Introduction:
Why are diabetic friendly meals important to eat healthily? The answer might seem obvious: You’re a human being, so you need to eat food in order to survive and stay alive. But there are more benefits to eating healthy than simply not dying, and once you learn about them, you might just change your eating habits for good! Take a look at these surprising reasons why it’s important to eat healthy in order to get started.
1. Planning meals
Chicken with Black Beans and Rice: Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt in a small skillet; heat on medium-high until the mixture sizzles.
2. Breakfast Options
- Peanut Butter, Honey, and Banana Toast
- Breakfast Burrito with Vegetables and Eggs
- Yogurt Parfait
3. Lunch/Dinner Options
1. Grilled Chicken with Black Bean and Corn Salsa: This dish is a perfect way to start off a meal, especially on a warm summer day. The chicken is grilled to perfection and is really easy to prepare. The salsa recipe has healthy ingredients like black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro that can be prepared ahead of time for those busy weeknights.
4. Snack Ideas
- Apple and peanut butter
- Trail mix made with unsalted peanuts, raisins, cashews, and toasted wheat germ
5. The Importance of Planning Out Your Week’s Menu Ahead Of Time
When you’re a diabetic, it’s important to plan out your week’s menu ahead of time so that you can keep track of how many carbohydrates you’re eating and adjust your insulin accordingly. You’ll also want to make sure you are
eating foods that are low in sugar or fat and rich in nutrients. Check out these seven delicious diabetic-friendly meals for some inspiration!
6. Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Week of Healthy, Diabetes-Friendly Meals
- Start by cooking a pot of black beans with olive oil and salt. Beans are a low glycemic index food that is perfect for diabetics or those who are on a weight loss diet. The beans can be eaten as is, made into a salad, or used in burritos for an easy dinner recipe.
- Add some leafy greens to your dinner salad such as spinach, kale, arugula, and even romaine lettuce for extra flavor and texture.
7. Serving Size Suggestions For Each Meal
Pizza with a salad and fruit for dessert: 1 pizza per person, salad 2 cups per person, fruit 3 pieces per person. Low-fat yogurt with fruit: 1 cup of low-fat yogurt, 2 cups of fresh fruit per person. Meatloaf with mashed potatoes
and green beans: 4 servings of meatloaf, 2 cups mashed potatoes, and 1/2 cup green beans per serving.
Conclusion:
Because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you have to eat boring, unappetizing meals that your whole family won’t enjoy. In fact, you may be surprised at just how many wonderful recipes are out there designed specifically for diabetics.
Whether you’re looking for a meal that your whole family can enjoy or one just for you, these seven recipes offer an alternative to starchy, carb-heavy dishes that some families might be getting sick of after having so often.
