I have been compensated by Glucerna for this post; however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own. Talk with your healthcare provider about a diabetes management plan that’s right for you. #GlucernaChallenge #CollectiveBias #Ad
My husband is diabetic and is always watching his blood sugar level after each and every meal. So when I make breakfast, lunch and dinner, I always consider protein-rich, low glycemic index foods. His doctor advises him to consume small meals and exercise daily. Diabetes is something I am very familiar with. My mom died of diabetes and I was diagnosed with gestational diabetics when I was pregnant with my daughter. That is why I am happy to chronicle my husband’s journey during the Glucerna® 3 month challenge. We will be focusing on our overall health and nutrition, tracking our numbers and creating healthy habits.
Today, I have this delicious Protein-Rich Chocolate Avocado Hemp Seed Smoothie made with a Glucerna® HungerSmart™ Shake in Rich Chocolate to share with you all. This recipe is suitable for our diabetic diet. Please remember to consult your doctor about what's best for you.
My husband is a medium built guy. He was diagnosed with diabetes more than 10 years ago. Over the last ten years I have learned that food and sleep play major roles in contributing to varying blood sugar numbers. Since he also takes medications for various ailments, his blood sugar level is currently 7.9, but he is trying diligently to bring it down to the 6-7 range.
According to American Diabetes Association, there is no one diet or meal plan that works for everyone with diabetes. The important thing is to follow a meal plan that is tailored to personal preference and lifestyle. This will help to achieve goals for blood glucose, cholesterol triglycerides levels, blood pressure, and weight management.
My husband’s usual breakfast includes oatmeal, dry fruits and lot of protein-rich nuts. Lunch is typically parboiled red rice (again it has less glycemic index), lentils and vegetables. Dinner includes a salad with lettuce, carrot, avocado, colorful bell peppers and olive oil dressing ; paired with a whole wheat flat bread.
In between meals, he enjoys Glucerna® HungerSmart™ Shakes.
Each satisfying Glucerna® HungerSmart™ Shake contains 15 grams of protein to help manage hunger. These shakes also feature CARBSTEADY® which is scientifically formulated to help minimize blood sugar spikes*. To make these shakes even tastier, I like to add some extra nutritious ingredients.
Super foods, like chia seeds, hemp seeds, Goji berries, and creamy avocado are ideal shake additions. I read that Avocado has healthy fats that raise your insulin sensitivity and is thus another of the foods that helps to lower blood sugar. Avocados contain fiber to help slow down blood sugar increases when added to a meal so I incorporate them into his meal routine as much as possible. Hemp seeds contain all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce and the richest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids so they are also a great choice.
You can find Glucerna® HungerSmart™ Shakes and Glucerna® Crispy Delights Bars at your local Walmart store in the diabetic supplies aisle.
During the next 3 months I will be sharing how the addition of Glucerna® products help my husband to maintain his blood sugar levels,
Want to recreate this Protein-Rich Chocolate Avocado Hemp Seed Smoothie? Here is what you’ll need:
Here is the delicious Protein rich chocolate avocado hemp seed smoothie.
Ingredients
- 10 Fl oz ( 296 ml ) Glucerna® HungerSmart™ Shake in Rich Chocolate
- ½ avocado
- 2 tablespoon hulled hemp seeds
- 1 teaspoon salted toasted hemp seed for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a blender, add avocado, 2 tablespoon hulled hemp seeds, glucerna chocolate shake and blend until creamy and everything combined well.
- Transfer to serving glass and toasted hemp seeds and enjoy!
Notes
Author: Swathi ( Ambujom Saraswathy)
Will you be trying Glucerna® products? Does anyone in your family have diabetes?
*Use under medical supervision. Do consult with your healthcare provider or nutritionist regarding which diet / lifestyle is appropriate for your condition.
**Compared to high glycemic carbohydrates.
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This is Swathi ( Dr. Ambujom Saraswathy Ph.D) from Zesty South Indian Kitchen who loves to explore cuisines from all over the world. Whenever possible I try to to give an Indian touch to several of the world cuisine, and has weakness for freshly baked bread. All the recipes you see here are created by me and approved after taste-test by my family.
Poornima says
Oh this post is so interesting! My dad is diabetic and loves anything sweet. I wish I could get my hands on the product some day.. Also, avocado is so creamy that it makes te perfect choice for smoothie, yumm!!
Suja Manoj says
Filling and yummy,adipoli
Margie says
Diabetes runs in my mothers family (all 3 of her brothers had it). I have been tested and did not (yet) have it. Can a non-diabetic person benefit from this?
Swathi says
Definitely you can benefit by reducing the carbohydrate load. If you are having high carbohydrate and sugar intake, Glucerna may help to balance your diet. But you can also check with the Dr. to see if you are in the diabetes possibility zone by checking your A1C, fasting sugar level, Triglycerides and cholesterol, body mass index.
Amy Desrosiers says
This drink recipe is so darn tasty! I would love to recreate it at home myself! #client
Winnie says
Super unique (at least for me) and........... I'm dying to try it!!
Hema says
Very useful post Swathi..
Hadia says
The shake looks not only nutritious but delicious too. Pinning and tweeting, Swathi!!