4 Costco Must-Haves for Better Blood Sugar Control
Living with diabetes can be challenging, especially when it comes to meal planning.
As a diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator, it’s important to recommend food choices that help manage blood sugar levels effectively without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), making smart food choices can make all the difference. Here are four Costco finds that can help improve your blood sugar control while still offering tasty and nutritious meals.
1. Sweet Potatoes – A Super Versatile, Blood Sugar-Friendly Choice
Sweet potatoes are a diabetes-friendly option that should be on your grocery list. As a diabetes dietitian often recommends, sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, which helps slow down the release of sugar into your bloodstream. This makes them a great alternative to regular potatoes, which can cause more significant blood sugar spikes. They're also rich in potassium, essential for heart health—especially important for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Sweet potatoes can be used in various ways, from breakfast scrambles to dinner sides, making them a versatile staple for any meal.
2. Egg Whites – Protein-Packed and Low-Carb
Egg whites are a fantastic protein source with minimal carbs, making them a go-to for anyone managing diabetes. As a dietitian often suggests, incorporating more protein into your diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day. Egg whites are not only a great protein addition to your breakfast but can also be added to other recipes for an extra boost. They contain about five grams of protein per serving, making them perfect for controlling their blood sugar without increasing carb intake. Whether added to a morning scramble or used in baking, egg whites are a simple and effective addition to any diabetic diet.
3. Mission Carb Balance Tortillas – Low-Carb, High Fiber
If you love wraps, tacos, or burritos but are concerned about the impact on your blood sugar, Mission Carb Balance tortillas are a great option. These tortillas are packed with 17 grams of fiber per serving and only 2 grams of net carbs. This makes them a low-carb, high-fiber alternative that is perfect for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes diets. The high fiber content helps reduce the rate at which sugar is absorbed, minimizing blood sugar spikes. These tortillas are also incredibly versatile—you can use them for wraps, turn them into chips, or even use them in Mexican-inspired dishes. As a T1D dietitian would agree, incorporating low-carb options like these into your meals can significantly help with blood sugar control.
4. Quinoa – A Nutritious Rice Substitute
Quinoa is an excellent substitute for rice or pasta, especially for people managing diabetes. This superfood is rich in fiber and protein, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes. As a Type 2 diabetes dietitian, recommending quinoa is a great way to offer variety in meals while maintaining blood sugar balance. It’s a nutrient-dense carbohydrate that’s low on the glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause rapid blood sugar increases like other starchy foods might. You can enjoy quinoa as a base for salads, paired with vegetables, or even as a side dish instead of traditional pasta or rice.
Conclusion
Finding foods that fit into a diabetes-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be difficult. With these four Costco finds—sweet potatoes, egg whites, Mission Carb Balance tortillas, and quinoa—you can enjoy a variety of meals that are both delicious and supportive of blood sugar control. Whether you're working with a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes dietitian or simply looking for more meal options, these foods will help make managing your blood sugar easier and more enjoyable.
