Choosing Suitable Italian Dishes for People With Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you may wonder if you can enjoy eating out at an Italian restaurant without compromising the control of your blood sugar. The good news is that you can, as long as you make smart choices and plan ahead.

Italian cuisine offers a variety of delicious and healthy options for those with diabetes, from fresh salads and soups to whole-grain pasta and grilled fish. Read on to discover some tips on how to choose suitable options for people with diabetes when eating at an Italian restaurant.

Start With a Salad

A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a light dressing can help fill you up with fiber and antioxidants without causing spikes in your blood sugar. Moreover, some restaurants offer delicious salad options that include protein, which also helps to keep your blood sugar stable.

Choose Whole-Grain Pasta and Thin Crust Pizza

Whole grains are rich in fiber, which can help slow down the digestion and absorption of carbs and prevent spikes in blood sugar. They also contain more vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals than refined grains.

Ask for whole-wheat pasta if available, and opt for thin and crispy pizza crusts that have less dough. You can also ask for a smaller portion of pasta or pizza or choose to share your selection with someone else. Nonetheless, try to limit your intake of breadsticks and garlic bread to avoid adding extra calories and refined carbs to your meal.

Pick Lean Protein Sources

Protein can help you feel full and satisfied and support the maintenance of your muscle mass and metabolism. In Italian cuisine, fish and chicken are great sources of lean protein that are often grilled, baked, or braised.

In addition, fish, such as salmon, provide omega-3 fatty acids that can improve insulin sensitivity and lessen inflammation. Still, as you select your choices from the menu, limit your intake of fried or heavily breaded dishes as well as fatty meats.

Add More Vegetables to Your Plate

Vegetables are low in calories and carbs but high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help you balance your blood sugar levels and prevent overeating. Italian cuisine features a variety of vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, peppers, artichokes, mushrooms, spinach, and broccoli. You can order them as a side dish, a pizza topping, or a pasta ingredient. You can also try roasted eggplant or Portobello mushroom dishes instead of meat-based ones.

Enjoy Dessert in Moderation

Dessert is not off-limits for people with diabetes, but it should be enjoyed in moderation. Italian desserts such as tiramisu, cannoli, gelato, or cheesecake can be high in sugar, fat, and calories, which can raise your blood sugar levels. If you want to indulge in dessert, choose a small portion or share it with someone else.

Drink Water or Unsweetened Tea Instead of Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, lemonade, or sweet tea, can spike your blood sugar levels. They can also make you thirsty and dehydrated.

Water is the best drink for people with diabetes, as it helps flush out toxins and regulate the body's temperature. However, you can also drink unsweetened tea, which includes antioxidants and other health benefits. Try to avoid the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, such as wine or beer, as they can interfere with your blood sugar control and the effectiveness of your medications.

Eating at an Italian restaurant can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for people with diabetes if they make smart choices and plan ahead. If you have diabetes, you don't have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods. However, you do have to be mindful of what and how much you eat.

To enjoy delicious Italian cuisine without compromising your blood sugar levels or your health, contact Picano's Italian Grille to make a reservation. Our menu includes a variety of dishes for people with different dietary needs.