Who can deny that life can be hectic? It takes a lot to survive, let alone survive as a diabetic.  Why not cut corners by using easy diabetic meals? Keeping easy meal ideas on hand can save time throughout the day and save you from having to figure out how to balance each and every meal. Before putting your diabetes diet on the fast-track, however, you should take the time to plan and have a basic understanding of what a diabetes diet is really all about.

Knowing that you are not taking in too many carbohydrates at any given time isn’t enough. You also have to make sure that the portion sizes are not excessive and that you are gaining nutrition from all the necessary food groups. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), you should work with your doctor and dietitian to create a meal plan that is right for you. After all, planning in advance will cut time the amount of time invested in the long run and is, overall, a care-free way to ensure that you are eating the right foods in your diabetic easy meals. The ADA states that you meal plan should:

  • Work with your schedule
  • Keep your weight on track
  • Improve your blood glucose, your blood pressure, and your cholesterol levels.

 

Quick and Easy Diabetic Meals

 

Chicken Linguine with Broccoli

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless/skinless chicken breast halves
  • 2 cups of broccoli florets
  • 6 oz. dried linguine
  • ½ cup chicken broth, reduced-sodium
  • 1 tbsp. fresh dill
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • ¼ tsp. lemon-pepper seasoning

 

Instructions

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Afterwards, begin cooking the pasta according to the package directions, except 5 minutes before you would normally drain the pasta, add in the broccoli.  When the noodles are done, drain the noodles/broccoli mixture and cover to keep warm.

In a separate bowl, combine the broth, cornstarch, and seasoning. Set the mixture aside. Next, heat the olive oil over high heat and fry the chicken, stirring often, until it is no longer pink.  Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens. Stir in the dill and cook for 2 more minutes. Finally, divide the pasta between 4 plates, and cover with the chicken mixture.

 

Chicken Pita Pockets

Ingredients

  • 2 whole-wheat pita bread rounds, halved
  • 1 ½ cups of chopped chicken
  • ½ cup chopped broccoli
  • ¼ cup shredded carrot
  • ¼ cup pecans
  • ¼ cup plain low-fat yogurt
  • ¼ cup reduced-fat ranch dressing

 

Instructions

Begin by mixing together the yogurt and ranch dressing in a small bowl. Next, using a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken, vegetables, and nuts. Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken mixture and toss to coat. Spoon the mixture into the pita halves. The mixture should fill approximately 4 pita-pockets.