Living With Diabetes: 3 Indian Dishes To Try

Blog

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 9.3% of Americans are diabetic. For those living with diabetes, keeping a strict diet is crucial in controlling blood sugar levels. Many diabetics are hesitant to eat out for this reason. Indian cuisines, which are usually doused in curry and seasoning, are highly avoided by many diabetics. If you are struggling with diabetes, you don't have to avoid eating out at Indian restaurants. Here are 3 Indian dishes you can try.

Channa Masala

If you thought you'd have to give up curry, think again. Channa masala is made from mostly chickpeas, and is definitely a dish you should try out at an Indian restaurant. This type of curry goes well with roti, naan and even rice. The chickpeas are low in fat, high in dietary fiber and can even help lower the risk of colon problems. The fibers found in chickpeas can be metabolized by bacteria in the gut into needed short chain fatty acids.

Channa masala can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For those who are already diabetic, channa masala can help manage the symptoms and control blood sugar levels. All in all, it's definitely a dish that will help improve and maintain digestive health making it a great option for those with diabetes.

Missi Roti

Although missi roti is not a dish on its own, it's definitely something you can add onto your meal. If you have diabetes, you should do your best to avoid wheat, flour and rice. Unfortunately, this means you won't be able to enjoy sides like naan and basmati rice. Gram flour, however, is an exception and has been known to manage insulin levels, which makes missi roti the perfect substitution for sides like naan and rice. 

In addition, missi roti contains ingredients like methi, which can also help manage blood sugar levels. Make sure the missi roti is cooked in oil for optimal health benefits. Some Indian restaurants also add additional ingredients, like pomegranate seeds, which are both healthy and used to add flavor to the dishes.

Bhindi

Another great dish to try is bhindi, otherwise known as okra. There are plenty of different ways that bhindi can be served and cooked. In particular, most people enjoy eating bhindi as an appetizer, as it is not only refreshing, but you will also be able to enjoy the natural flavors of bhindi rather than having the okra becoming overpowered by strong spices.

Bhindi has been known to improve diabetic conditions. Those who are not interested in bhindi dishes should consider soaking pieces of okra in water overnight before drinking the water. 

Conclusion

Just because you're diabetic, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to avoid dining out like the plague. Before going to a restaurant, take a look at the menu and do some research regarding the ingredients that are in each dish. You might be surprised to find out that many dishes are actually suitable for diabetics. Call the restaurant ahead of time if you have any special requests you'd like to make, and most restaurants will be more than happy to accommodate to you. 

To learn more, contact a restaurant like Athens Restaurant

Share

13 October 2015

gluten-free diet options in restaurants

Ever since I started a gluten-free diet, I have had to pay special attention to what restaurants I dine in. I have found that many restaurants are making the changes to include several gluten-free options for people like me. How do you find these restaurants and what can you choose on a menu that isn't specifically made for gluten-free diets? This blog contains several tips for making your dining experiences pleasant and diet friendly. You will find many options of foods that are served at many restaurants so that you can go just about anywhere and find something that you will enjoy.