Searching for the best restaurant dishes for diabetics? Here are some smart options to choose for dinner.
Do you love to spend time with friends and family at your favorite restaurants, but aren’t sure about eating out with diabetes after being diagnosed? The great news is there are a wide variety of dishes from just about every menu that are safe for someone with diabetes. Plus, over time you will learn how to look through a menu and find appropriate dishes that have healthy amounts of protein, carbohydrates, etc. From classic American fare to exotic Asian cuisine or Mediterranean Greek and Italian, there is something for everyone at the majority of eateries. Here are some of the best restaurant dishes for diabetics to consider:
American Bistro Options
Joining the family for some burgers and fries at a local American eatery? Here are a few dishes that are ideal when eating out with diabetes:
- Beef burger or cheeseburger with a side salad – You can still enjoy your favorite burger when dining out but skip the typical side of French fries in order to cut out extra carbohydrates. Instead, replace with a healthy salad and light vinegar-based dressing. You can also consider adding cheese on top of the burger if you aren’t dieting or restricting fat and sodium. Last, consider removing the bun to decrease total carb amount even more.
- Salmon with vegetables – Love fish? Choose health grilled or steamed salmon when eating out with diabetes. This dish is loaded with omega-3 fat and is perfect when paired with a sautéed or steamed vegetables such as carrots, spinach or broccoli instead of a white potato.
- Soup appetizer – In the mood for a smaller dish or hungry for an appetizer before your meal? Choosing a meat broth based soup is a great way to add protein to your diet and these soups are usually lower in carb and calorie amount over cream-based creations.
Italian Fare Possibilities
Craving Italian but not sure about the best dishes for diabetics? There are many restaurants for diabetics that serve incredible Italian food and have a variety of dishes ideal for people with diabetes. Here are some of our favorites:
- Thin crust pizza – Instead of choosing thick, dough-laden pizza typically served in Italian eateries, opt for thin crust pies and whole grain crust if possible. Also, to combat the potential blood sugar spike you may feel from the pizza dough, top the pizza off with a variety of fiber filled vegetables.
- Salad – Head over to the salad bar or choose a chicken Caesar at a local Italian establishment when searching “diabetic friendly restaurants near me.” Chicken, shrimp or fish atop a salad adds healthy proteins and fat, and a salad bar option gives you a choice of adding even more protein packed toppings such as nuts and seeds. Whichever you choose, be sure to get your dressing on the side in order to limit sugar and extra calories.
Mexican and Spanish Options
Some of the best restaurant dishes for diabetics can be found at a local Mexican or Spanish restaurant. Instead of choosing carbohydrate heavy beans and rice, consider some of these options:
- Fish tacos – Choosing corn tortillas with grilled fish is a protein packed options with less carbs than your typical flour tortilla fish taco. If you are really hungry, you can order a side salad or a small side of guacamole.
- Fajitas – Fajitas are a great choice when eating out with diabetes. Filled with vegetables, beans and protein, they offer the fiber diabetics need and are a balanced meal option.
These are just some of the best restaurant dishes for diabetics. Remember to choose protein and fiber packed dishes with non-starchy vegetables and low carbohydrate options. To learn more about healthy food options when diagnosed with diabetes, visit www.BetterHealthKare.com
