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Strawberries are coming into season right now, which means they’re at their sweetest and most fragrant. Take advantage of their peak by giving them a starring role in a versatile spinach, feta, and cucumber salad. It’s well-known that fresh strawberries play well in spinach salads. While it’d be easy enough to slice them and toss them alongside baby spinach leaves, putting fresh strawberries in the dressing helps guarantee that bright berry flavor in every bite, and turns the whole dish a gorgeous shade of rose.  Add sliced strawberries too, if you like, and call it a double strawberry salad. While you’re at it, feel free to add other ingredients as well. Grilled chicken will turn this salad from a side into a weekday main dish; diced avocado and chopped toasted almonds will add richness and crunch. Or make it as written and it will be simply wonderful.

Ever wondered how to survive the drive-thru with diabetes? In this series, a dietitian walks through the best things to order at top fast food chains. This week we see what’s happening outside the bun at Taco Bell. Taco Bell is a beloved Mexican-inspired chain known for its bold flavors and creative menu offerings, from the Nachos BellGrande to the now-viral Crunchwrap Supreme. But to the dismay of glucometers everywhere, many of these menu items are centered around spiky carbs , which can make eating at the chain especially challenging for anyone with diabetes. There are, however, certain menu items that are less impactful on blood sugar than others.  “Taco Bell is very customizable to your needs and health goals,” said Andrew Akhaphong , a registered dietitian at Mackenthun’s Fine Foods in St. Paul, Minnesota. He shared his top diabetes-friendly menu choices from Taco Bell.

Looking for a breakfast dish that you can grab on your way out the door? These low-carb recipes are easy to make and and taste great straight from the fridge. These breakfasts are the lovely kind that you can make ahead of time because you’re a good friend to your future morning self – the one who needs to start the day with a nourishing meal. The kind you need in your repertoire if you live with people who claim they have no time for breakfast.  They’re all easy to make and taste great straight from the fridge (although you can reheat the egg-based meals if you prefer). They also make excellent snacks – and, luckily, there’s no law saying you can’t eat the same thing at 3:00 pm that you ate at 8:00 am.

This tangy guacamole with lime and salt is a perfect accompaniment to any Cinco de Mayo celebration. Avocados are also nutritional powerhouses, making them a healthy choice for people with diabetes. Probably you think your favorite part of chips and guac is the chips, but if you make really excellent guacamole and serve it with an exciting assortment of vegetables, you might not miss those chips as much as you imagine. Feel free to add whatever you like to this recipe: salsa, chopped tomatoes, even corn kernels. But try it plain first – that’s how we grew to love it after a trip to Mexico, where we were served chunky, simple guacamole seasoned only with lime and salt, and it was absolute perfection. Plus, avocados are filled with nutrients – like healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals – so you’ll feel great after eating it.

Sushi is a favorite dish for many, but navigating this carb-heavy food can pose a challenge for those with diabetes. Learn more about the varieties of sushi, nutrition information, and tips for enjoying diabetes-friendly sushi.  Sushi can be challenging for people with diabetes, who often refer to it as the “food they love that doesn’t love them back.” Why? Because depending on the type of sushi you order and the portion you eat, it can be a healthy pleasure, or a decadent disaster.

Plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh help with blood sugar control and support weight loss, making them a healthy food option for people with diabetes.  You might be looking to cut back on meat for several reasons. Red and processed meats have been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes and can worsen existing diabetes complications.

The U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2024 list of the best diets for people with diabetes. See which diets made the list, and the benefits and drawbacks of each. In descending order, the top five rankings of the best diets for people with diabetes were the Mediterranean, DASH, Flexitarian, MIND, and vegan diets. While all of these diets – better described as meal patterns – favor whole foods as well as minimize added sugars and refined carbohydrates, their approaches vary. All five diets, however, have been shown to help improve blood sugar levels while providing adequate nutrition.

Beyond the impact diabetes has on blood sugar levels, one overlooked but critical issue is dry mouth. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia , occurs when there is a lack of saliva in your mouth to keep it moist. The persistent dryness of the mouth can create a number of challenges for people living with diabetes. Continue reading to learn more about diabetes and dry mouth. WHAT CAUSES DRY MOUTH WITH DIABETES? Anyone can get dry mouth, but it is particularly common in individuals with diabetes . The primary reason for this association is likely due to elevated glucose levels. When blood sugar levels are persistently elevated, it can lead to frequent urination, resulting in dehydration and dry mouth.

Grains are an excellent source of fiber and other vital nutrients, but which are best for diabetes? Here's why nutritious options like farro, oats, and quinoa are at the top of the list. You’ve heard both sides of the story: watch out for carbs and eat whole grains. Whole grains are indeed carbs. So, do you have to avoid them? The answer is a resounding no. You can enjoy an assortment of whole grains as part of your balanced diet. Grains have a blood-sugar-lowering effect , are extremely versatile, and can add variety to your meals. Which ones should be on your plate? Explore these grain options and discover why you should be eating them. What are grains? Grains are the seeds of grassy plants or cereals like wheat and corn. The seeds of non-grassy plants or pseudocereals like quinoa and buckwheat are also edible. Common grains include: