Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. How many times have we heard that? Well it's true, and especially for diabetics. If you're tired of having the same thing every day, you can switch up your morning food routine with some great diabetic breakfast ideas.
A recent study done in the UK suggests that what we eat for breakfast has a bearing on how our bodies react to lunch. According to the study, eating soon after waking up in the morning may help stabilize blood glucose levels later during the day. The small-scale study investigated metabolic changes in eight obese adults with type 2 diabetes.
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The subjects were divided into two groups--one group had breakfast soon after waking up in the morning and the other group skipped breakfast altogether. The researchers noted how blood glucose levels differed between the groups, and found that those who had breakfast showed a much lower spike in blood glucose after lunch, compared to those who didn't have breakfast. The two groups had similar levels of insulin.
What this means for diabetics is, starting the day with a proper meal composed of healthy diabetic breakfast foods can help steady blood glucose levels. Clearly, eating healthy meals in moderate portions and at scheduled times is the best way to manage diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends having a similar amount of carbohydrates for breakfast every day. Consistent carbohydrate intake for each meal helps keep your blood sugar levels within range. The recommended amount is between 45 and 60g of carbohydrate for each meal.
With this in mind, let's take a look at some healthy breakfast foods for diabetics.
Cereals
Foods that contain carbohydrates, such as starches, milk, fruits and yogurt can raise blood-sugar levels. If you can control your carbohydrate intake, you will be better able to manage your diabetes. A healthy breakfast, especially during the colder months, is hot cereal. You can prepare a healthy diabetes breakfast by adding fruit and a half-cup of milk to a cup of any hot cereal. A staple in diabetic breakfast ideas is a cup of cooked hot oatmeal, two tablespoons of raisins and a half-cup of skim milk.
Cold cereal is also a healthy diabetes breakfast option for diabetics. You should choose unsweetened cereals that have 2.5g of fiber per serving, at the very least. To prepare a healthy breakfast with 45 to 60g of carbohydrate, add three-quarters of a cup of whole-grain cold cereal to a cup of skim milk. Add one slice of whole-wheat toast with one tablespoon of margarine and you will have a great breakfast to start the day.
French toast
Another healthy option for diabetic breakfast ideas is French toast made with whole-wheat bread, egg whites and skim milk. To stay within your 45 to 60g carbohydrate limit, have two slices of French toast made from whole-wheat bread, with two tablespoons of light pancake syrup and a cup of skim milk.
Shakes
If you're pressed for time or don't feel like eating anything soon after you wake up, having a smoothie may be a good option. A delicious smoothie, packed with essential nutrients, is one of the most fulfilling diabetic breakfast foods. To prepare a healthy breakfast smoothie, add two servings of your favorite fruits, such as a cup of whole strawberries and a small banana, to a cup of skim milk. Add a teaspoon of peanut butter or wheat germ, and blend with ice. You can also substitute the skim milk with nonfat yogurt.
Egg sandwich
Eggs are rich in proteins and can be incorporated into several diabetic breakfast ideas. Eggs help you feel sated, and can make you feel full until the next meal. You can prepare an egg sandwich to start the day off with a healthy breakfast.
To prepare a delicious egg sandwich for breakfast, cook one egg into an omelet and add a slice of fat-free cheese and a slice of Canadian bacon to a whole-wheat toasted English muffin. Top off with a medium-sized banana for a healthy breakfast that'll keep you full for hours. You can also choose to have a bagel instead of an English muffin. Be sure to have a 2oz bagel to control the carbs. Remember, if you have high cholesterol, you should never have more than two egg yolks in a week. You can instead opt for egg whites or egg substitutes.
There are tons of great diabetic breakfast ideas for all palates. If you like fresh fruits, you can add more of that in your meals by having breakfast shakes or smoothies. Or if you like whole-grains, substitute it for fruits or breakfast meats.
If you want to learn more about great breakfast ideas for diabetics, check out http://www.diabetic-breakfast-ideas.com for more simple and delicious breakfast options.
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