Memorial Day Recipes that are Diabetic-Friendly

 

Hey there, fabulous foodies! As Memorial Day approaches, it’s time to fire up the grill, gather with loved ones, and indulge in delicious eats. But if you’re like me, and managing type 2 diabetes, you might be wondering how to navigate the holiday spread without compromising your health goals. Well, fear not! I’ve got you covered with some scrumptious and diabetic-friendly recipes that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

 

Memorial Day Recipes that are Diabetic-Friendly

 

 

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Let’s kick things off with a mouthwatering grilled lemon herb chicken. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a Memorial Day barbecue. Here’s what you’ll need:

 

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Juice of 1 lemon

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
5. Serve hot and enjoy the juicy, flavorful goodness!

 

 

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Next up, let’s add some color to the grill with these delightful grilled veggie kabobs. They’re not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Assorted veggies of your choice (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, etc.)

– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

– Olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional: garlic powder, dried herbs

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto the soaked skewers, alternating between different varieties for a colorful presentation.
3. Brush the veggie kabobs with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
4. Grill the kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the veggies are tender and slightly charred.
5. Serve hot alongside the grilled lemon herb chicken for a vibrant and nutritious meal.

 

 

Refreshing Berry Salad

No Memorial Day celebration is complete without a refreshing salad to balance out the savory dishes. This berry salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with summer flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale, etc.)

– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

– Crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)

– Chopped walnuts (or almonds)

– Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

 

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, fresh berries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped nuts.
2. Drizzle the salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing and toss to coat evenly.
3. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer.

 

 

 

Tips for Diabetic-Friendly Eating

Now, let’s talk about making smart choices to keep blood sugar levels in check while still enjoying delicious food. Here are some tips and hacks for choosing diabetic-friendly options:

– Opt for lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu, and avoid processed meats like hot dogs and sausages.

– Load up on non-starchy veggies like leafy greens, bell peppers, cucumbers, and broccoli, which are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber.

– Choose whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and barley over refined grains like white bread and pasta.

– Limit added sugars by opting for natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, and avoid sugary beverages like soda and fruit juice.

– Be mindful of portion sizes and aim for balanced meals that include a combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

 

 

With these simple tips and delicious recipes, you can enjoy a memorable Memorial Day celebration without sacrificing your health goals. Here’s to good food, good company, and good times!  If you need a little crunchy snack, try these Kibo Chickpea Chips which I purchased from Amazon and love them, so if you try them let me know what you think – here’s my Affiliate Link > https://amzn.to/3JPrzbF