Easy Breakfast Ideas for Diabetics

There is a saying that goes, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” However, this saying is not really applicable for diabetics, given the nature of their disease. Much thought should be given to a diabetic’s breakfast eating plan, since there are studies showing that a balanced breakfast can help control a diabetic’s blood sugar levels later in the day. Remember that diabetes is a chronic illness; therefore compliance with regard to dietary modifications and lifestyle changes in general is of utmost importance.

The key to a diabetes diet plan is to eat a balanced nutritious meal at moderate amounts and at fixed and regular times throughout the day. Skipping breakfast, therefore, is definitely not an option if you want to manage your blood sugar levels effectively. There should be a balanced amount of carbohydrates in a diabetic’s breakfast every morning, around 45 to 60 grams to jump-start the day. In order to help determine your caloric intake, you can consult your nutritionist regarding your diet. However, there are simple preparations that you can do for breakfast that have been proven to be diabetes-friendly.

Cereals and oatmeal are recommended as foods for diabetics because they contain just the right amount of carbohydrates for diabetic people. You can consume these cereals either as hot or cold, depending on your preference. You can couple these cereals with a cup of milk and a piece of fruit for a totally healthy and yummy breakfast. One consideration that you need to take note of is that you should choose unsweetened cereals with lots of fiber. This is extremely beneficial to diabetics since this will help keep blood sugar levels in check.

A diabetic diet plan for breakfast can also include sandwiches, specifically the egg sandwich, since eggs are rich sources of protein. Egg sandwiches are often enough to satisfy the appetite of diabetics. Moreover, the wheat bread that you use for a sandwich can be a good source of carbohydrates for diabetics. Another creative way to eat eggs is through cooking it into an omelet so as to provide variety to your daily breakfast. You can also put the omelet in an English muffin together with lean ham and mustard for a tasty breakfast treat. Again, you can pair your sandwich with a fruit and a cup of milk. Diabetics also often suffer from high cholesterol levels, so it is advisable to get rid of egg yolks and just eat the white part of the egg instead. However, occasional intake of egg yolks is not bad, probably just one to two times per week to keep your cholesterol levels within acceptable limits.
As for your drinks, you can create a smoothie made from your favorite fresh fruits. You can mix a cup of skim milk with two servings of the fruits of your choice. Another alternative to skim milk is nonfat yogurt. Make sure that you do not add extra sweeteners to your smoothie. Hydration is also important for diabetics, so you should also consume lots of water for breakfast.