30-Day Heart-Healthy, Diabetes-Friendly Dinner Plan (2024)

FAQs

What is the best dinner for heart patient? ›

For most people with diabetes, mealtimes should space out through the day like this: Have breakfast within an hour and half of waking up. Eat a meal every 4 to 5 hours after that. Have a snack between meals if you get hungry.

Carb foods that are high in fiber—such as brown rice, whole grains, beans, or fruits—should make up one-quarter of your plate. Protein foods—such as lean meats, fish, dairy, or tofu or other soy products—should make up one quarter of your plate.

Banana flowers boast several compounds in the stalk and pulp that may lower high cholesterol and blood sugar levels — two important risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute , the following foods are the best for your heart: Vegetables: such as leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots. Fruits: such as apples, bananas, and oranges. Whole grains: such as plain oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread or tortillas.

The plan should include plenty of lean protein, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Limit high-fat foods such as red meat, cheese and baked goods. Also limit foods that are high in sodium such as sandwiches, pizza, soup and processed foods. Cut back on foods and drinks with added sugar too.

Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

How should a person with diabetes start the day? Eat a big breakfast. Eating a large meal in the morning and smaller meals for lunch and dinner may promote weight loss, lower glucose levels, and decrease daily insulin dose in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, according to a 2022 review.

What is the one food that lowers blood sugar? ›

1. Legumes. Studies have shown that protein-rich legumes can help reduce your blood sugar response to meals you eat later in the day. There's also evidence that following a low-GI diet rich in legumes may reduce blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes and improve blood sugar control.

You limit dairy products, red meat, sweets, added sugars, sodium (salt), and highly processed foods. Some additional guidelines include focusing on seasonal produce and reading food labels to help you avoid added sodium and sugar.

Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.

Develop or maintain healthy lifestyle habits

Physical activity can help you manage your diabetes and may help you cope with stress. Healthy lifestyle habits that you stick with can help you manage your diabetes and prevent heart disease. Follow your healthy eating plan. Make physical activity part of your routine.

Red Raspberries

Many berries are chock full of nutrients, but raspberries are superstars for blood sugar control. They have just 5 grams of sugar per cup and plenty of fiber. Along with fiber, they're good for heart health because they have nutrients that fight inflammation and high LDL (bad) cholesterol.

The Mediterranean, DASH, and healthy plant-based diets have more similarities than differences. Each of these diets emphasize fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been shown to be associated with lower risk of CVD and mortality.