For many people, breakfast is the most neglected meal of the day. But if you have type 2 diabetes, breakfast is a must. “Breakfast is especially important for someone who has diabetes because it helps control blood sugar for the rest of the day,” says Rahaf Al Bochi, RDN, CDCES, a certified diabetes care and education specialist and the owner of Olive Tree Nutrition in Baltimore.
The key is to choose a nutritious breakfast that will keep you full and your blood sugar levels in a healthy range, which can vary depending on your age and health.
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“A diabetes-friendly breakfast is one that includes a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats in the right proportions, which helps balance blood sugar,” says Al Bochi.
And don’t even think about skipping breakfast (or lunch or dinner, for that matter). “Skipping meals can create blood sugar fluctuations and extreme hunger cravings, which then lead to overeating at meals and high blood sugars,” says Al Bochi.
So, it’s time to up your breakfast game. Pressed for time? There are plenty of nutritious, easy-to-make recipes that taste delicious, too.
Here are nine diabetes-friendly breakfast ideas to help you stay healthy and get on with your day.
All Everyday Health recipes meet expert-developed nutrient goals, considering several dietary guidelines. Learn more about the methodology behind why the recipes on this list are diabetes-friendly and considered healthy breakfasts.
