Simple Diabetes Friendly Dinner Ideas

It’s 6:00 PM and you don’t know what you are having for dinner. A common yet fixable problem. When it comes to making meals that are healthy for people with diabetes, keep it simple to start, include a source of protein and squeeze in as many vegetables as you can. Here are 5 ideas for simple dinners:

1. Mac and cheese with broccoli and chicken: use a whole wheat mix or Banza mac and cheese. Cook a bag of microwave friendly frozen broccoli, like Birdseye Stemfresh. Add to the cooked mac and cheese. Open and drain a large can of canned chunk chicken breast. Add it to the mix. Add pepper or your favorite garlicky seasoning to taste. This will make about 3 to 4 servings.
2. Quickie Chili Mac-Healthy: healthy, hearty and uses pantry staples.
3. Everything cheesy scramble with whole grain toast: scramble 2 eggs and add 1/4 cup shredded or one slice cheese. Season with “everything bagel” seasoning and add any chopped veggies that need to get used up. Serve with a slice of whole wheat or high fiber toast with butter or peanut butter and a drizzle of honey.
4. Shake and cookies: use this option on nights you really don’t feel like cooking and really do feel like eating dessert. Make a high protein shake like this one. Serve with two Simple Mills soft baked cookies. (Note: if you worry you’ll be temped to eat many of these cookies once they are in the house, keep them in the freezer). To increase the fiber in this meal, add a powdered fiber supplement when blending the shake. I recommend 1st Phorm Multi-Fiber in vanilla or unflavored to mix well with any flavor shake or smoothie you make.
5. Toasted turkey and cheese with semi-homemade vegetable soup: Make a grilled cheese but layer deli turkey in with the cheese. For the soup, start with a can of reduced sodium vegetable soup. In a medium saucepan, mix the soup, 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth and half a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (or any chopped fresh veggies you need to use up like carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, spinach or cauliflower). Add pepper or other spices to taste. If you prefer spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha, but remember a little goes a long way. Heat the soup mix on low to medium heat until warmed through.

Ready to tackle breakfast ideas next? Click here for six healthy breakfast ideas.

When you are ready create your healthy lifestyle, work with our registered dietitians at Well My Way Virtual Nutrition. Book online or contact us with questions.