Eat Out Confidently: Diabetes-Friendly Meals at Eatery A

Enjoying dinner at a nice restaurant like Eatery A is one of life’s many pleasures, but if you live with diabetes, it can sometimes feel tricky to make the right choice.

The good news? With a little planning, you can find plenty of flavorful dishes that can help keep your blood sugars steady while still enjoying your night out.

? Tips for Eating Out

Here are a few general tips for eating out to keep your sugars at bay. These are great to use at Eatery A and anywhere you choose to dine.

• Plan ahead: Preview the menu online before you go
• Control portions: Share plates with a friend or ask for a to-go box right away
• Balance your plate: Focus on lean protein, veggies, and healthy fats while limiting refined carbs. Remember to try and use the Diabetes Plate Method
• Drink smart: Stick with water, coffee, or unsweetened tea instead of sugary drinks

? Starters & Sides: Flavorful and Balanced

You can begin your meal with plenty of veggie-packed options that won’t spike your sugars. Some of our favorites from Eatery A include:

• Greek-Style Cucumbers
• Moroccan Carrots (fiber + flavor, balanced with feta!)
• Roasted Mushrooms
• Roasted Cauliflower

? Salads That Work for You

Salads can be a fantastic base, or your whole meal! Especially if you add a lean protein option like chicken or salmon. Remember asking for the dressing on the side can be a great way to limit carbs too.

Here are a few favorites:

• Greek Salad – naturally low-carb, full of fresh veggies and feta
• Arugula Salad – blueberries and walnuts add fiber and crunch, top with chicken or salmon
• Kale Caesar Salad – chickpeas add some carbs, but you can balance them out with protein add-ons

? Farm & Ocean Favorites

Eatery A has many varying options from farm to ocean proteins. These options are satisfying while still supporting steady glucose levels:

Here are a few favorites:

• Coho Salmon – packed with protein and omega-3s, paired with fresh tomato and olive salad
• Hanger Steak – hearty protein, enjoy with veggies and go light on the potatoes
• Cauliflower & Chickpea Falafel – great vegetarian option, but remember to go light on or skip the flatbread

? Skewers: Protein Power

Skewers are flavorful and protein-packed, just watch the starches like potatoes.

• Sirloin Tip – lean protein with tabbouleh and herbed labneh
• Chicken Shwarma – balanced and delicious, try to minimize the flatbread
• Shrimp – protein-packed, but pair with a veggie instead of grits

? What to Limit

Some menu items are best enjoyed as small shared plates especially to avoid glucose spikes. Remember it’s okay to enjoy all foods in moderation!

• Arancini (fried rice balls)
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates (sweet + savory, but high in sugar)
• Bruschetta (bread-based, we recommend the salmon & goat cheese option if you indulge)
• Burgers and Hand-Helds (ask for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun)
  

Disclaimer: Any information provided is not intended as medical advice. Iowa Diabetes is not responsible for any information from third parties.