19 Three-Step Breakfast Recipes for Healthy Blood Sugar Levels (2024)

These simple breakfast recipes are a great way to get energized for whatever your day holds. Whether you’d like to prepare a satisfying jar of overnight oats or blend a quick morning smoothie, each recipe is ready in just three easy steps or less. Plus, they’re made with sodium-conscious ingredients and low amounts of saturated fat to align with our diabetes-friendly nutrition parameters. Recipes like our Savory Oatmeal with Tomato & Sausage and Breakfast Lemon-Blueberry Oatmeal Cakes are deliciously easy dishes that can help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

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Tiramisu-Inspired Overnight Oats

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Tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert, serves as flavor inspiration for these overnight oats. Instant espresso powder adds a touch of bitterness to the dish, which gets balanced by the sweetness of the maple syrup. We top each serving with yogurt for some tanginess, but you could also try swapping in ricotta. A dusting of cocoa powder on top serves as a nod to the dessert's iconic look. These oats are meal-prep-friendly, but if you find your oats becoming too dry as they sit in the fridge, add more almond milk until they're loosened to your desired consistency.

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Savory Oatmeal with Tomato & Sausage

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Oats get a new life in this savory dish, serving as the backbone for a satisfying combo of sausage, greens, tomatoes and herbs.

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Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes)

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This hearty Turkish breakfast features a fragrant, tender tomato sauce with peppers and onions. The eggs add a silkiness to the dish, and a boost of protein. Serve with crusty whole-wheat bread to soak up all the sauce.

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Breakfast Lemon-Blueberry Oatmeal Cakes

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A cross between muffins and baked oatmeal, these oatmeal cakes are perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or snack. You can also make a double batch and enjoy one during the week and store the other batch in the freezer to savor later.

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Creamy Strawberry Smoothie

It's hard to beat this recipe for quick and easy strawberry smoothies. All you need is five ingredients and five minutes. It's versatile too: you can use any unsweetened milk for creaminess, your preferred yogurt, and the maple syrup or honey is optional. The vanilla extract acts as a great flavor backdrop that will work with most fruits. Get blending!

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Lemon-Blueberry Yogurt Toast

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Here's the latest and greatest addition to your morning breakfast ritual. (Thank you, TikTok!) The yogurt mixed with the egg becomes custard-y—almost like a cheese Danish—when baked, and the protein from both will give you an energy boost to tackle your day.

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Stovetop Veggie Frittata

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Eggs are one of the cheapest sources of protein. And they offer a delicious and easy avenue for getting veggies, like in this frittata. Using frozen vegetables saves prep time, too.

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Breakfast Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cakes

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Peanut butter is the star ingredient in these oatmeal cakes, providing not only flavor, but a boost of plant-based protein too. Hiding a bit in the center of each muffin is a fun way to ensure that peanut butter makes it into every bite.

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Yeast Pancakes

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Using yeast as the leavening agent in these pancakes, as opposed to baking powder or baking soda, creates a delightfully tangy flavor that sets the stage for sweet or savory toppings. We like these yeast pancakes topped with a simple cherry sauce made by simmering 2 cups pitted cherries, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a small saucepan until the cherries are broken down and the sauce is thick, about 20 minutes.

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Cherry Smoothie

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The combination of oat milk, vanilla extract and sweet cherries makes this recipe taste like a cherry pie smoothie. Adding a bit of brown sugar boosts that nostalgia even more.

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Breakfast Carrot-Cake Oatmeal Cakes

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Enjoy all the classic flavors of carrot cake in these healthy oatmeal cakes. Shredded carrot, raisins and walnuts are packed into each bite. Chopping the raisins helps distribute them throughout the batter. These oatmeal cakes are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, but also make for a great snack.

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Cauliflower Oatmeal

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We'll admit, a breakfast cereal made from a cruciferous vegetable sounds a little far-fetched—but our testers were pleasantly surprised by this warm and cozy recipe! Flavored with cinnamon, vanilla and just a touch of sweetness, it's a nutritious alternative to a grain-based bowl that adds a serving of vegetables to your morning meal.

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Mixed-Berry Breakfast Smoothie

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Smoothies are popular for breakfast, but many don't have enough calories or nutrients to be considered a complete meal. This creamy berry smoothie has the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat, and will keep you satisfied until your next meal.

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Peanut Butter & Berries Waffle Sandwich

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Whole-grain freezer waffles make the perfect base for a nourishing breakfast that tastes just like a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We use crunchy peanut butter to add texture, but you can swap in creamy, if you prefer. If fresh berries aren't available, you can use frozen ones; microwave them in a small bowl for about 30 seconds to thaw before adding to the sandwich.

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Coconut-Mango Oats

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Give plain oats a makeover with this quick, five-minute breakfast idea. Adding just a bit of toasted coconut, some vanilla extract and fresh (or frozen) mango provides plenty of flavor. We use oat milk here, but feel free to switch it to dairy or any other plant-based, unsweetened milk too.

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Hash-Brown Breakfast Toast with Egg & Salsa

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A hash brown makes a great substitute for toast in this easy, five-minute breakfast recipe. Using the microwave to cook the hash brown keeps prep time down, but if you have a few extra minutes, pop it in the toaster to finish it for a crispy base.

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Sweet Potato Waffles

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These sweet potato waffles are gluten-free thanks to gluten-free oats as a base. They are crispy on the outside and sweet and creamy on the inside, with just a hint of orange and spice.

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Fruit & Granola Pops

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Adding granola to this fruit pop recipe upgrades it from frozen treat to healthy grab-and-go breakfast. Kefir brings probiotic power, and honey and fruit add a touch of sweetness.

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Breakfast Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal Cakes

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These handy cakes are a great way to start your day. If you're in a hurry, toss one in a food storage container to enjoy once you get to work. If you have more time, pop one in the microwave for 30 seconds, then top with a little milk and enjoy!

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19 Three-Step Breakfast Recipes for Healthy Blood Sugar Levels (2024)

FAQs

What is the best breakfast for blood sugar balance? ›

Choose breakfast foods that are packed with fiber, like whole-grain bread, low-added-sugar fiber-rich cereals or oats. Incorporate more produce at breakfast. "You can add berries into yogurt or on top of oatmeal, include vegetables in your omelet or add avocado to your toast," suggests Palinski-Wade.

What is the most important meal of the day for a diabetic? ›

Breakfast is an essential meal. Research shows that people with diabetes who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat throughout the day. Unfortunately, many breakfast options contain processed carbohydrates and sugars, which can lead to blood sugar spikes.

What is a good breakfast sandwich for diabetics? ›

Make healthy swaps — for example, make your breakfast sandwich on a whole-grain, high-fiber English muffin, toast, or bagel and swap out 2% cheese for full-fat cheese and Canadian bacon for turkey bacon. Change out sides like hash browns for more nutritious options, such as fruit or yogurt.

What should I eat for breakfast to avoid sugar crash? ›

Some examples of nutritionally high breakfasts suitable for people at risk of hypoglycemia include:
  • Scrambled or hardboiled eggs, plus a slice of whole-grain bread with cinnamon (cinnamon may help reduce blood sugar)
  • Steel-cut oatmeal, with blueberries, kiwifruit, peaches, or sunflower seeds.
Dec 27, 2023

What is the first thing a diabetic should do in the morning? ›

Testing your blood sugar is an essential part of managing your diabetes. Test your blood sugar first thing in the morning to get a baseline reading for the day. This can help you adjust your diabetes management plan as needed.

What foods stabilize blood sugar quickly? ›

Balance blood sugar with these foods.
  • Leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables. Leafy greens such as romaine, kale, and spinach, along with non-starchy vegetables (for example, peppers, tomatoes, and onions) are high in fiber, low in calories, and nutrient-rich. ...
  • Nuts, nut butters, and seeds. ...
  • Berries.
Nov 29, 2023

What are the 5 worst foods for blood sugar? ›

Foods to limit or avoid
  1. Refined grains. Refined grains like white bread, pasta, and rice are high in carbs but low in fiber, which can increase blood sugar levels more quickly than their whole grain counterparts. ...
  2. Sugar-sweetened beverages. ...
  3. Fried foods. ...
  4. Alcohol. ...
  5. Breakfast cereal. ...
  6. Candy. ...
  7. Processed meats. ...
  8. Fruit juice.

What is the best breakfast meat for diabetics? ›

Certain types of store-bought bacon and sausage contain added sugars or high levels of salt. Reduced sodium deli meat or plain ground turkey is a terrific protein option for a heart-healthy breakfast.

How many eggs can a diabetic eat in a day? ›

How Many Eggs Can People With Type 2 Diabetes Eat? Both research and health experts indicate that individuals living with type 2 diabetes, or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, can include between 6 - 12 eggs per week as part of an overall healthy diet. So you can enjoy up to 2 eggs, 6 times a week.

How do you feel when your blood sugar is too high? ›

increased thirst and a dry mouth. needing to pee frequently. tiredness. blurred vision.

Is tuna sandwich good for diabetics? ›

Fatty fish—such as salmon, mackerel, and albacore tuna—are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats help prevent clogging of the arteries. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating fish twice a week. Choose baked or grilled fish, not fried.

What protein does not raise blood sugar? ›

Low-fat types like cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, or mozzarella are high-protein choices that help keep your blood sugar in check.

What foods bring down sugar? ›

We look at these foods below.
  • Legumes. Studies have shown that protein-rich legumes can help reduce your blood sugar response to meals you eat later in the day. ...
  • Nuts and nut butters. Like legumes, nuts are rich in protein. ...
  • Vegetables. Vegetables are a great source of fiber. ...
  • Seeds. ...
  • Whole fruits. ...
  • Whole grains.
Mar 18, 2024

What foods lower blood sugar overnight? ›

Try one the following healthful snacks before bed to help manage blood sugar levels and satisfy nighttime hunger:
  • A handful of nuts. ...
  • A hard-boiled egg. ...
  • Low-fat cheese and whole-wheat crackers. ...
  • Baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices. ...
  • Celery sticks with hummus. ...
  • Air-popped popcorn. ...
  • Roasted chickpeas.

How can I stabilize my blood sugar in the morning? ›

To help you prevent or correct high blood sugar in the morning, your health care provider may suggest that you:
  1. Avoid carbohydrates at bedtime.
  2. Change your dose of diabetes medicine or insulin.
  3. Switch to a different diabetes medicine.
  4. Change the time when you take your medication or insulin from dinnertime to bedtime.

Should you eat breakfast in the morning if your blood sugar is high? ›

As per experts, people with diabetes shouldn't be in rush to have breakfast first thing in the morning as this is the time when your body's blood sugar levels are naturally high. If you eat immediately after waking up, you will find it difficult to manage diabetes the entire day.

How should I eat each meal for blood sugar balancing? ›

The Plate Method
  1. Fill half with nonstarchy vegetables, such as salad, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and carrots.
  2. Fill one quarter with a lean protein, such as chicken, turkey, beans, tofu, or eggs.
  3. Fill one quarter with carb foods.

Can eggs help balance blood sugar? ›

Protein-rich foods like eggs can play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Plus, eggs contain many essential vitamins and minerals, and have just 80 calories each.

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