight, control the portion sizes of these meals. While these foods are nutritious, eating too many calories can cause weight gain and/or blood sugar spikes.
See a Registered Dietitian or Certified Diabetes Educator to get a personalized plan.
Tips For Building A Healthy Breakfast
What works for you for breakfast will depend on your personal meal plan, food preferences, health goals, schedule, and budget, but here are a few tips for building a healthy breakfast:
Limit or avoid refined grains and sugars. This means most breakfast cereals and pastries are best avoided. If cereal is your go-to breakfast, look for options that are low in added sugar and higher in fiber . You can apply this same rule to other sweet breakfast foods like muffins or granola bars.
Be carb conscious. The total amount of carbs you have at breakfast will depend on your personal meal plan and how your body handles carbs in the morning. A lot of traditional breakfast foods contain carbs, so its important to keep track of what foods in your breakfast contain carbs and what it all adds up to. Cereal, milk, and fruit all contain carbs, and can add up quickly when combined together. And a single bagel can have upwards of 50g of carb!
Choose healthy fats. Fats can help you feel fuller longer, but choose wisely. Bacon, sausage, and eggs fried in butter are all high in saturated fats which can increase risk of heart disease. Instead, fry eggs in a little bit of olive oil, choose turkey bacon or chicken sausage instead of their pork counterparts, and incorporate healthy unsaturated fats from nuts, seeds, and avocado.
Recommended Reading: Side Effects Of Taking Insulin
Next Store Them Right
Oats will last in a cool, dry area for 18 to 24 months. Once they’ve been opened, store oats in an airtight container or in the freezer. Oats are still safe to eat past their expiration date these dates describe best quality only. But if your oats smell off or they contain insects, certainly dont eat them.
Is Special K Good For Diabetics
Rice-based cereals, such as Kelloggs Special K, tend to affect blood sugar levels slightly less than Muesli. Special K has a GI rating of 69 and a glycemic load 14. There are numerous varieties of Special K including, Red Berries, Fruit & Yogurt, Multigrain, and Oats & Honey.
Is Shredded Wheat good for diabetics?
Get your day off to a good start with a blood sugar friendly breakfast. The following simple ideas are all popular options amongst people with diabetes. However, Weetabix, Oatabix and Shredded Wheat have quite generous amounts of fibre and therefore are some of the more blood sugar friendly cereals available.
Recommended Reading: Diabetic Finger Food
Have Nonfat Milk Or Yogurt
When researchers studied almost 170,000 adults ages 40-69, they found that the more milk participants consumed, the less likely they were to have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms that increases your risk for diabetes and heart disease .
Vitamin D, which is used to fortify milk, also helps the body use insulin, suggests a study published in 2018 in Clinical Diabetes. If you prefer to get your dairy from a yogurt container, skip the flavored variety and choose plain, instead. Youll save around 11 grams of carbohydrate this way.
Have Nonfat Milk Or Yogurt With Breakfast
When researchers studied 10,000 women, they found that the more calcium and vitamin D the women consumed, the less likely they were to have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms that increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Vitamin D also helps the body use insulin, and consuming more calcium is associated with lower cholesterol levels. Drinking milk and eating dairy products help people lose weight, too. Just make sure you avoid the worst eating habits for diabetics.
Read Also: Which Pancreatic Cells Release Insulin And Glucagon
Eggs + Mushrooms + Zucchini + Parmesan Cheese
Why it works:
- Eggs Lean protein source for weight loss and calorie control.
- Mushrooms Hearty, low-calorie and filled with vitamin D for countless health functions.
- Zucchini Low-calorie and high in vitamins and minerals.
- Parmesan Cheese Lower-fat cheese than many yellow cheeses.
Season with herbs and spices that do not contain salt.
What Foods Can Diabetics Eat Freely
The American Diabetes Association, along with the American Dietetic Association, have devised a listing of foods on their Diabetic Exchange List. Foods are measured and weighed and fall into categories. It makes it easy to determine what comprises a standard serving size. On that list, you can compare gram amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Calories are also a part of that list, and which foods contain more fiber.
Also on that list are so-called free foods that have fewer than 20 calories per serving. Here is a sample list of unlimited items from which you may choose:
- Unsweetened coffee or tea
- Carbonated water or sugar-free carbonated drinks
- Broth or bouillon, fat-free and low sodium
- Hard, sugar-free candies
2 or 3 servings a day can come from this sample list of foods:
- Spinach
You May Like: How Many Carbs Should A Diabetic Have In One Day
Cheerios Gluten Free Breakfast Cereal
The Multi Grain Cheerios Gluten Free Breakfast Cereal is made with 5 different whole grains, making it one of the top picks for people with diabetes. Each serving contains 20g of whole grain, which guarantees slow sugar release.
Packed with 12 different vitamins and minerals and boasting high concentrations of fiber, this all around cereal promises health benefits for more than just diabetes. Plus, with only 6g of sugar per serving, its definitely a top choice.
The only issue with Multi Grain Cheerios Gluten Free Breakfast Cereal is that it doesnt contain quite as much protein. For that reason, consumers might feel hungry sooner after eating this cereal compared to other options on the list.
How To Make A Low
Start to finish, this tasty meal can be ready in less than 30 minutes!
Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs and milk. Season to taste with pepper.
Step 2: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, pour in the egg mixture. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until eggs are scrambled.
Step 3: Add the spinach to a pot of boiling water until completely wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from water, drain well, and set aside.
Step 4: To assemble the burritos, add layers of scrambled egg, chopped bacon, spinach, and peppers to a low-carb tortilla. Top with shredded cheese.
Step 5: Add any desired sauce, then wrap the burrito and serve.
Thats it! You can sit down and enjoy your burrito as a leisurely breakfast, or take it on-the-go to fuel you up for the day.
You May Like: Diabetic Edible Arrangements
Oatmeal With Nut Butter And Berries
Oatmeal can be made quickly in the morning by simply adding ½ cup of old-fashioned oats and one cup of water to a bowl and microwaving for about two minutes . Then add a scoop of nut butter or nuts and fruit such as apple, banana, or berries. If that’s too time consuming for your busy mornings, prep overnight oats the night before. “This easy on-the-go breakfast is perfect for busy mornings,” says Palinski-Wade. “Oats provide a good source of fiber, including soluble fiber which may improve cholesterol levels. Mix in almond butter for a boost of protein and fat for longer last fullness without adding to the carbohydrate load.”
We love this Creamy Cherry Walnut Oatmeal . Or try our Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats.
Best Juices For Diabetics #3 Green Juice
Store-bought juices are designed to sound yummy but you already know you cant drink juices made only from sweetened fruit if you have diabetes.
Instead, put a mixture of green, leafy vegetables into a blender together with cucumber or celery, and add a few raspberries or blackberries for flavour. Add water and fresh orange juice and youve got a tasty green juice thats also really good for you. And it wont spike your blood sugar levels.
Don’t Miss: Can You Be Born With Type 2 Diabetes
Can People With Diabetes Eat Eggs
Yes, people with diabetes can eat eggs. They provide us with protein and other important nutrients, so make sure to check our recipes for inspiration and ideas. You should be eating some food from the protein group as part of your healthy, balanced diet.
Although some people may have concerns about incorporating eggs into their diet, research shows that the cholesterol in eggs does not significantly affect the level of cholesterol in your blood.
How To Build A Diabetes
There are four pillars to keep in mind when planning a diabetes-friendly meal, breakfast or otherwise. They consist of:
Focusing on these four categories of food will ensure that your plate checks all the boxes of a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal. Plus, you’ll set yourself up to make better meal choices throughout the rest of the day.
Read Also: How Many Points Does Metformin Lower Blood Sugar
What Does A Balanced Breakfast With Type 1 Diabetes Look Like
Overall, any balanced meal should contain a healthy mix of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. How much of each should you eat for breakfast? The answer to this question isnt easy, because not only are there several schools of thought on nutrition here, but there are also variations in your bodys unique needs and reaction to foods.
Despite the recent low-carb craze, it is actually important to ingest a small amount of carbohydrates in the morning, says Jennifer Okemah, a Washington state-based dietitian, Diabetes Education and Care Specialist , and sports nutritionist. The liver has been working overtime all night long, creating fuel for the body by breaking down stored glucose into glucose.
When carbs are over-restricted in the morning, behaviorally, people tend to crave more carbs later on, Okemah says. Adding protein and fat to the meal ensures its satisfying and slows down the digestion of the carbohydrates.
But how many grams of carbohydrates, fat, and protein should you aim for?
High-carb/low-fat, or high-fat/low-carb are the ideal combinations for the sake of blood sugar management. Find the ratio that feels best for you and your body and your energy, encourages Christel Oerum, founder of the diabetes fitness community DiabetesStrong, certified personal trainer, and book author. Oerum has also lived with type 1 diabetes herself for more than 20 years.
Okemah and Oerum both recommend a similar approach when it comes to breakfast:
Best Diabetic Breakfasts Low Carb & Gluten Free Breakfasts For Diabetes
The best breakfasts for diabetes is a question I hear A LOT!! Its tough, you dont have a lot of time in the mornings and you want to eat healthy so you start your sugar levels off right. I ate 2 eggs for breakfast for about 10 years . But, there are tons of low carb breakfast options for diabetics and why not make them ahead, that make the best diabetic breakfasts Ive ever heard of!! Why not have a low carb gluten free breakfast!?
Ill take one step back, Im not fully gluten free, but that being said, I dont make anything with white flour because its unnecessary carbs. When I started looking for recipes without white flour they ended up being gluten free, which is fine with me and the bonus is most of them are made with almond flour which has tons of nutrients, so its a win win.
Recommended Reading: What Happens If You Stop Taking Diabetes Medication
Fill Your Tummy With Seasonal Fiber
As we weather cooler temperatures, a whole new group of foods has moved to the top of the menu. But cold-weather favorites like apple pie and pumpkin spice lattes tend to be high in sugar and carbohydrates, which can derail your efforts at maintaining healthy blood-sugar levels if you have diabetes. A pumpkin spice latte can easily run over 50 grams of sugar which can cause a quick spike in blood glucose, says Erin M. Shyong, RD, MPH, a certified diabetes care and education specialist based in Closter, New Jersey. Pair that with cool-weather comfort foods, such as mashed potatoes, cream-based soups, and warm bread, and your meal plan can quickly become a disaster for blood glucose management.
The cooler weather creates cravings or desires for comfort food,” says Angela Ginn-Meadow RD, CDE, senior education coordinator for the University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology Food in Baltimore. Previous research has suggested the change in seasons may influence ghrelin and leptin two hormones responsible for hunger and satiety, respectively. These fluctuations may make you hungrier, causing you to take in more calories.
RELATED: The Best Quick and Easy Snacks for People With Diabetes
What Can A Diabetic Eat For Breakfast At Mcdonalds
What Can a Diabetic Eat for Breakfast at McDonalds?
Introduction:
Breakfast acts as the fuel for the body, which keeps us working throughout the day. When you are in the morning rush you may not have time to make anything special according to your body needs and you just grab a bowl of cereal.
It works fine as long as your body works properly. But what if you are a diabetic?
If you suffer from diabetes you need to take special care of what you eat at breakfast.
< < < Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment> > >
Having a healthy breakfast regime, which fulfills all your carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamin needs keeps you away from overeating throughout the day.
In this article, we will discuss some foods that a diabetic can eat for breakfast at McDonalds.
Morning glucose level:
In the morning, the blood glucose level is relatively higher. It gets worse if you are a diabetic. This spike in blood sugar level is explained by the Dawn and Somogyi effect.
We will briefly discuss these two reasons for the high glucose level in the morning.
- The Dawn Phenomenon:
Some researchers believe that there is a natural overnight release of the regulatory hormones including growth hormone, cortisol, glucagon and, epinephrine.
These hormones increase insulin resistance, causing blood sugar to rise.
- Somogyi Effect:
Another reason for having a high glucose level in the morning is the Somogyi effect.
Carb Counting for Diabetics:
You May Like: How Long Does It Take Metformin To Lower A1c
The Best Breakfast Cereals For Diabetics
Whoever first decided that breakfast ought to be an enormous bowl of highly-processed carbohydrates, additives, and sugar is in big trouble. While many people think that a proper breakfast is a milky bowl containing 60+ grams of nutrition-less carbs, those of us with diabetes know that bowl is nothing but trouble.
In this post, I will review the best breakfast cereal options for people with diabetes and share two recipes for making tasty low-carb cereal yourself.
The pursuit for a diabetic breakfast cereal isnt an easy one. Before we take a look at better options, lets talk about why traditional cereal causes so much trouble for your blood sugar.