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Constantly coming up with ideas to make dinner simple and tasty every night can be a challenge – especially when trying to eat meals that meet your nutritional needs.
For the millions of Americans living with diabetes, for example, it means preparing dishes that prevent harmful blood sugar spikes. Some people try to stick to Mediterranean cuisine or eat plant-based foods and succeed. Others try the “low carb” approach, as reducing carbohydrates has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. (Although how “low” a person should be depends on the person and should be determined by their doctor.) There are so many approaches to living healthy with diabetes because each is unique.
In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association ADA, there is no “magic” eating pattern for diabetics. Every body reacts differently to different types of food. Therefore, it is best to work closely with your doctor and / or a registered nutritionist to find out what is best for you. But in general, the ADA claims that meals that …
- The focus is on whole, minimally processed foods
- Stronger on the starchy vegetables (like corn, beets, and peas)
- Little added sugar and refined grains
- Low in saturated fat (from sources like butter and fatty beef) but high in unsaturated fat (from foods like olive oil and fish)
… can be helpful in controlling glucose levels. Regardless of what your eating habits are, we’ve put together a number of delicious, diabetes-friendly dinner recipes to add to your list of evening plans. Scroll through and choose the ones that suit your needs and tastes. We promise that you will not waste time at night asking yourself: “What is for dinner?” – Not for a while, at least.
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Soba is a Japanese noodle made primarily from buckwheat: a popular grain alternative that is gluten-free. Buckwheat also contains manganese, which aids metabolism and immune system function. Some studies even suggest that this pseudo-grain can support normal blood sugar. This is all to say that soba noodles can be a great option for many diabetic food lovers. And thanks to chicken and edamame, this dish is quick, tasty, and rich in protein. If you want, you can change the carrot and ginger dressing by adding less sugar.
Get Delish’s Chicken Soba Salad Recipe »
You should bookmark this for your next vacation meal. This skinny bird is so juicy that it doesn’t even need sauce. But if you’re feeling a little naughty, the sage and parsley dressing will make your mouth water. While the turkey is in the oven, you can even cook some of your favorite vegetables and side dishes like quinoa, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin. Now you are really feasting!
Get the Recipe for Butterflied Turkey with Herb Gravy from Prevention »
Enjoy your tacos with or without a tortilla with this simple one-pan dish. This recipe calls for lean beef, which tends to be less saturated fat, but doesn’t mean the dish is lacking in flavor. The peppers add sweetness, while the jalapeños get a little hot. If you want something hearty in the morning, you can bookmark this for brunch. By the way, it tastes great with eggs.
Get the Keto Taco Skillet Recipe from Hangry Woman »
For a smaller meal, this savory vegan white bean salad might be the lighter fare you’re looking for. Beans and tomatoes are two “superfoods” that the ADA says are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that are good for overall health. White beans are high in protein and contain magnesium, which aids insulin metabolism. Tomatoes are filled with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, two nutrients that protect our cells from harmful free radicals. Throw these ingredients on with some spinach and spicy broccoli, then drizzle with a Dijon dressing and you have a nutritious salad with a little kick.
Get the recipe for White Bean Salad with Spicy Roasted Tomatoes and Broccoli from Delish »
Mushrooms are great when you want something meaty without meat. They also contain various B vitamins (such as riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid) that help your body convert the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins you eat into energy. Cook them with butter, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic for something tasty. You can eat this yourself, over your favorite protein, over pasta or vegetarian pasta. If you don’t want that much dairy, you can swap vegan butter and almond milk for regular butter and condensed milk.
Get the Hangry Woman Garlic Butter Mushroom Recipe »
With 10 minutes to spare, you can make your own homemade, heart-healthy version of General Tso’s chicken faster than Grubhub could get to your door. It’s so simple: all you have to do is mix the sauce, cook the chicken in spices, top with green onions and voilà! You can then sauté some of your favorite vegetables (like broccoli or beans) to add nutrient-dense foods to your plate.
Get the Recipe for Low-Carb General Tsos Chicken from Diabetic Foodie »
If you don’t massage your kale before mixing it into your salads, you are missing out on a whole world of delicacy and flavor. In this recipe you will learn how to give the leaves a good zest in a delicious sugar-free Dijon dressing. The pomegranate seeds and walnut pieces add natural sweetness and crispness, while the goat cheese gives it a wonderfully creamy texture.
Get the Recipe for Easy Massaged Kale Salad from Hangry Woman »
Stir fries are perfect for those days of the week when you just don’t have the energy to cook something that takes a lot of prep. This one focuses on shrimp, which is considered a “lean protein” because it is so low in fat (4 ounces is 2 grams of fat). The light-colored carrots, bell peppers and snow peas add amazing color and a subtle sweetness, while the rice vinegar adds a pleasant sour note. It’s so simple that you can have dinner in 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe for Keto Shrimp Stir Fry from Diabetes Strong »
If you’ve never tried cooking whole chicken in a pressure cooker, go for it. You will love how tender and flavorful the meat is when you sink your teeth into it. In this recipe, you will learn how to cook a chicken dinner with a pressure cooker as well as the sweet and tangy gochujang icing. Serve with your favorite sides and good starters!
Get the Recipe for Honey Gochujang Pressure Cooker Chicken from Hangry Woman »
On those cool winter nights, there is nothing better than relaxing with a warm bowl of hearty stew. The key to this low-carb recipe is swapping out the starchy potatoes for beets (a root vegetable). When beef, vegetables and spices are steamed together, the broth acquires a rich umami flavor. However, it takes time to brew this magic: around 10 minutes to prepare and an hour and 15 minutes to cook. Remember this is not a quick dish, but if you can swing it, it’s worth it.
Get the Low Carbohydrate Beef Stew Recipe from Diabetic Foodie »
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