25 Diabetes-Friendly Recipes That Can Help You Lose Weight

Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

These recipes are the tasty diabetes-friendly recipes you’ve been looking for. They're lower in saturated fat and sodium and focus on complex carbs like whole grains, legumes and produce, so you can easily fit these dishes into your eating pattern. Plus, low in calories and high in protein and/or fiber, these recipes can help support healthy weight loss. Savory recipes like our Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus and Cucumber-Spinach Wrap are perfect for lunch or dinner. And if you're looking for something sweeter, we've included recipes like our Lemon-Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bites and Peach-Oatmeal Breakfast Bars that cut down on the added sugar without sparing any flavor. Whatever you're in the mood for, there's something on this list that's sure to satisfy while helping you meet your nutritional goals.

01 of 18

Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus is an easy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly. Salmon, asparagus and red onion roast in a savory balsamic-soy glaze with garlic and Dijon for a perfect balance of tangy and rich. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh touch.

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02 of 18

Cucumber-Spinach Wrap

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This fresh and creamy cucumber spinach wrap comes together in minutes. A quick yogurt spread, brightened with lemon and dill, acts like a shortcut tzatziki, while crisp cucumber, buttery avocado and a sprinkle of za’atar add cool crunch and herby depth.

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03 of 18

Chicken Marsala Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

The flavors of classic chicken Marsala come together in this easy, hearty dinner casserole. Tender, chopped chicken, nutty whole-wheat orzo and deeply browned mushrooms are all baked together in a silky Marsala sauce. Stirring halfway through baking ensures that everything cooks evenly.

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04 of 18

Chickpea & Chicken Salad

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

This creamy chicken and chickpea salad gets fiber and protein from mashed chickpeas and a pop of brightness from fruit. A blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise keeps the dressing light yet rich, while celery and toasted pecans add crunch.

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05 of 18

Peach-Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Hannah Grennwood.
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Hannah Grennwood.

Peach-oatmeal bars are the perfect way to start your day, or enjoy them as a midday snack. Made with fiber-rich oats, ripe peaches and a touch of brown sugar, these bars hold together beautifully, making them the perfect thing to grab during the dash out the door.

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06 of 18

High-Protein, High-Fiber Swamp Soup Is on the Table in 25 Minutes

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This swamp soup, named for its vibrant green color, is made from a combination of spinach and parsley blended into a silky base, with fiber-rich white beans, shredded chicken and brown rice stirred in for a satisfying texture. A sprinkle of fried garlic and crushed red pepper adds savory crunch and gentle heat to each spoonful.

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07 of 18

Savory Oatmeal Grain Bowl

Credit: Abbey Littlejohn
Credit: Abbey Littlejohn

Savory oats are an underrated way to enjoy the whole grain—the toppings are endless! Cooking oats in soy milk is an easy way to add protein to this hearty grain bowl. Here, we top the oats with a bright roasted red pepper-olive mixture and a poached egg for richness.

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08 of 18

Chicken & Sweet Potato Wrap

Credit: Photographer: Abbey Littlejohn.
Credit: Photographer: Abbey Littlejohn.

These hearty wraps are filled with roasted sweet potatoes, chicken and mashed avocado. Using a rotisserie chicken saves time, but any leftover cooked chicken will work well.

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09 of 18

Pot Roast Soup

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Prissy Montiel.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Prissy Montiel.

Enjoy all the flavors of a classic weekend pot roast dinner in this cozy soup. With tender chunks of beef, carrots and potatoes, this warming soup will keep you satisfied on a cold winter’s day. Serve with crusty bread and a green salad for a hearty meal.

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10 of 18

One-Pot Chicken, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

This vibrant sun-dried tomato chicken-and-orzo recipe delivers a satisfying balance of protein, whole-grain pasta and vegetables in one skillet. Juicy chicken cutlets are seared until golden, then nestled into orzo simmered with savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach and crumbled feta. It’s an easy complete dinner with minimal cleanup.

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11 of 18

Pizza Bean Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

This one-pan vegetarian dinner captures all the savory, cheesy flavors of pizza in a hearty skillet of beans and vegetables. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and perfect for scooping up with crusty bread or serving over whole grains for a more filling meal.

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12 of 18

High-Protein Morning Glory Muffins

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

Start your day with these high-protein morning glory muffins! Made with Greek-style yogurt, apples, carrots and whole grains, they’re naturally sweet and warmly spiced with a tender, moist crumb. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts and oats on top adds just the right amount of crunch.

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13 of 18

One-Pot High-Protein Chicken, Cabbage & White Bean Soup

Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.
Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

This one-pot chicken, cabbage and white bean soup is the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat. A splash of lemon keeps the broth bright, and a dollop of basil pesto stirred in at the end adds rich, herby flavor that makes the soup taste special. Easy enough for weeknights and even better as leftovers, this soup proves that simple ingredients can still be delicious.

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14 of 18

Chickpea-Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

These Chickpea-Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps give classic tuna salad a fresh, flavorful upgrade. Mashed chickpeas add creamy texture and extra protein, while Greek yogurt gives the salad a light, creamy base. A generous shake of everything bagel seasoning ties it all together with savory crunch. Wrapped in crisp butter lettuce instead of bread, it’s a satisfying, high-protein lunch that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick, no-cook dinner.

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15 of 18

Lemon-Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bites

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

These lemon-strawberry yogurt bites are the ultimate frozen snack, and they’re made without added sugar. Juicy strawberries are coated in tangy yogurt kissed with vanilla, lemon zest and a hint of warm spice before being dusted with a powdery layer of crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

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16 of 18

Garlicky White Bean & Kale Stew with Lemon

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

This lemony kale and white bean stew offers bright, hearty,and comforting flavors all in one pot. Tender carrots, onion and lacinato kale simmer with creamy cannellini beans, some of which are mashed to thicken the broth. A sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley adds a fresh zesty finish. Serve with crusty bread on the side for a nourishing bowl that feels just right for chilly nights.

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17 of 18

Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli. Everything roasts together quickly, so cleanup is minimal and dinner is on the table in no time.

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18 of 18

Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Arugula-Tomato Salad

Credit: Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.
Credit: Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.

This easy chicken dinner is a flavor-packed dish where juicy chicken thighs are cooked until golden, then coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. They’re served over a crisp arugula and tomato salad. It’s a simple dinner for two that tastes delicious and comes together quickly.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/diabetes-friendly-recipes-for-weight-loss-11918353