As the end of summer approaches, most fruit varieties reach their peak. This means that prices at the grocery store or farmers market go down, while the fresh flavor goes up. There’s not a better time to stock up and take advantage of recipes that lean on fruit to add complex flavors or a touch of sweetness. And while it’s always wise to keep an eye on the carb content, the fiber- and vitamin-rich profile of most fruits mean you can indulge a little while keeping carb counts diabetes friendly.
As the end of summer approaches, most fruits reach their peak ripeness. This means that prices at the grocery store or farmers market go down, while the fresh flavor goes up.
There’s no better time to stock up and take advantage of recipes that lean on fruit to add flavor or a touch of sweetness. And while it’s always wise to keep an eye on the carb content, the fiber- and vitamin-rich profile of most fruits make them great choices to go in the quality carbohydrates section of the Diabetes Plate.
Fun and Fruity Recipes
Here are some of our favorite fruit-based and diabetes-friendly recipes:
If you haven’t tried making a do-it-yourself frozen yogurt fruit pop, you must try it! Our recipe uses blueberry Greek yogurt, strawberries, and pecans. It’s delicious and refreshing!
If you want to impress guests, serve them a chicken apple crunch salad. This recipe combines a lean protein (chicken) with a quality carbohydrate (fruit). Two delicious fruits, apples and raisins, shine in this dish.
3. Baked Cinnamon Stuffed Apples
The smell of baking apples with cinnamon gives many a warming feeling. This recipe reminds us of an apple pie minus the extra calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Enjoy!
4. Homemade Fruit-Sweetened Granola
Have you ever tried making your own granola instead of buying it from the store? We have a recipe for you to try which uses rolled oats, almonds, cinnamon, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract.
If you want to add some brightness and sweetness to your salad during the winter months, try adding in-season citrus fruit.
6. Braised Cabbage with Apples
This recipe combines cabbage and apples, making it a sweet and savory side dish.
Some of our favorite summer fruits can be whipped up in a blender for a delicious smoothie. This recipe features peaches, blueberries, and strawberries with Greek yogurt, almond milk, and flaxseed.
Both adults and kids love preparing and eating kabobs. Combining cubes of cheese with fresh fruits of the season is not only delicious, the quality carbohydrate and protein will help keep blood glucose (blood sugar) levels from rising as much.
9. Grilled Jalapeno-Peach Chicken Thighs with Creamy Avocado & Artichoke Salad
At your next barbecue, serve fruit with your lean protein. Our barbecue recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breast and fresh peaches. As an extra bonus, prepare extra to eat for lunch the next day. You will be glad you did!.
These fruit pancakes can be served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, or dessert. We will let you decide on what time of day you’d like to eat these tasty fruit-filled puffs.
