Does diabetic food and beverages automatically mean bland and tasteless? Think again. There are plenty of great tasting smoothies out there that are also diabetic-friendly.
There’s no need to sacrifice taste to keep yourself healthy. Try one of these three smoothie recipes – your body and your taste buds will thank you for it.
Three Delicious Smoothies Diabetics Can Enjoy
Diabetics love a good smoothie as much as the next person. And smoothies are a good way to add the nutrients necessary for a healthy diet.
Just look for ingredients that are low on the glycemic scale.
Be sure to add dairy products, too. Good gut bacteria and calcium are a definite plus to lower the risk of other seriouscomplications associated with diabetes.
Ready to get started? Check out our favorite diabetes smoothies below.
1 – Chocolate-Peanut Butter Smoothie
Do you have a thing for chocolate and peanut butter? Luckily, these two ingredients are not only healthy, but together, they make great diabetic friendly smoothies, too.
Experts found that the antioxidant polyphenols in cocoa powder can improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar spikes, and reduce fasting blood sugar levels.
Just make sure that your ingredients are natural and sugar-free to keep them safe for diabetics.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup almond or unsweetened soy milk
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon natural peanut butter
- handful of frozen berries (your choice)
Blend all ingredients together until creamy or at the desired consistency.
2 – Apple Spinach Green Smoothie
What is it about green smoothies that has the health world ablaze? Now, you don’t need to miss out on this verdant treat. Try the delicious green smoothie listed below.
Apples have a low GI score of 39 with a 5 GL score, whereas spinach is rich in magnesium which helps to regulate blood sugar.
Ingredients:
- 2oz. baby spinach, packed
- 1 small apple, chopped and cored
- 1/3 cup apple or orange juice, unsweetened
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, fat-free
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Combine all ingredients except ice cubes in a blender and puree. Afterward, add the ice cubes and puree again until you reach the desired consistency.
3 – Cherry Smoothie with Almond Milk
Cherries aren’t just a seasonal fruit. They also has one of the lowest GI scores, which makes it a great option for diabetics. With a score of 22 GI and a 3 GL, this diabetic-friendly smoothie is not only delicious but also an option for you if you are lactose intolerant.
Yes, one of the ingredients is avocado. But this is a good thing because it not only helps with the texture, but the good fats may lower the risk of diabetes complications.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsweetened blueberries, frozen or fresh
- 1 cup unsweetened pitted sour or dark sweet cherries, frozen
- ½ avocado
- 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened
Blend together until smooth, or once you reach the preferred consistency.
Final Thought
Safe diabetes smoothie recipes are all over the internet. But there’s no rule saying you can’t devise some for yourself. Simply combine some of your favorite diabetic-friendly fruits and veggies and see what you come up with. You may just surprise yourself.
