The world is moving at a fast pace and there is no time to even stand and gaze. Everyone’s in a mad rush to get everything done in time and skipping breakfast has become a norm, a habit. We do know that it’s harmful for our body but we aren’t ready to acknowledge it in its complete sense.
It is a misconception that if you skip a meal or eat less, it helps in controlling diabetes. A diabetic mustn’t stay hungry for long periods of time as it spikes their blood sugar levels. So, when you skip the morning meal, the body goes into chaos. Researchers have found that individuals who skip breakfast once a week have a 6 percent higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. [1]
There is a reason why breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. It should be nutritious and healthy and should contain adequate amounts of protein, carbs, and other nutrients. Eating good sources of protein like eggs, tuna, beans, cottage cheese(paneer), and yogurt helps you feel full and curbs your hunger.[2] You can include a diabetes supplement like Ensure Diabetes Care in your breakfast menu as it specifically caters to the nutritional needs of a diabetic. [3]
Let’s break this down and explain the options in simpler terms.
You do not want an elaborate, time-consuming process to prepare your breakfast. And as a diabetic, one should also avoid fried and processed foods. The best alternative here is to go for boiled, stir-fried, steamed, or baked foods.
| Related Post: Diabetes-Friendly Food Options Directly From Your Kitchen
3 Diabetes-Friendly Breakfast Options You Can Try
Here are three breakfast recipes for diabetic patients in India. These are easy to make and can be prepared in no time. I have included an Indian recipe as well.
1. Kerala Style Ragi Puttu
Puttu is a popular Kerala breakfast food. It is usually made with rice flour or wheat flour which is steamed in a special puttu-maker along with grated coconut. While wheat is a good option for diabetes, I’m introducing another diabetes-friendly option which is finger millet or Ragi. Ragi is gluten-free and is packed with nutrients like calcium, Vitamin D, and good carbs.
To prepare ragi puttu, mix together a cup each of ragi flour, rice flour, and grated coconut. Add water little by little until you can make a ball of flour in your fist that holds its shape, and crumbles when you try to. This is the required consistency.
Boil water in the puttu-maker and start filling the flour mixture in the cylindrical part of the utensil. When you reach half-way, add two tablespoons of grated coconut to form a partition or layer. Repeat the process until you reach the top of the container. Cover and steam for about 5-6 minutes. When steam starts to escape, remove and serve hot.
2. Egg Muffins
The goodness of eggs and vegetables is perfect for a diabetic’s breakfast. To make egg muffins, preheat the oven to 180-degree C.
Coat the muffin tin in cooking oil and add chopped spinach leaves to the bottom of each muffin cap. Add chopped vegetables like carrots, frozen peas, or beans.
Whisk together eggs, oregano, salt, and pepper. Evenly pour the egg mixture into these muffin cups. Top it with a spoonful of grated cheese.
Bake for about 20-22 minutes until the eggs are cooked and firm. Remove and let it cool for 5 mins. Serve warm.
3. Coconut Spinach Smoothie
This smoothie is a perfect go-to breakfast option when you are in a hurry. Blend together 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk, ¾ cup spinach, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 2 scoops Ensure Diabetes Care [4] and ice cubes. You may use Stevia for sweetness. This smoothie is packed with high-quality protein and diabetes-specific nutrition via Ensure Diabetes Care. It keeps your stomach full for longer hours.
Related Post: Here’s a complete Indian Diabetic Meal Plan
I hope you’d try out these recipes and as a caregiver to a diabetic family member, ensure that he/she doesn’t skip breakfast anymore.
Judy says
I am surely going to try making Kerela Ragi Puttu for my diabetic family member. Ensure Diabetes Care also is of great help.
Neha Jain says
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.. I would love to try your recipes.
Dr Bushra says
That's very healthy and delicious breakfast recipes. I'm going to try coconut and spinach smoothie using ensure diabetes care. That's very delicious and nutritious and keeps full for long hours
Paresh Godhwani says
I understood the importance of breakfast last year and this year I understood the importance of breakfast for diabetics. And the recipes you have mentioned are interesting easy and yummy. One can hardly resist breakfast with these dishes.
Prerna Wahi says
Thanks for sharing these simple recipes. They seem healthy and tasty #ensurediabetescare