Foods That Lower Blood Sugar

If you’re struggling to balance your blood sugar, you’re not alone. More than thirty seven million Americans have diabetes, with nearly one and a half million others being diagnosed each year. On top of that, eighty four million have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

There’s nothing like starting the day with a nutritious breakfast. But if you’re trying to keep your blood sugar in check, it’s important to choose foods that will help stabilize your levels throughout the day. Skipping breakfast can cause blood sugar levels to drop, as hunger may tempt you to reach for sweet snacks. Here are some breakfast ideas that will help you stay on track.

Oats and Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a whole grain that is packed with fibre, which can help to slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. Top your oatmeal with some fresh berries for an added boost of antioxidants. Alternatively, try oats, which are also a great source of fibre. Add some protein-rich Greek yogurt, some chopped up apple and berries and soak them overnight. In the morning, add some nuts and you will feel satisfied until lunchtime. Or you could just make yourself some traditional porridge, but resist the temptation to sprinkle it with sugar. Add some slices of banana and berries for a delicious start to the day.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein, which can help to keep you feeling full and regulate your blood sugar levels. Try making a healthy frittata or omelette for breakfast. An egg on toast is another classic breakfast combo. The protein in the eggs will help balance out the carbohydrates in the toast, keeping your blood sugar levels steady. Try poached, scrambled or fried eggs on wholemeal, seeded bread. Or why not boil a couple of eggs and make toast soldiers? Make sure the bread is wholemeal, granary or seeded rather than white for maximum blood sugar-balancing effect.

Toast

If you don’t fancy eggs, there is no reason why you cannot have just toast. Remember to avoid white bread, otherwise you will be reaching for a snack mid-morning. This is because it is digested really quickly, raises your blood sugar levels quickly, but causes them to fall just as quickly. If you are diabetic jam, marmalade and honey are not ideal toppings. So why not try almond or peanut butter with sliced banana?

Yogurt

Yogurt is a good source of calcium as well as probiotics, or good bacteria. Probiotics have been shown to have an influence on blood sugar levels and help to reduce the chances of developing diabetes. Rather than buying a so-called fruit yogurt, choose a plain yogurt that is lower in sugar and add some fresh fruit for sweetness. Choose full-fat yogurts rather than low fat versions as these tend to be higher in sugar than full fat. Protein yogurts are also a great choice as they will take longer to digest.

Fruit and cottage cheese

A small serving of cottage cheese paired with fresh fruit is a light but satisfying option. The fruit provides natural sweetness and the cottage cheese is high in protein, making this a balanced breakfast that will give you sustained energy all morning long.

Smoothie

A smoothie made with unsweetened almond milk, frozen bananas, and spinach is a great way to get important nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium. Adding a scoop of protein powder will help to keep you feeling full until lunchtime. Do not be tempted to have smoothies that are all fruit or to add fruit juice. This will send your blood sugar levels sky high.

Smoked salmon

If you are feeling indulgent, or it is a special occasion, how about some smoked salmon? It is delicious on a whole grain bagel, or if you are looking for a heartier option, try it with some scrambled eggs. The healthy fats and protein in the salmon and eggs will help slow down the digestion of the carbohydrates, keeping your blood sugar levels from spiking.

Avocado

Another indulgent breakfast is avocado smashed on wholegrain toast topped with a poached egg. As with salmon the healthy fats in the avocado will keep those blood sugars level. In addition, avocado packs a nutritional punch as they contain fibre, plus many necessary vitamins and minerals.

Now that we have discussed breakfast, what about lunch and dinner? First of all, there is no reason why you cannot use any of the suggestions above for a healthy lunch. Some other tips are:

Include protein at every meal

Protein helps to slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, which stabilizes blood sugar levels. Protein also keeps you feeling full longer. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, nuts, beans and lentils. Don’t forget to include oily fish as well as white fish.

Include fibre with every meal

Fibre also helps to slow down digestion and how fast your blood sugar levels rise. It keeps you feeling fuller and is also beneficial for your ‘good’ gut bacteria. Fibrous vegetables are the best source of fibre, although fruit and whole grains do also contain a fair amount. There are dozens of vegetables to choose from, so there is no need to get bored. If you are not keen on the taste of some vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli and spinach, try ‘hiding’ them in stews, casseroles, soups and curries. Lentils and chickpeas are other good sources of fibre.

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it’s also crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. Drinking water helps to flush excess glucose away through the kidneys. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.

Cinnamon

This spice has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your breakfast cereal or oatmeal, or sprinkle it on top of fruits, desserts, or even in your coffee.

Chia seeds

These little seeds are packed with fibre, which can help to slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. Add chia seeds to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal, or use them to make homemade energy bars.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels in both diabetics and those without the condition. Over the course of a couple of months, taking it daily can also help to reduce your Hba1c blood sugar test result. This is likely because the acetic acid in vinegar helps to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates. As a result, apple cider vinegar can be a helpful tool for managing blood sugar levels. With that being said, it is not the most pleasant tasting drink so it is best to mix one tablespoonful with a large glass of water. Drink it before each meal and also before bed.

Balancing your blood sugar doesn’t have to be difficult. By adopting some of the meal suggestions, foods and drinks into your diet, you can help keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.