It’s officially Spring! The days are longer, temperatures are warmer, and grocery stores and farmer’s markets are filled with seasonal produce.
And one of the best ways to enjoy the variety of spring vegetables is in a fresh, crisp salad.
It might surprise you to know that vegetables may help you reach your target glucose levels.
Studies show eating leafy greens, and other non-starchy vegetables with lean meat before carbohydrates (potato, rice, pasta) prevents glucose spikes after a meal in people with diabetes.
So, go ahead and enjoy the bounty of the season. Just remember to eat vegetables first!
The following diabetes-friendly spring salads are a great way to start. Tips for buying and storing your seasonal produce are also provided. Here are our favorite diabetes salads that you must try:
Strawberry Arugula Salad with Toasted Hemp Seeds
Arugula is a salad green that has a slight peppery flavor. When purchasing arugula, look for delicately crisp bright green leaves. Check the stems to be sure they are not wilted or slimy. You can store arugula in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Loosely wrap in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag and refrigerate. The toasted hemp seeds in this salad add a nutritional bonus with 10 grams of plant protein per serving.
Grab the recipe: strawberry arugula salad with toasted hemp seeds