What are some diabetes-friendly foods recommended by dietitian Mary Ellen Phipps?
### Diabetes-Friendly Foods Recommended by Mary Ellen Phipps
**1. Avocado**
- Rich in good fats
- Helps stabilize blood sugar
- Adds flavor and texture to dishes
- Can be used in salads, on rice crackers, or in desserts like Avocado Cacao Mousse
**2. Organic Eggs**
- May have more nutritional benefits than non-organic eggs
- Great for breakfast on high fiber toast or in scrambled eggs
**3. Grass-Fed Beef**
- Contains less fat and more anti-inflammatory fats
- Rich in antioxidants and conjugated linoleic acid
- Can be used in dishes like Cheesy Beef & Kale Pasta Bake, chili, tacos, or spaghetti sauce
**4. Cucumbers**
- High in water and fiber
- Considered a “free food” for diabetics
- Great for adding crunch to salads or sandwiches and for dipping into hummus
**5. Hummus**
- Contains fiber, fat, and protein
- Can be used as a salad dressing, sandwich spread, or eaten on its own
- Pairs well with cucumbers or carrot sticks
**6. Berries (Raspberries and Blueberries)**
- Low in sugar and high in fiber and antioxidants
- Can be used to make no-added-sugar jam or homemade “frozen” yogurt
**7. Whole Milk Yogurt**
- Contains natural sugar (lactose) and fat
- Fat helps buffer blood sugar spikes and provides sustained energy
- Can be used on toast or in yogurt bowls
**8. Whole Grain Bread**
- Made with whole grains, providing antioxidants, fat, and fiber
- Contains B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, and fiber
- Great for making toast with toppings like peaches and yogurt
**9. Nut Butter**
- Quality source of plant-based protein and fat
- Choose varieties with no added sugar or oils
- Can be homemade or store-bought (e.g., Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter)
Mary Ellen Phipps is a registered dietitian nutritionist and type 1 diabetic who shares her expertise on diabetes-friendly foods and recipes. Visit her website for more tips and recipes.