Short on diabetes menu ideas? If you are looking for diabetes menu ideas, this is a great place to start. This article will not only help you to come up with diabetes menu ideas of your own, but also provide a few diabetes menus for you to start off with.
The main point of using diabetes menus is to ensure that your carbohydrate levels don’t get too high. This is what your diabetes menu ideas should be centered around. For most diabetics the recommended amount of carbohydrates allowed is between 45-60 grams, according to Diabetes.org. However, if you are unsure, do not change your diabetic diet plan without speaking to your doctor or dietitian.
When coming up with diabetes menu ideas, you should also make sure that you are going to be getting all the nutrition that you need. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends eating a diet which is high in fiber and whole grains. Aside from keeping your level of carbohydrates low, it is recommended that you check food labels and avoid foods which are high in saturated fats and trans fats.
Diabetic Menu Ideas to Try
Salads:
It is a wise idea to eat salads often when you are diabetic. One of the best things about salads is that you can make a wide range of different salads which can make your diabetic meals more interesting. For example, one day you can eat shrimp in your salad and the next day have chicken. Your salads should consist mostly of raw non-starchy vegetables, some form of fiber, and topped with nuts or seeds.
Soups:
Just like salads, soups can bring variety to your diabetic menus. They are also very healthy and often very low in carbohydrates. Remember that cream-based soups or soups with rice and noodles are higher in carbohydrates and more fattening.
Pasta:
It is usually recommended that you avoid pasta, but eating whole-grain pasta is lower in carbohydrate and fat levels. Plus, whole grain foods are very good for a diabetic diet. If you are going to eat processed pasta, balance your plate with a large amount of vegetables and a small amount of pasta, and be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels.
Veggie Stir-Fry:
A bowl of vegetable stir-fry which includes brown rice is one of the best diabetes menu ideas because it includes a good dose of fiber, low amounts of carbohydrates. If you add a meat or meat substitute you can even get a little protein in your meal. Fish is your best choice, as it is recommended that type 2 diabetes include fish in their meals several times a week. If you do choose stir fry, make your own. Many fast-food or store bought stir fry meals are high in fat and sodium.
Pizza:
Pizza can be a good choice, especially if you eat it with a lot of vegetables. Choosing a very thin crust and a light cheese is advisable. Many diabetic pizza recipes use whole-grain flour for the crust. If you don’t make these types of alterations, it is wise to only eat a small amount.
