Eating can be a challenge for people living with diabetes and other blood sugar issues. From carbs to sugar, creating a diet that doesn’t throw your blood sugar out of whack may seem like an uphill climb.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has resources and information to help you keep your blood sugar in mind while getting to eat some of your favorite foods. Here are some tips to help make your comfort foods more blood sugar friendly.
Make simple swaps.
When you head to the grocery store, look for healthier options for your favorite ingredients. Choosing the low-fat version of a salad dressing, cheese, or other product is a simple and effective way to make your meal a bit healthier. Lean meats and natural sweeteners are also simple, blood sugar-friendly swaps to make your comfort foods healthier.
Balance flavors and nutrients.
Balancing your favorite flavors and the nutrients you need may take some trial and error, but it can be done. The ADA’s Diabetes Food Hub has recipes and resources to help you enjoy your comfort foods and keep your blood sugar in check. Browse through seasonal dishes and search for meals by category at diabetesfoodhub.org.
Adapt recipes and meals.
Part of living with diabetes and sticking to a diet that benefits your blood sugar is being able to adapt recipes, so they fit your lifestyle. If your favorite dish includes pasta and cheese, consider using whole grain pasta and low-fat cheese. Use lean beef and turkey to make chili, meatloaf or burgers. There are different options for changing recipes to fit your diet. So, find the method that works best for you and will help you stick with it.
Whether your diabetes diagnosis and blood sugar struggles are new, or you’ve had them for years, knowing how to navigate nutrition is usually key to managing diabetes. Learn more about managing nutrition as a diabetic at diabetes.org/food-nutrition.
