9. Mediterranean Grilled Salmon Kabobs
These grilled salmon kabobs from Erhardt’s Eat are healthy and packed with flavor. They take chunks of omega-3-packed salmon and nonstarchy veggies like zucchini, grape tomatoes, and red onion, and then marinate everything in dried spices, olive oil, and lemons. Add the lean protein and veggies to skewers and cook on the grill for a quick, healthy meal for diabetes.
One serving (¼ of the total recipe) offers 316 calories, 20.7 g of fat (2.8 g saturated fat), 4.3 g of carbs, 30.4 g of protein, 1.2 g of fiber, and 2.2 g of sugar. Optional: Top the kabobs with tzatziki sauce.
10. Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna
Traditional lasagna is loaded with calories, carbs, and saturated fat, making it a bad choice for people with type 2 diabetes. But this version from Diabetes Strong uses zucchini in place of pasta to decrease carbs and calories dramatically without losing any flavor, says Poulson.
The zucchini contributes plenty of nutrients, she adds. For example, one medium zucchini provides 35 g of vitamin C, making it an excellent source of the nutrient. This antioxidant may be lacking in many people with type 2 diabetes, perhaps thanks to high levels of oxidative stress brought on by abnormalities in blood sugar metabolism, notes previous research.
This recipe also cuts back on saturated fat by using extra-lean ground beef and only a ½ cup of cheese, Poulson says.
One-quarter of this recipe offers 244 calories, 12.3 g of carbs, 30.4 g of protein, 7.9 g of fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 6.3 g of sugar, and 3.6 g of fiber.