It’s a known fact that Black folks love eating soul food. The holidays and other special occasions are especially times for everything from cornbread, collard greens, sweet potatoes and banana pudding. One of the biggest staples found in soul food is fried chicken. Don’t get us wrong, fried chicken may be crispy, tender and an overall delicious meal. However, that doesn’t mean it’s good for your body, especially when it comes to living with Diabetes.
Unfortunately, research shows that eating fried chicken or any fried foods, can worsen our diabetes symptoms. Generally speaking, poultry that’s either breaded or dipped in flour adds more carbs, saturated fat and calories. Not to mention, too much stored fat in our diet can lead to weight gain, which can also make our diabetes worse. In other words, eating out at Popeyes or even Chick-Fil-A three times a week can lead to serious health complications down the road.
Furthermore, diabetes affects more than 34 million people in the United States. Though, the disease disproportionately affects the Black community, as 60% of us are more likely to develop diabetes than white people. We also experience more severe complications from the chronic disease such as diabetic retinopathy.
Fortunately, there are ways for us to avoid such health complications. Even better, we can learn to maintain a healthier lifestyle while living with diabetes. The biggest and best way to start living healthier, comes from eating less fried chicken. Instead, opt for the healthier version of poultry.
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When it comes to chicken, we often don’t think twice about the benefits found in eating a poultry dish. For instance, chicken is rich in nutrients and proteins. Not to mention it makes for an ideal meal for diabetics. Poultry keeps the calorie count down and helps us maintain a modest weight.
More importantly, the protein contains rich minerals and nutrients that promote bone, muscle and immunity health. Speaking of minerals, chicken additionally contains selenium, which is essential for getting pregnant and our thyroid health. Who knew there were so many health benefits associated with poultry?
Though, when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle with diabetes, it has everything to do with how we prepare our food. As noted, fried chicken comes with a huge warning label. Since the disease is more prevalent in the Black community, it’s important that we find better ways to eat our food. Luckily, here are three healthier chicken recipes for Diabetics:
Perhaps one of the most well-known recipes for diabetics is roasted chicken. With poultry already being low in calories, this homemade dish is also low in salt, sugar, and fatty fats.
Not to mention, roasted chicken can be coupled with several healthier side dishes as well, such as roasted veggies, low-fat gravy and potatoes. With the holidays right around the corner, this dish will surely make a great substitute for the usual ham and mac and cheese.
Baked parmesan chicken comes as another healthy alternative for diabetics. While we’ve probably seen the fried version of this dish appear on several talk shows and cooking shows, we rarely view it in a baked style. Believe it or not, this recipe has a very low-calorie intake. Even better, the dish is low in carbohydrates, and sugars as well.
Furthermore, baked parmesan chicken can be cooked either in the oven or the air fryer. As the perfect side dish, add a little salad and sprinkle some low-fat Italian dressing to complete this meal. It’ll almost make you feel like you’re eating out at Olive Garden in your kitchen.
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Another healthy alternative for diabetics comes in the form of a chicken noodle soup recipe. While low in fats, calories and sugars, this dish can also act as a quick lunch or dinner option.
Not to mention, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to adding side dishes. Many of them involve adding mushrooms, red peppers and different spices to give your soup a bit of a kick.
Additionally, using rice instead of noodles can turn this meal into a gluten-free dish. Clearly, we can’t go wrong with homemade chicken noodle soup.
Living with diabetes doesn’t mean we have to watch everything we eat. However, because Black people do have a higher risk of developing diabetes and suffering from severe complications, it’s important to know what foods are good for us and which ones to stay away from. Be sure to give these healthy Chicken recipes a try and see how they can change your life for the better.
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