Being diabetic doesn’t always mean you have to cut out all of your favorite foods. While the options are more limited, you can still make food delicious! Whether you have recently been diagnosed, or you have been suffering from diabetes your whole life, I am here to share some diabetic food swaps. These trade-ins will make enjoying your favorite bowl of spaghetti or your bowl of chocolate ice cream possible again. Let me show you how you can take unhealthy food options and turning it into healthy ones. Diabetic or not, we could all benefit from these food swaps!
Riced Cauliflower Instead of White Rice
Instead of eating white rice, try adding cauliflower florets to a food processor and process into cauliflower rice. You can then add the cauliflower to a stir fry dish, and you wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference! Not only is it a healthy alternative to rice, but it’s also super delicious.
Spaghetti Squash Instead of Pasta
Spaghetti squash has been in the spotlight for the past couple of years – for a good reason. Spaghetti squash is a delicious alternative to the traditional carb-loaded spaghetti dish. Simply season the squash with salt and pepper, drizzle some olive oil, and bake away. Serve with fresh veggies, garlic, and basil. I promise you won’t miss that carb-heavy pasta dish when you have this lighter and healthier spaghetti squash option.
Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Pops Instead of Ice Cream
I think it’s safe to say that almost everyone loves ice cream. It’s one of those traditional desserts that never get old. The problem is that ice cream is loaded with sugar and is often packed with artificial ingredients. Instead of sugar loading on that bowl of mint chip, try making a Greek yogurt ice cream popsicle instead! All you need is some full-fat unsweetened Greek yogurt, blueberries, and a splash of pure vanilla extract. Add all the ingredients to a food processor, blend it until smooth, and pour into popsicle molds. Freeze and wait to be amazed at the new level of creamy and refreshing taste these homemade popsicles bring to the table.
Homemade Salad Dressing Instead of Store-Bought
Choosing a salad over a hamburger is an excellent choice, but what you top your salad with matters. To prevent dousing your salad with sugar and processed fat, avoid the store-bought salad dressings, and go homemade! It only takes a handful of ingredients to make a yummy salad dressing. Add a zing to your salad by whisking the lemon juice with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This light vinaigrette goes with just about any greens.
Don’t let your diabetes get in the way of enjoying some of your favorite foods. It’s all about getting creative and finding healthy ways to enjoy the not so-healthy food options we are inundated with today. These clever food swaps can benefit everyone – not just those with diabetes. Get your family involved; you will be much more likely to stick to your healthy eating plan.
Happy eating!
