The popular and proven idea about breakfast being the most important meal of the day is even more relevant for those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. If you wish to take control of your blood sugar levels naturally, a good healthy breakfast is an ideal start to doing that. Contrary to some beliefs, diabetic diets are not mundane at all. Some variety and imagination using healthy and fresh products can result in wholesome and tasty breakfast options suited to all types of diabetics.
Here are some healthy breakfast foods and suggestions to start you off:
1 . Oatmeal
Oatmeal or oats in warm water or milk are a good source of soluble fibre and other nutritious vitamins and minerals. This one bowl meal can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol while giving all day long energy. Oatmeal cookies, waffles or even upma and dosas made from oats are perfect for consuming in the morning.
2 . Whole grain cereals
Being diabetic doesn’t mean restricting yourself to oatmeal. There’s a wide range of whole grained cereals that be eaten for breakfast. Opt for whole grains such as wheat bran, barley, whole cornmeal, buckwheat or brown rice. There’s a host of recipes that can be created with whole grains due to their adaptability – porridge, muesli bars, uttapams, cookies and more. Each of these are sure to provide the right amount of fibre, vitamins and minerals required for a morning meal.
3 . Eggs
Since eggs are known to be high in cholesterol, three eggs a week is what is recommended for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Eggs can be scrambled, poached, boiled or eaten in a nutritious omelette. They are high in protein, potassium, lutein and choline. These assist in maintaining sodium levels in the body, boost immunity and mental health, without the unwanted fats and sugars.
4 . Nuts and fruits
Nuts such as almonds walnuts, cashews, pistachios, pecans and macadamia nuts are all beneficial for diabetics. Nuts consumed with foods such as bread (or pasta) slow down the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed by the body. This helps to stabilise blood glucose levels. Almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts help blood flow and lessen the chance of heart disease. Fruits suitable for diabetics include low sugar varieties such as berries, apples, peaches and pears.
5 . Shakes and smoothies
Smoothies full of nutritional goodness are ever popular and with good reason. A glassful of low-fat milk or yoghurt, some berries, peaches or even bananas, nuts, and whole grains such as flaxseed or wheat bran combines all the food categories above to produce one healthy, power-packed meal. You may also mix certain protein powders with ingredients such as cottage cheese, soy or almond milk, or unsweetened cocoa powder. Smoothies are quick, easy and super healthy.
Now that you have a list of diabetic friendly ingredients, experiment to create breakfast options that suit your taste buds.