Presented by MyDiabetes.diet
So, let’s jump right into it!
Mexican cuisine: skip the wrap and the rice
The Mexican cuisine bursts with flavor and color and manages to represent the diversity of each region of the country. However, dishes at the Mexican restaurants will combine some of the ingredients that people with diabetes should avoid, including tortillas and rice. Skip them and make way for beans, while adding plenty of vegetables to your plate.
What can you order if you want to treat yourself at a Mexican takeout?
- Chilli con Carne with beans
- Chicken fajitas
- Burrito bowl with extra veggies
American cuisine: alternatives to high-carb foods
As with every other cuisine that is going to be listed in this article, American cuisine cannot be simplified to just a couple of dishes due to being the melting pot that combines tons of different influences. From Tex Mex to deep-dish pizza, from hamburgers to clam chowder, each region of the country offers its own delicacy.
As with every other cuisine, you should avoid ordering foods that are highly processed or contain bread, pasta, or rice as a base.
How to avoid raising your blood sugar levels and still enjoy a tasty meal? Here are some of the options for you:
- Naked burger with a side of salad, or burger wrapped in salad
- Poké bowl with a salad base
- 3 oz steak with a side of vegetables
Chinese cuisine: prefer steamed options
Chinese cuisine is notorious for its range and the variety of flavors available. If you have diabetes, you might want to steer clear from the traditional rice and noodles dishes and the foods that are rich in both sugar and fats. If you must have your favorite sweet and sour chicken, skip the rice, add more vegetables, or share it with someone to help manage your blood sugar levels.
If you would like to order a full meal at the Chinese takeout menu, the safest choices are the following:
- A clear broth soup
- Steamed dumplings
- Steamed shrimp or chicken with vegetables
Italian cuisine: stay away from the flour
Italian cuisine provides a wholesome experience combining delicious fresh fish, cured meats, colorful vegetables, and wholegrains. However, the amount of carbs can add up if you want to try every meal on the menu.
Here are some delicious foods that you can try if you are on a low-carb diet:
- Minestrone soup
- A slice of thin-crust pizza combined with plenty of fresh vegetables
- Grilled chicken or calamari with pasta and vegetables as a side dish
- Roasted eggplant with greens
BONUS TIP: Always pick tomato-based red sauces over white cream-based alternatives.
Indian cuisine: steer clear from the quick carbs
Spicy and hot, fried and stirred, sweet and creamy – Indian takeout can be anything you want. While it’s true that you should stay away from a side dish of rice, curries, and fried pastries, if you have diabetes, you can still enjoy Indian cuisine from the comfort of your home.
What should you order tonight?
- Lentil soup and dal (lentil stew)
- Paneer (cottage cheese) with spinach dip or vegetables
- Tandoori chicken with a side of salad
Would you like to be able to order anything from the menu?
Managing diabetes is all about balance. If you can keep your glycemic index at bay, you will enjoy just about any meal you’d like.
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