5 Foods to Control Blood Sugar Levels and Belly Fat

Foods to Control Blood Sugar Levels and Belly Fat

If you’ve ever felt like managing diabetes is like trying to solve the chicken-or-the-egg dilemma, you’re not alone. The quandary goes something like this:

Make smart food choices to control blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight. Makes sense, right? But what if you’re already overweight and have diabetes. Then what? Does your diet even matter anymore?

Of course it does. As for the chicken or the egg, we may never have a definitive answer. But if you have diabetes, your food choices matter. Eating the right foods can help you keep blood sugar levels in check and shed a few pounds. Add these five foods to your menu:

1. Eggs

One egg contains about 70 calories and 6 grams of protein. Pick your preference, scrambled, sunny-side up, or poached. And don’t worry about counting carbohydrates, because one egg contains less than ½ g of carbs. Want a healthy, fill-me-up breakfast that’s a much better option than doughnuts? Try the Denver Scrambled Eggs with Diced Turkey Ham, Bell Peppers, Potatoes And Pineapple.

2. Fish

When you have diabetes, your risk goes up for heart disease and stroke. But you can do something about it. Eat more fish. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish help reduce inflammation linked to chronic disease. Fish is also a rich protein source that can help boost metabolism and support weight management. Try the Mesquite Smoked Salmon Cake over Brown Rice with Grilled Pineapple, Black Beans & Corn.

3. Greek Yogurt

The next time you take a trip to the grocery store, take a look at the ingredients and macronutrients. Some yogurts are made with high-fructose corn syrup, an ingredient you should avoid or limit when you have diabetes. Greek yogurt typically doesn’t contain this, and it’s higher in protein than other types of yogurt. Just the type of food to help you control diabetes, curb hunger, and manage your weight.

4. Leafy Greens

Eat low-calorie, nutrient-dense food. If you’re trying to manage diabetes, that’s advice you’ll probably hear from your doctor or dietitian. Where do you find that at the grocery store? In the produce section. Look for leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, and broccoli. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals that support blood sugar control and weight management. You’ll find lots of meals made with fresh ingredients, including leafy greens on the Diabetic-Friendly menu.

5. Nuts

Looking for an easy and healthy snack you can enjoy, even though you have diabetes? Skip the candy aisle. And go nuts. Eating a small handful of nuts (peanuts, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, etc.) each day can help control blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, protect your heart, and prevent weight gain.

Hungry for more healthy meals to manage diabetes and your weight? Check out the complete menu here.