According to the American Diabetes Association, eating a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber is good for the health of anyone with diabetes.
These foods include non-starchy vegetables, dark leafy green vegetables, fruit such as citrus and berries, beans, nuts, whole grains, seafood and lean meats.
Whether you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, we can prepare menus that align with your doctor’s or dietician’s recommendations. We have experience working with various types of diabetes, including individuals with pre-diabetes.
What is diabetes?
There are three types of diabetes, each briefly explained below.
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not produce insulin, the hormone responsible for getting glucose from the bloodstream into cells. According to the American Diabetes Association, over 1 million people have type 1 diabetes.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes is when the body produces insulin but it is not used properly, which is called insulin resistance. According to the American Diabetes Association, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease.
Gestational
Gestational diabetes is when pregnant women who have never had diabetes have high blood glucose levels (blood sugar). According to the American Diabetes Association, this occurs when a woman’s body is unable to produce and use all of the insulin needed during pregnancy.
What does a diabetic-friendly menu look like?
For individuals with diabetes, monitoring the quality of foods and the type and amount of carbohydrates in diet is important.
The Diabetes Plate Method suggests the following portions of food (on a 9” dinner plate):
- 50% of the plate should be non-starchy vegetables (such as broccoli, kale, spinach)
- 25% of the plate should be a whole grain or starchy vegetable (such as quinoa or butternut squash)
- 25% of the plate should be lean protein (such as fish or chicken breast)
Menus we prepare would be planned specific to each individual’s nutritional needs and food preferences, while following the dietary protocol provided by your doctor or dietician. Below are sample diabetes-friendly menu items we can prepare.
Breakfast
- Organic vegetable frittata with egg whites, one or two yolks, sautéed greens, mushrooms, and bell peppers
- Steel cut oatmeal, unsweet almond milk, chia seeds, toasted almonds, blueberries
Lunch
- Spinach salad with lemon-herb roasted salmon, roasted chickpea “croutons”, hemp seeds, chopped avocado, citrus vinaigrette
- Vegetarian Mexican “grain” bowl with cauliflower “rice”, quinoa, black beans, dairy-free cilantro pesto, pumpkin seeds, avocado *optional: add extra protein of choice
Dinner
- Mediterranean Turkey burgers with lean ground turkey, garlic and herbs, served with lettuce wraps, roasted sweet potato wedges, side baby kale salad with pine nuts
- Sesame roasted tofu, Asian vegetable sauté, small serving of lemon-ginger brown rice
Snacks
- Homemade chickpea & tahini hummus with fresh-cut crudités
- Homemade portioned trail mix with cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, toasted coconut
Dessert
- Chocolate energy bites made with cashews, seeds, nut butter, raw cacao, dates
- Peanut butter “fudge” bites made with natural peanut butter, sugar-free dark chocolate chunks and sea salt
*Please note: we do not offer medical or nutrition advice
More resources and guides for managing diabetes through diet:
Sources: American Diabetes Association, CDC.gov