Share on Pinterest People with diabetes can still eat a simple, delicious sandwich. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, every day around 47 percent of people in the U.S. eat at least one sandwich. This very popular meal choice can also be part of a healthful lunch for people with diabetes.
Sandwiches can be a quick, diabetes-friendly lunch option as long as you're smart about your choice of bread. Choose a bread that's flat. “Bagels and rolls have too many calories and carbs,” Arévalo explains. Also, check that it's 100 percent whole grain with roughly 30 g of carbs per serving, says Swift.
Similarly, whole-grain bread is heavy in carbs and is made with refined wheat flour, which can cause blood sugar spikes. However, a slice or two of bread is not the only medium for a sandwich as there are healthier options, and most great sandwich fillings are glucose-friendly.
Finally, avoid processed meats. Items like deli meats and sausage can contain compounds and additives that are inflammatory agents, exacerbating diabetes and leading to other chronic illnesses in the future.
Very Lean Meat Choices (0-1g fat/ounce and 35 calories)
Game: Duck or pheasant (no skin), venison, buffalo, ostrich. Cheese: Fat-free (less than 1 gram of fat/ounce), low-fat cottage cheese. Other: Processed sandwich meats with less than 1 gram fat or less/ounce, such as: deli thin, shaved meats.
Make an open-faced sandwich, using thin sandwich bread to lower carbohydrate counts, or turn it into a wrap with low-carb tortillas or lettuce. Select lean, low-salt deli meats, such as roast turkey. Use low-fat mayonnaise, or replace it with other spreads, such as mustard, pesto, hummus, yogurt, or avocado.
High in fiber and protein, beans are digested slowly in your body, making them great for managing blood glucose levels in a type 2 diabetes diet.
The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing whole grain bread or 100 percent whole wheat bread instead of white bread. White bread is made from highly processed white flour and added sugar. Here are some delicious and healthy breads to try: Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran and Wheat Pita Bread.
People with type 2 diabetes should limit or avoid high-fat cuts of meat, such as regular ground beef, bologna, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and ribs, because like full-fat dairy, they're high in saturated fats, explains Kimberlain.
Yes, a person with diabetes can eat mayonnaise. Mayonnaise has less than a single gram of carbohydrates per tablespoon. But with 10 grams of total fat (1.6 grams of that coming from saturated fat) it can be considered high fat. So you may want to limit the amount of mayonnaise you eat or find an alternative.
A chicken fajita bowl can be a healthy, flavorful lunch for people with diabetes. They're easy to prepare in advance and typically feature several foods high in protein and fiber that help keep your blood sugar levels in check, including chicken, brown rice, and veggies.
Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy; in fact, our brains only use glucose, a carbohydrate, for energy. 100% of carbohydrate sources consumed turn into glucose in the bloodstream, making carbohydrates the food group that impacts your blood sugar the most.
A 5-ounce can of tuna provides around 20 grams of protein and no carbs, which makes it a great snack option if you have diabetes. Additionally, tuna provides small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help manage diabetes due to their potential to lower inflammation and improve blood sugar control.
The Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a good option for people with diabetes as it contains only 9g of carbs. The Caesar Side Salad is another good option with only 6g of carbs.
The American Diabetes Association considers eggs an excellent choice for people with diabetes. That's because one large egg contains only about a half a gram of carbohydrate and 7 grams of high quality protein as well as other important nutrients.
If you have type 2 diabetes breakfast cereals made with wholegrains can help to manage blood glucose levels, they release glucose more slowly as they are low GI. Weetabix, Oatibix and Shredded Wheat can make for good choices.
White bread, the traditional choice for grilled cheese, can play havoc with glycemic control. It's made from refined flour and has very little fiber to counter the spike in blood glucose it can cause. You can choose to use whole grain bread or a loaf made from an alternative flour, in place of white bread.
It is preferable not to eat white flour bread, but if you must, limit yourself to two medium slices. A slice of bread has about 32 calories in it. The total calories consumed from bread should not be more than 90 for a diabetic patient. Furthermore, diabetics should avoid eating white bread every day.
Even high-quality, whole grain starches elevate blood glucose to some degree, so it's still important to limit portions — stick with ½ to ¾ cup cooked grains or just 1 slice of bread at meals.
Contrary to popular belief, people with type 2 diabetes can, in fact, eat bread — the right kinds, in moderation. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) puts it this way: “Starchy foods can be part of a healthy meal plan, but portion size is key.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes.
Regular Heinz Cream of Tomato soup is one which is best avoided with 6.8g carbs per 100g. We see many ladies try this soup and spike their blood sugar levels.
The most healthful way to cook potatoes is to boil, steam, or microwave them without adding other ingredients. Preparing potatoes in this way will ensure that they are very low in sugar, salt, and fat. Keeping the skins of the potatoes on can provide additional fiber.