If you are newly diagnosed with diabetes and experiencing your first summer of navigating barbecues and cookouts, you’ve probably noticed barbecues offer a lot of carbs. Corn, potato salad, chips, bread, fruit, desserts and lemonade are common higher carbohydrate staples at summer cookouts. Before you decline the invites, learn how to navigate the the food choices for better blood sugars.
- Have a snack before you go. Showing up to a barbecue starving is a sure way to eat too fast and overeat on the first thing that’s available (usually chips). Have a handful of nuts at least before you go.
- Look at everything available before deciding what to put on your plate.
- Seek out a lean protein option like chicken, lean steak or a turkey burger. If burgers and hot dogs are the only option, go for the burger.
- Pick 1 or 2 carbohydrate choices. For instance, if the corn and watermelon sound the best, forgo the bun for your burger.
- Fill 1/2 of your plate with veggies like salad, cole slaw (if not too sweet), veggies and dip or veggie kabobs.
- Choose unsweet tea, low sugar lemonade, water or sparkling water to drink. If you are drinking alcohol, be sure to eat something first. For some, drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can cause hypoglycemia.
Here are 2 examples of diabetes-friendly balanced plates featuring barbecue foods. The balanced plate is half-filled with non-starchy vegetables, one quarter filled with protein, and one quarter filled with carbohydrates.
Gain confidence in your dining out choices! Meet with a registered dietitian.
Diabetes Meal Ideas 