Keep these Diabetic breakfast ideas handy for delicious breakfasts the whole family will enjoy
The rush and flurry of mornings often make breakfast the throw-away meal for most people. This, as it turns out, may be a bad idea for people with diabetes. Based on a new study from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), skipping breakfast may increase risk factors for obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Even so, without some diabetic breakfast ideas, many people may still find it easier to just forego the breakfast ritual rather than try to figure out what’s best to eat in the morning.
Keeping breakfast simple is an easy way to avoid the risk factors associated with diabetes. That means remembering that protein and fiber are the corner stones of diabetic breakfast recipes low carb. In other words, foods with a low glycemic index that can kick-start your metabolism in the morning and boost energy levels without spiking blood sugar levels. It is a wise choice to always be on the lookout for diabetic breakfast recipes low carb– make sure they aren’t full of carbs!
Diabetes breakfast ideas suggested by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) with a few simple tweaks include:
- Yogurt Parfait that entails layering ½ cup berries and chopped pecans over a ½ cup of non-fat yogurt, in a dish or bowl.
- Scrambled Egg Tortilla. Whisk one egg in a bowl and season to taste then scramble. Warm a whole-wheat tortilla in a pan before topping it with the scrambled eggs, bell peppers and chopped tomatoes (or vegetables of your choice). Wrapped in foil, this tortilla egg breakfast is also great on-the-go.
- Cereal and Milk with fresh fruit. The twist on this traditional breakfast is using whole grain cereal and swapping regular milk for unsweetened almond or soy milk both of which reduces carb and calorie intake. Top with sliced fresh fruit that can fit into your daily meal plan.
- Peanut Butter Smoothie. This diabetic breakfast idea can be made with Peanut or almond butter. According to the ADA, both include a combination of protein and fat which help to keep you feeling fuller longer. To make; use 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, ½ cup of non-fat plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons low-fat milk and ½ cup of frozen fruit, 1 teaspoon of ground flax and a sprinkle of cinnamon and blend. This is a nutrient dense diabetic breakfast that is also great as a carry out if you are pressed for time.
- Cooked oats. Put ½ cup quick cooking oats in a bowl. Pour ½ cup boiling water over the oats and stir until oats soften. Top with dried fruit or sliced apples, cinnamon and a handful of dry roasted nuts.
Breakfast for Diabetics Type 1
The dietary needs of people with type 1 diabetes is not dissimilar to any other type of diabetes. However, dietary choices are even more important for children with type 1 diabetes to ensure that their food intake provide adequate energy to ensure normal growth and development. Also, since people with type 1 diabetes require insulin therapy as part of their health care routine, the main issue to consider when thinking about diet in general and diabetic breakfast ideas in particular has to do with balancing the intake of insulin with the right amount of carbohydrates.
Developing the habit of eating a simple but healthy breakfast at the same time every day can be highly beneficial for diabetics who need to take long acting insulin. Skipped meals or long periods between meals can also result in low blood sugar levels especially for people with type 1 diabetes. Breakfast foods typically recommended for people with diabetes include wholegrain breads, high fiber breakfast cereals, fruit and vegetables with a low glycemic index.
Other tips when exploring diabetic breakfast ideas is to watch portion sizes and incorporate healthy non-traditional breakfast foods such as beans and non-starchy vegetables.