June 12, 2023
Healthy Alternatives for Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Living with Type 2 Diabetes can be challenging in more ways than one. Deciding what foods will produce the most positive change in your lifestyle can be essential to your overall health. Healthy foods can sometimes be seen as expensive or even boring, but they are pivotal to managing your diabetes in a proactive way. With warmer temperatures coming our way, fresher and lighter foods can provide the most nutrients to give you energy during the day. The first step into integrating healthier foods into your diet is knowing what key ingredients to pick up, and then experimenting with new and interesting recipes.
Healthy foods do not have to be bland or simple. There are many small swaps for food you can make that will provide a large difference in managing your diabetes. Swapping Greek yogurt for regular yogurt can be the first swap to many. Greek yogurt has a lower amount of sugar while still obtaining the same great level of vitamins and minerals. Swapping ground turkey for ground beef can also be another simple swap. Ground beef contains less saturated fat, and provides more healthy fat content.
Some healthy and light meals for the summer can include:
• Grilled fish tacos with frozen steamed veggies on a whole wheat wrap
• Chicken or ground turkey veggie stir fry is a good option and you can make use of the veggies again
• Grilled fish kabobs with veggies and marinated in olive oil, lemons, and dried spices can leave you feeling fully longer, while still maintaining a low sugar and carb intake
• Mediterranean broccoli salads focus more on an olive oil-based dressing, and normally have sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and artichoke hearts. Mexican chopped salads offer a high amount of protein and fiber with vegetables like corn, zucchini, bell peppers, and a honey lime dressing you can make at home
• Snacks for the summer can include berries, popcorn, and sugar-free gelatin or pudding
Finding and experimenting with new recipes is all about trial and error. It is difficult to decide what you like unless you know what you do not like. Do not be afraid to mess up or tweak a recipe more to your liking; this is about creating a specific diet that works for you. Meal prepping and freezing meals can also help you when life gets hectic, and you need an easy lunch or dinner. Reaching out and asking for support from friends, family, and your region’s lifestyle coach can help you navigate a new and healthier diet.
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