For example, you could swap your sugar-laden breakfast pastry for eggs and veggies in the morning.

Add cinnamon to your diet by sprinkling it into smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal or even your coffee.

Another plus for cinnamon?

Spinach-Strawberry Salad with Feta & Walnuts

Jennifer Causey

It adds flavor to your food without adding sugar or salt.

Almonds, pistachios and pecans also contain these beneficial fats.

Just keep an eye on your serving size, as a small amount of nuts goes a long way.

You’ll Want to Use This Paprika Spice Blend on Everything

Jennifer Causey

A 1/4-cup portion of shelled walnuts clocks in at 164 calories, per theUSDA.

Soluble fiber regulates blood sugar by slowing the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates from other foods you eat.

Research has also shown oats can help improve blood pressure,cholesteroland fasting insulin levels.

Rosemary-Garlic Pecans

Jennifer Causey

A 2020 review inNutrientssuggests that beans help lower blood glucose and A1c levels in people with diabetes.

Beans are inexpensive and incredibly versatile.

you’re able to feel free to fill half your plate with this good-for-you green veggie.

cinnamon roll overnight oats shot overhead in mason jars with raspberries and pecans on top

Plus, it’s rich in minerals, such as iron and magnesium.

This leafy green is also high in vitamin K and folate, among other key nutrients.

There’s no need to fear the fat from olive oil.

Ricotta Yogurt Parfait

make a run at get your omega-3s through your food.

The Bottom Line

No food is completely off-limits when you have diabetes.

But there are definitely certain foods that will help you better control your blood sugar levels.

Chickpea “Chicken” Salad

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Red Quinoa Salad with Golden Beets & Pistachios

Marty Baldwin

Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach

Diana Chistruga

squash

The Rules of the Whole Food Challenge