Ideal ingredients for diabetic smoothies
Out of the superfoods recommended by the ADA, here are the ones that we believe are ideal for diabetic smoothies:
1. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables (spinach, collards, kale) - as they’re low in calories and carbs, they’re an ideal superfood to add to your smoothies.
2. Citrus Fruit (grapefruit, oranges, lemons) - use a freshly squeezed juice for a good dose of vitamin C, or cut into cubes for an added soluble fiber. A juicer-blender combo appliance would be useful here.
3. Sweet Potatoes - they add vitamin A and fiber, but also a creamy texture and sweetness to your smoothies!
4. Berries - whichever type you choose, berries will enrich your smoothies with antioxidants, vitamins and fiber, while also adding great color and taste.5. Nuts and seeds - provide healthy fats and magnesium. Either use nut butters to add creaminess to your smoothies, or grind flaxseed for an added boost of omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Fat-free Milk and Yogurt - if you’re non-vegetarian, this would be the base liquid of choice for your smoothies
The best Diabetic-friendly smoothie recipes
#1 The Perfect Breakfast Diabetic Smoothie Recipe
There are always so many breakfast choices. I chose to go with almonds and cocoa smoothie. This is a perfect recipe because to begin with, it’s really tasty.
Secondly, cocoa is known for its cholesterol reducing properties, ideal as you try losing weight. If you have diabetes type 2, cocoa reduces your resistance to insulin which keeps your blood sugar in check.
I love almonds. You can extract almond milk, which is my preferred method or buy the ready made unsweetened almond milk.
Green tea powder combines with the other ingredients to create a superfood.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon green tea
- A handful of frozen raspberries
Instructions :
Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy this yummy chocolate drink.
#2 Lunch diabetic smoothie recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity.
It’s beyond delicious and there is no need for a sweetener. It was a big hit for my family.
The apple and carrot flavors hide the spinach taste really well. The thick creamy texture makes it ideal for lunch. It will help you avoid looking for snacks to fill up on before dinner.
Ingredients :
- ½ apple, cored and pitted
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup almond milk, unsweetened
- ½ cup ice cubes
Instructions :
Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
#3 Dinner diabetic smoothie
I thought long and hard about this one. I needed a recipe that will ease your day’s fatigue and which is easy to digest.
Many a times my dad has woken up with soaring glucose levels just because he ate too much and it was not digested well in the stomach.
This is a non-dairy, light and refreshing smoothie you can enjoy after your dinner as dessert, or even as a substitute for dinner.
Ingredients :
- ½ cup frozen raspberries
- 1 cup kale
- 1 cup soy milk
- 6 ice cubes
Instructions :
Blend all the ingredients together until smooth.