7 Ways to Make Sweet Potatoes Part of Your Low Blood Sugar Diet
Sweet potatoes are highly regarded among individuals with high blood sugar and for good reason.
As a root vegetable, sweet potatoes boast higher fiber content compared to their tuberous relative, the white potato. Fiber, indigestible by the human body, adds bulk without contributing extra calories and promotes prolonged feelings of fullness.
Greens, Sweet Potato, and Fried Egg Bowl Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups lettuce of choice
- Olive oil (1 tbsp, plus more for drizzling)
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 1 large egg
- ½ avocado
- ½ cup microgreens
- Salt, to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon.
Directions:
STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Lay the cubed sweet potato onto the pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 35-45 minutes.
STEP 2: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat. Crack the egg into the pan and fry for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
STEP 3: Assemble the salad by adding lettuce, microgreens, roasted sweet potato, fried egg, and avocado to a bowl. Drizzle with oil, lemon juice, and salt.
Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, crucial for blood vessel formation and repair, muscle development, and collagen production, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Additionally, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, potentially enhancing the function of pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin production.
7 Tips and Tricks for Preparing Sweet Potatoes for Low Blood Sugar:
If you have high blood sugar, incorporating sweet potatoes into your daily meals is feasible with some mindful considerations.
1. Mindful Portions
- Limit portions to half a sweet potato per meal or snack.
- Pair sweet potatoes with a protein source, such as chicken breast or eggs, to stabilize blood glucose levels.
2. Smoothie Boost
- Add cooked sweet potato pieces to a smoothie with banana, yogurt, and a sprinkle of aromatic spices.
3. Nut Butter Delight
- Top a heated half-baked sweet potato with nut butter and fresh grapes.
4. Sweet Potato Toast
- Cut sweet potatoes into thin slices, toast, and top with high-protein options like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or eggs.
5. Flavorful Baked Side
- Add chipotle pepper for a sweet and spicy baked sweet potato side.
- Roll baked sweet potato pieces in a mixture of nuts, seeds, and cinnamon.
6. Mashed Goodness
- Mash-cooked sweet potatoes with diabetes-friendly seasonings like cinnamon and ginger.
- Enjoy mashed sweet potatoes as a side or breakfast dish with yogurt, nuts, or nut butter.
7. Sweet Potato Bowl
- Cube-cooked sweet potato and add it to a bowl with black beans, cooked quinoa, and sautéed spinach.
8. Hearty Soup Addition
- Enhance soups with the creamy texture and sweetness of sweet potatoes.
- Try a flavorful sweet potato soup made with red lentils, carrots, onions, and various spices and herbs.