Should You Eat Cereal For Breakfast If You Have Diabetes?

Should You Eat Cereal for Breakfast If You Have Diabetes?

We've heard countless times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day—it can help jump start metabolism, prevent food cravings, and help people lose weight. The most common complaint of "non breakfast eaters" is that they don't have time in the morning to eat and that they are looking for quick breakfast ideas. Therefore, people often ask me, "Can I eat cold cereal for breakfast?" While it's probably better to eat something for breakfast than nothing at all, cold cereal is typically not the best choice for someone with diabetes who is trying to lose weight.
The reason is multifactorial.
First off, studies have shown that those persons with diabetes tend to have better blood sugars and weight control when starting the day with a higher fat, higher protein, lower carbohydrate breakfast. Protein and fat tend to be more satiating which can keep you feel full for longer, typically resulting in less overall calorie intake. In addition, blood sugars tend to rise higher after breakfast and many people are resistant to insulin in the morning which can also cause blood sugars to spike. Elevated blood sugars may cause additional carbohydrate cravings, which can lead to excess calorie and carbohydrate intake, often resulting in excess sugar in the blood.
Secondly, many people overeat cereal which can lead to excess calorie and carbohydrate intake. A single serving of cereal is about 3/4 cup. Three-fourths cup of cereal will generally cost you about 120 calories and 24 g of carbohydrate.
This amount of carbohydrates is equivalent to eating almost 2 slices of bread and this Continue reading

Rate this article

Total 1 ratings

3 Healthy, Balanced, and Filling Recipes for People with Diabetes

Many people with diabetes reach for oatmeal to start their day. Why oatmeal? Because it is a good source of soluble fiber and also has a small amount of fat. As a component of a diabetes-friendly breakfast, these characteristics will help with both glucose and morning appetite control. Seasonal fruit or frozen fruit can be substituted in all recipes, but watch out for added sugar.
These three recipes, as well as other breakfast ideas for diabetics, are well balanced, providing plenty of nutrition while never skimping on taste.
Trail Mix Oatmeal
1/4 cup granola
8 pecan halves, chopped
2 tablespoons raisins
Dash of cinnamon
1 cup cooked oatmeal
Add granola, pecans, raisins, and cinnamon to a bowl of hot cooked oatmeal and stir.
(444 calories, 9 grams fiber, 3 grams saturated fat)
Berry Almond Crunch Oatmeal
1 cup fresh raspberries
6 almonds, chopped
1 cup cooked oatmeal
1 cup skim milk
Add raspberries and almonds to a bowl of hot cooked oatmeal and stir. If raspberries seem tart or are not in season, consider adding a teaspoon of sugar substitute. Serve with a glass of skim milk.
(395 calories, 14 grams fiber, 1 gram saturated fat)
Banana Nut Oatmeal
1 small banana, diced
4 walnut halves, chopped
1 cup cooked oatmeal
1 cup skim milk
Add banana and walnuts to a bowl of hot cooked oatmeal and stir. Serve with a glass of skim milk.
(377 calories, 7 grams fiber, 1 gram saturated fat) Continue reading

Gaining Weight? Your Medication May Be to Blame

Gaining weight or struggling to lose weight is frustrating. You might feel like you’re doing all the “right” things: eating healthful foods, exercising, keeping food records, getting enough sleep, and so on. Yet despite all of your efforts, the scale doesn’t seem to budge. What gives? There are so many factors that affect our weight, and food isn’t always the culprit. One of the factors that may, in part, be contributing to some weight gain is medication.
The link between medication and weight
If you have diabetes, chances are, you’re taking some form of medication. It might be medication to help you manage your blood sugars. You might also be taking medication to keep your blood pressure or your cholesterol numbers in check. And you might even be taking a medication to help you better cope with the stress of having a chronic condition. While all of these drugs are effective (or else why would you be taking them?), the reality is that, like all medications, some of them have side effects that can make it difficult to reach your weight goal or can even lead to weight gain. To be more specific, these meds might:
• Jump-start your appetite, causing you to eat more than you usually might
• Slow your metabolism so that you burn fewer calories
• Affect how glucose is stored in the body, leading to increased fat storage
• Cause fluid retention
• Make you feel tired or sluggish, which can prevent you from being as active as you might like
The likely culprits
The following drugs are those that are mostly likely to affect your weight. However, it’s important t Continue reading

15 breakfast recipes for type 2 diabetes

Drop Scones
Drop scones, also called Scotch pancakes, are easy to make and perfect for a healthy breakfast on the weekend, or even as a simple dessert. Served with creamy low-fat vanilla yogurt and sweet, succulent berries, they are quite irresistible.
Blueberry Popovers
Similar to Yorkshire puddings, popovers are a much-loved treat, and the sweet version here is perfect for breakfast or brunch. The batter is baked, and the blueberry popovers are served with sweet, fresh berries to add extra vitamin C.
Apple and Hazelnut Drop Scones
Drop scones are an almost instant snack or breakfast treat. The thick batter is made by simply stirring together a few basic pantry ingredients, and the scones cook in minutes. Here they are flavoured with diced apple and toasted hazelnuts. Top with a little light maple syrup and enjoy warm from the pan.
Breakfast Muffins
Muffins are perfect for breakfast, providing the energy boost the body needs to start the day. This particular breakfast muffin recipe is packed full of good ingredients that add fibre, vitamins and minerals, too.
Summer Berry Muffins
Fresh summer berries add delicious flavour, colour and nutrition to these tempting berry muffins. They are best fresh from the oven, but are also good once cooled-an ideal addition to a lunchbox, or for breakfast on the go.
Apricot-Pecan Muffins
Packed with fresh fruit and nuts, and delicately spiced with cinnamon, these homemade apricot and pecan muffins are lower in fat and sugar than store-bought muffins, and contain no trans fats or preservatives.
Cinnamon-Raisin Bread
This whole-wheat bread l Continue reading

Seven-Day Type 2 Diabetes Meal Plan

Eating a diabetes-friendly diet can help keep your blood sugar levels under control. But it can be difficult to stick to a regular meal plan — unless you have a plan in place.
Check out these 21 delicious, diabetes-friendly recipes to use for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Remember to stay within your carbohydrate allowance by noting the carb content and serving size of the recipes. Also, be sure to balance your meals with lean protein and healthy plant fats.
Breakfast: Cream Cheese-Stuffed French Toast
This may sound too decadent for breakfast, but paired with scrambled egg whites, it can fit into a diabetes-friendly meal plan. Whole grain toast will help ensure you get your daily fiber too.
Lunch: Salmon Salad with White Beans
Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and is also a delicious topper to workday salad.
Dinner: Cuban-Marinated Sirloin Kabobs with Grilled Asparagus
Spice things up with this flavorful skewer. Dried herbs and spices are a great way to pack a punch of flavor without adding unnecessary calories and fat.
Breakfast: Apple Pie Oatmeal with Greek Yogurt
Who wouldn’t like a slice of pie for breakfast? This oatmeal will leave your kitchen smelling like the flavors of fall, and your stomach happy and satisfied. Add some extra plain Greek yogurt on top for more protein.
Lunch: Turkey-Cranberry Wraps
Turkey and cranberry sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving! This is an easy grab-and-go lunch that even your kids will enjoy.
Note: This recipe may not be appropriate for all people with type 2 diabetes, because it contains 60 grams of carbs p Continue reading