If you have diabetes, you may often wonder what foods are OK to eat.
Adequate fruit and vegetable intake is a cornerstone of a healthy dietand can even help you live longer.
Department of Agriculture (USDA)recommends 2 to 4 cups of vegetables per day.
Here are Weisenberger’s top 10 vegetables for diabetes management.
Carrots
The fiber in vegetables helps us feel full and satisfied.
Weisenberger recommends carrots as an especially filling, high-fiber vegetable.
Carrots are also high in vitamin A, which helps with immunity and healthy eyes.
Try them in ourBalsamic Oven-Roasted Carrots.
Broccoli
In addition to helping with satiety, the fiber in vegetables acts as aprebiotic.
“Prebiotic fibers are fermented by our gut bacteria, helping them to thrive,” says Weisenberger.
“In some cases, this helps with glucose and cholesterol metabolism.
“Broccoli is a great choicefor this, as are othercruciferous vegetables.
Zucchini is also low in calories and high in fiber, Weisenberger points out.
For a delicious twist on cabbage, try ourRoasted Cabbage with Chive-Mustard Vinaigrette.
Spinach
Like all leafy green vegetables, spinach is nutrient-dense and very low in calories.
It’s also rich in iron, which is key to healthy blood flow.
Tomatoes
Weisenberger suggests stuffing extra tomatoes into a whole-grain sandwich.
In addition to adding color to your sandwich and dishes, tomatoes are high in lycopene.
Tomatoes are tasty as is, ortry roasting themto bring out their natural sweetness.
Try our simpleCucumber & Avocado Salad.
Lettuce
Different types of lettuce contain different nutrients, but all are high in fiber and water.
Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health.
Bonus: Adequate B vitamins can also protect against cognitive decline.
Green beans contain vitamin C and vitamin A and are high in fiber.
Weisenberger recommends adding chopped green beans to pasta sauce for an extra veggie hit.
If you prefer canned green beans, opt for a low-sodium option if possible.
Just be sure to count starchy vegetables as carb servings when calculating insulin and medication.
