Diabetic Smoothies: 35 Delicious Smoothie Recipes To Lower Blood Sugar And Reverse Diabetes (diabetic Living) Kindle Edition
I usually only write a review for products I really like, but this purchase merits a 1 star review because I really DIDN'T like it. As a retired ICU nurse who has type II diabetes and has at least 1 smoothie daily, I was hoping this little book would contain some ideas for smoothies I had not considered. It was a profound disappointment. I have no idea what kind of education or training the author has, but she does not have a good understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetes, or of glycemic index or load. For example, she has one recipe for a smoothie which includes whole apples and pears-and she advises peeling the fruit? Why in the world would you peel and destroy the fiber and nutritional value which is in the peel of these fruits? Yes, I know that apple peel can contain some pesticides-if you don't eat organic, it is easy to scrub them before you eat them. In another, she describes juicing 3 oranges to add to the smoothie-and in another, using 1 cup orange juice. You might as well just add a cup of sugar to your recipe, Amanda! It is not news to any of us who are paying attention that the juice from citrus is highly glycemic, but eating the fruit itself provides some protection by slowing down the absorption of the sugar. She describes using almond milk or greek yoghurt, but I don't see any mention of using a protein powder to increase protein, which is good for diabetics. So in summary-this book is not only useless for diabetics, but could be harmful to the newly diagnosed or less informed consumer, trying to find their way to better health. I do not recommend it. Continue reading >>
Diabetic Friendly Smoothies
Living with diabetes is all about managing your blood sugar levels. This is a chronic illness, but you can live well with it if you manage it. A huge part of that management is diet. Several lifestyle factors can affect your well-being as a diabetic and your blood sugar levels, but what you eat on a daily basis is one of the most important. Eating healthful, balanced meals can help maintain a steady blood sugar level and smoothies can be a part of this balance. There are even some recommended superfoods that are particularly good for controlling blood sugar and they all work well in smoothies. Of course, it is important that you discuss any lifestyle changes, such as your diet, with your doctor. Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high blood sugar, or glucose. Most common are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is sometimes called juvenile diabetes because it is usually first diagnosed during childhood. If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t make insulin, the hormone that regulates glucose. In a healthy person, the pancreas releases insulin when blood sugar levels get too high. The insulin goes to work lowering the amount of glucose in the blood. Type 1 diabetics need to inject insulin regularly to maintain a normal blood sugar level. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still makes insulin, but your body has developed a resistance to it and it no longer adequately lowers blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is sometimes called adult-onset, as it is rare to develop in children. In adults type 2 is the most common kind of diabetes, accounting for around 90 percent of all cases. It develops in stages and can be prevented or even reversed with proper lifestyle changes, including diet, weight loss, and exe Continue reading >>
Diabetes-friendly Chocolate Chia Smoothie
Diabetes-Friendly Chocolate Chia Smoothie *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. Satisfy a chocolate craving with this rich and creamy chocolate chia smoothie, perfect for breakfast, snack, or even a healthy dessert! Cinnamon flecked chia pudding is layered with a thick peanut butter and chocolate smoothie thats naturally sweetened with bananas. Although it feels like a rich and decadent treat, its packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients that also help lower blood sugar, like chia seeds, cinnamon , and cocoa powder. 1 medium frozen bananas, cut into chunks In a medium bowl, whisk together almond milk, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Let sit for at least 10 minutes for the chia seeds to swell and absorb the liquid. Combine the banana, almond milk, cocoa powder, and peanut butter powder in a blender. Puree until well combined. Divide the chia pudding between two glasses. Top with smoothie and serve immediately. The small seeds, usually associated with gag gifts from the 80s, are a completely edibleand super nutritious food. Theyre packed with omega-3 fats , fiber, calcium, and phosphorus . Chia seeds swell to about 10 times their dry size in liquids, so they may help keep you fuller longer. If youve never tried chia seeds, the texture is pretty similar to tapioca pudding. If you dont think youll like it, blend the chia seeds, cinnamon, and additional almond milk into the smoothie, which helps give it an extra creamy texture. Chia seeds are widely available, but if youre having a hard time locating them, check the bulk aisle of the grocery store or order online. Extra chia seeds will last 2 to 3 years stored in a waterproof package, like a glass mason jar. T Continue reading >>
10 Delicious Diabetic-friendly Smoothies
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you need to deny yourself all the foods you love, but you do want to make healthier food choices. One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are heavy in nutrition but light in calories. Some fruits and vegetables are better for managing your diabetes than others. Look for produce that’s low on the glycemic index and load, meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar. Low-glycemic fruits and vegetables include: It’s also important to get plenty of calcium- and probiotic-rich dairy foods to fortify your bones and provide good gut bacteria. Good sources are low-fat milk, kefir, and Greek yogurt. These foods are essential to any diabetes diet, yet you don’t need to eat them with a fork or even a spoon. You can pack a lot of nutrition into one smoothie and get a delicious treat. As long as you stick with healthy ingredients and don’t add extra sweeteners, you can enjoy these treats on a regular basis. Just remember when you do blend fruit into your smoothies to count them as part of your daily fruit allowance so you don’t overdo it on carbohydrates. Even natural sugar can drive up your blood sugar if you eat too much of it. Here are 10 diabetes-friendly smoothie ideas to get you started. 1. Superfood Smoothie This smoothie has it all — antioxidant-rich berries, healthy fat from the avocado, greens, and protein. Just be careful when buying berry yogurt that you choose a brand that’s low in sugar, such as Siggi, or stevia-sweetened. Or opt for unsweetened yogurt. This recipe has 404 calories, so use it as a meal replacement instead of a snack. View the recipe. 2. Lower-Carb Strawberry Smoothie Recipe This smoothie’s creator has diabetes and discovered this recipe after some careful experimentation. Not only does Continue reading >>
Peach Smoothie
Ingredients Directions Place the peach, milk, yogurt, and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Turn off machine and scrape down the sides of the blender with a rubber spatula. Blend again. Pour the mixture into 2 glasses and sprinkle each with a little cinnamon. Serve at once. (You can garnish with strawberries, if you want to be fancy with this refreshing drink.) Nutrition Information Per serving: 101 calories (0% calories from fat), 22 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein, 0 total fat (0 saturated fat), 1 g dietary fiber, 3 mg cholesterol, 65 mg sodium Diabetic exchanges: 1 1/2 carbohydrate (1/2 fruit, 1 skim milk) Welcome to the Type 2 Diabetes Center! This is your launching pad for living better with type 2 diabetes. We’ve gathered all the latest type 2 diabetes information, research updates, and advances in devices and medications. And because diabetes impacts every facet of your life, you’ll also find practical advice from leading experts and other people living with type 2 diabetes featured here. That includes mouth-watering, healthy recipes; money-saving tips; advice to help navigate social, professional, and relationship issues; and inspiring personal stories from people just like you. Explore the resources here and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to be alerted to new additions. Continue reading >>
Best Smoothies For People With Diabetes
Smoothies may seem like a healthful option, but they can be a very bad choice for people who have diabetes. Many people with diabetes are well-informed about what they can and cannot eat. They know also that choosing premade meals, snacks, and drinks can be challenging. People with diabetes have to be very careful when ordering smoothies in restaurants, as these often contain far too much sugar and not enough protein and fat. With some modifications, however, smoothies can be enjoyed either at home or at a restaurant. Things to consider when making a smoothie People with diabetes must pay careful attention to their carbohydrate intake. Avoiding low quality carbohydrates, such as sugar or white flour, and using dietary fiber as their guide in choosing carbohydrates, are the best dietary options for them. A person with diabetes should consider some of the following: Extra fat can be a good thing The debate can be very confusing between good and bad fat, what is good and bad cholesterol, and the ever-changing guidelines on what offers the best balance between them. However, in short, some fats are very beneficial to people with diabetes, as they help slow down the speed at which sugar enters the blood. Some sources of fat that can be added to a morning smoothie include: almond or peanut butter chia seeds avocado raw pecans raw walnuts Include extra protein Similarly to fat, protein offers many health benefits that are particularly important to people with diabetes. For example, high-protein content slows the absorption of food, which reduces the speed at which sugar enters the bloodstream. Protein does not always need to come from an animal or animal byproduct. Many foods contain high amounts of protein, and adding them to a smoothie in the morning will offer great benefit Continue reading >>
Smoothies For Diabetes And High Blood Pressure
The smoothie is a popular drink that has been gaining a lot of traction lately. Everyone is into the smoothie craze. There aresome that can help you lose weight fast, and there aresome intended to increase energy. There are even smoothies for diabetes and smoothies for high blood pressure. Diabetes is a condition where the amount of sugar in your blood is too high. This happens because of two things. First, your body either does not respond to insulin. Or second, your body cant produce insulin. Insulin is responsible for turning sugar into food for your bodys cells. There are two types of diabetes. First is type 1, where your body cannot produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when your body cant use insulin or cant produce the right amount of insulin your body needs. This condition is also known as hypertension. It is known as the silent killer. This is because it has no obvious symptoms. Many people are not aware if they have it. High blood pressure means your blood is pumping through your heart and blood vessels with too much force. Relationship between Diabetes and High Blood Pressure It is not known why there is a connection between the two diseases. However, it is widely assumed that obesity, inactivity, and a high-fat and high-sodium diet lead to both conditions. Around 25 percent of people with type 1 diabetes have high blood pressure. In addition, 80 percent of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure. People with diabetes have to constantly monitor their blood pressure. Luckily, even if you have the two conditions, that doesnt mean you have to miss out. Here are smoothies for diabetes andhigh blood pressure you can try for yourselves. Continue reading >>
7 Healthy Smoothie Ingredients For People With Diabetes | Everyday Health
RELATED: The Skinny on Shakes for People With Diabetes Why Smoothies Can Make a Great Snack or Breakfast for People With Diabetes Not only can you pack them with delicious, diabetes-friendly fruit but, when prepared tactfully and enjoyed in moderation, smoothies can also help you drop excess weight. Maintaining a healthy waistline is critical for people with diabetes because too much body weight is linked with insulin resistance. Thats why losing even just a few pounds counts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that dropping a mere 5 to 7 percent of your body weight can help prevent prediabetes from progressing to full-blown type 2 diabetes. But it is important to note that not all smoothies are healthy. Some may be processed with added sugar, meaning they may have the opposite desired effect on your weight and blood sugar. The best way to take control of what goes into your drink is by measuring out portions at home to help keep calorie and carbohydrate counts down. If youre a newbie to making smoothies, here are a couple of tips: Add about 1 cup liquid (water, low-fat milk, unsweetened almond milk, or unsweetened coconut milk) as a base. When adding nonstarchy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, be generous with portions (this will provide bulk and fiber). Fruit should be portioned to about a single serving, such as 1 cup frozen berries or half of a banana. Additional ingredients, such as avocados, seeds, and nut butters, should be measured to about a serving, too. For example, usea quarter of an avocado, 2 to 3 tablespoons (tbsp) ground seeds, or 1 to 2 tbsp almond butter. One of the most alluring aspects of makingsmoothiesis that the variations are limitless, but dont forget about these staples. Next time youre looking for an easy breakfast or s Continue reading >>
Low Carb Smoothies For Diabetics
© All rights reserved My important message to all diabetics: Don't suffer through your sweet craving anymore. You can satiate your sweet tooth without throwing your blood sugar off balance. I know it can be boring to eat just fruits. They are sweet and low in calories, but sometimes our hard-to-please taste buds might want something a bit more fancy. These low-carb smoothies might be the healthy answer for you. Plus points of these diabetic-friendly smoothies They contain no refined sugar. Having fresh or frozen fruits as the main ingredients, they are packed with complex carbs and dietary fiber. Some of these smoothie recipes contain green tea powder and ground flaxseed, two diabetes superfoods that can keep a sugar spike at bay. Being low-carb and low-calorie, they are great diet smoothies for both diabetics and non-diabetic individuals to enjoy. ***Although low in sugar, these smoothies are NOT sugar-free. Thus, keep in mind that you still have to exercise portion control.*** Diabetic-Friendly Pina Colada Smoothie Pina Colada Smoothie Smoothie Ingredients (for 1 serving) 1 cup light plain yogurt 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple (cut into small chunks) 1 tsp. non-alcoholic coconut extract or coconut flavor 1 cup crushed ice To prepare this diet smoothie, put all the ingredients in a blender, then process on high speed until the ice is liquefied and the mixture is smooth. I prefer using fresh pineapple, as it has lower sugar content and no preservatives. If you don't want to be bothered with the slicing and cleaning process, however, canned pineapple will come in handy. Drink it the classy way: Garnish your pina colada smoothie with a pineapple slice or cocktail umbrella. To add a tropical air to it, you could serve this scrumptious drink in a hollowed-out pineapple. E Continue reading >>
Low Carb Diabetic Breakfast Smoothie
I was over having a conversation on Facebook the other day and it came to my attention that many people struggle with eating breakfast. If you have diabetes it's not ideal to skip breakfast because even if you don't eat blood sugar will rise. So the very act of eating breakfast can actually help regulate blood sugar. So the perfect alternative to actually eating something is to whip up a low carb diabetic breakfast smoothie. A balanced smoothie with protein, healthy fats, and a little carbs from mixed berries, will keep you full, regulate your blood sugar, and help you get through the morning. So here is a simple breakfast smoothie recipe, with a few alternatives and options to try, so you can give it a different twist every time you have it. Do you have a favorite way you like to have breakfast smoothies? Continue reading >>
Green Smoothie Recipes For Type 2 Diabetes
One of THE biggest questions I get is about whether or not diabetics should consume green smoothies. I will attempt to answer this question in this post. First, you should know that I am not a doctor, and that absolutely nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. Always work with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes when you have a medical condition, such as diabetes. Keep in mind that your results may vary from somebody else’s. Okay, now with that out of the way… The biggest concern that diabetics have about green smoothies is their sugar content. It is true that fruit contains glucose (and fructose). People with metabolic disorders such as diabetes should strictly monitor their carbohydrate intake – including the amount of sugar that they get from each meal. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t have any fruit, or that green smoothies are not for you. Fresh, whole fruits, as well as blended green smoothies not only provide a healthy way for diabetics to get more fruits and vegetables in their diet, green smoothies also may help reverse some of the diet and lifestyle problems that exacerbate diabetes, or contributes to its progression. How Green Smoothies Have Helped My Readers With Diabetes I have collected countless testimonies from readers who have told me about how green smoothies have benefited their diabetic condition. I have heard from people who no longer need anti-diabetes medication, and who have brought their high blood sugar into the normal range! One of the most striking green smoothie success stories I received was from a reader named Charles from Michigan. He shared his amazing story with me: “I lost a total of 35 pounds in 11 weeks. My doctor has discontinued ALL of my medications for high blood pressure, an Continue reading >>
7 Healthy Smoothie Recipes For People With Diabetes
Juice-bar smoothies are big calorie and carbohydrate bombs, which can be a problem for people with diabetes. That's why we asked Jackie Mills, MS, RD, author of 1,000 Diabetes Recipes, The Big Book of Diabetic Desserts, and other cookbooks, to develop these seven smoothie recipes. "The portion sizes of these drinks are smaller than you'll get at your… Combine all ingredients in a blender. Purée until smooth. Serves 2. 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries 1/2 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt 1/4 cup slivered almonds 2 tablespoons wheat germ 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk or skim milk 2 teaspoons honey 1 cup ice cubes Combine all ingredients in a blender. Purée until smooth. Serves 2. 1-1/2 cups fresh strawberries, trimmed (8 ounces) 1/2 medium banana, sliced 1/2 cup soft tofu (about 4 ounces) 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds 2 tablespoons skim milk 2 teaspoons honey 1 cup ice cubes Combine all except ice cubes in a blender; purée. Add ice cubes; purée. Serves 2. 1 small apple, cored and chopped 2 packed cups baby spinach (2 ounces) 1/2 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt 1/3 cup unsweetened apple juice or orange juice 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds 1 teaspoon maple syrup 1 cup … Combine all ingredients in a blender. Purée until smooth. Serves 2. 1 (6-ounce) container fresh raspberries (about 1-1/2 cups) 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese 2 pitted dates 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats 1 teaspoon honey Pinch ground cinnamon 1 cup ice cubes Combine all except ice cubes in a blender; purée. Add ice cubes; purée. Serves 2. 1-1/2 cups fresh strawberries, trimmed (8 ounces) 6 large fresh curly kale leaves, stems removed 1/2 cup cold water 3 tablespoons lime juice 2 teaspoons grated fresh peeled ginger 2 teaspoons honey 1 cup ice cubes more from this guide You know tha Continue reading >>
8 Best Smoothies For People With Diabetes
Are smoothies good for diabetes? That depends. If it’s the 32 ounce variety from a smoothie chain with a drive-through, probably not. If you make it at home in your blender, is it then good for diabetes? That depends also. The ingredients that you put in it, specifically the amount of sugar and balance of protein and “good” fats, and the portion size matter. For diabetes, you should be counting your carbohydrates. You should know what a good size smoothie is for you. If you wonder what kinds of things you should put in it to make it healthier and delicious, you have come to the right place. We will help you to make nutritional sense of it all. I enjoy collecting healthy recipes for my patients with diabetes, and for my family. I have compiled a list of the best and healthiest smoothie recipes that I can find on the internet. It is almost fall, and time for Halloween! Autumn is one of my favorite seasons, and the first two smoothies on my list are made to gather the spices of fall into one. If your friends are heading out for a Pumpkin Pie Latte, why not make your own healthier smoothie and invite them to try it? First, let’s see what Brenda’s been drinking. What kind of smoothie did Brenda have? Brenda came into clinic. She was proud of herself because she was drinking smoothies. She had heard they were healthy. Her A1C was still a 9. Her fasting blood sugar was 197 mg/dl. “What kind of things do you put in your smoothie, Brenda,” I said. “Well I put a banana in, and a half cup of blueberries since they’re in season,” she said. “I have to put a few spoons of sugar in cause the blueberries are a little tart, a little early. You know, I put in some honey from the bee keeper down the road. “Oh, ok,” I said, thinking. “Is your glass this big? (I Continue reading >>
Banana-berry Smoothie Recipe For Diabetics
Preparation time: 5 minutes. Ingredients 1 cup ice cubes 1 medium banana (approximately 6 inches long), sliced and frozen 1/2 cup frozen blueberries (not thawed) 1 container (8 ounces) nonfat, artificially sweetened vanilla yogurt 1/4 cup skim milk Directions Place ice cubes at the bottom of the blender and add banana slices, blueberries, yogurt, and milk. Cover and blend in pulses until smooth, stopping frequently to stir down the ice. Serve right away. Freeze leftovers in an airtight, microwave-safe container and thaw in the microwave until slushy. Yield: 2 1/2 servings. Serving size: 1 cup. Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 138 calories, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: <1 g, Sodium: 80 mg, Fiber: 3 g Exchanges per serving: 1/2 skim milk, 1 1/2 fruit. Carbohydrate choices: 2. This recipe was developed by Tami Ross, a Diabetes Nutrition Specialist and Certified Diabetes Educator in Lexington, Kentucky. Disclaimer Statements: Statements and opinions expressed on this Web site are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the publishers or advertisers. The information provided on this Web site should not be construed as medical instruction. Consult appropriate health-care professionals before taking action based on this information. Continue reading >>
Avocado Smoothie With Leafy Greens (dairy-free)
You are here: Home / Drinks / Avocado Smoothie with Leafy Greens (Dairy-free) Avocado Smoothie with Leafy Greens (Dairy-free) Posted by: Shelby Kinnaird / Breakfast , Drinks , Gluten-free , Paleo , Vegan / Need to add more healthy fat to your diet? This Avocado Smoothie with Leafy Greens is a good start. My husband hit a plateau with his weight loss. My liver enzymes have been elevated due to NAFLD . I asked my doctor for an eating plan that would keep my blood sugars under control while protecting my liver and would also help my husband lose weight. He suggested I read The Plant Paradox (affiliate link). We didnt have any plans for the long Memorial Day weekend, so we decided to try the three-day cleanse outlined in the book. My husband dropped seven pounds and my fasting blood sugar decreased significantly. This avocado smoothie was our breakfast each day. Warning: this smoothie is NOT sweet. I liked it just fine, but my husband felt the need to add a little bit of stevia. Make sure your avocado is ripe; otherwise, youll have a chunky smoothie. If you only need one serving, make the full recipe and refrigerate the extra. Otherwise, there may not be enough volume in your blender to get a smooth consistency. Plus youll have breakfast already made for tomorrow! A cup of greens is basically a couple of handfuls. Dont bother pulling out a measuring cup. Use whatever greens you like (or happen to have on hand). If you want to go all-spinach, for example, do it. Ive tried various combinations of spinach, romaine, and kale. Dont bother removing stems; your blender will take care of it for you. Need a little sweetness? Use a touch of honey or a few drops of stevia. (But try it without sweetener first. You might like it!) If this smoothie isnt your cup of tea, you might like o Continue reading >>
