Finding delicious and low carbohydrate meals can be difficult for people with obesity and diabetes. Delicious recipes are easy to find, and low carbohydrate recipes are all over the internet. But, recipes that are both delicious AND low in carbohydrates can be a lot trickier to find.
Enter this meal: Tuscan Tuna and White Bean Salad. It’s got beans and tuna for protein. It’s got crispness in the greens. It’s got fresh flavors from the citrus. It’s got saltiness from the olives. It even has sweetness from the tomatoes. It does have carbohydrates, it’s not a zero carbohydrate meal, but it’s low in carbohydrates which can help diabetics control their blood sugar levels without letting it get too high or too low. The white beans are a good source of carbohydrates as they also provide protein and fiber. Fiber can help control both blood sugar levels and appetite.
Low carbohydrate meals can not only help diabetics maintain control of their blood sugar, but when they are also lower in calories they can help promote weight loss. Type 2 diabetes is often a comorbidity among people with obesity. Weight loss can help obese patients improve their blood sugar levels. Significant weight loss, as is often seen after gastric sleeve surgery, can even reverse symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Tuscan Tuna and White Bean Salad
Adapted from http://bevcooks.com/2012/06/tuscan-tuna-and-white-bean-salad/
- 1 can solid white albacore tuna (drained)
- 1 14.5 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2-4 cups mixed greens, chopped
- 1 stalk celery (gastric sleeve surgery patients may with to skip the celery if it’s too fibrous)
- ¼ red onion, sliced or minced
- ½ cup sun dried or dehydrated tomatoes, cut into thin slices
- ¼ cup kalamata olives (halved or sliced)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon (2 tbsp fresh lemon juice plus 1 tbsp zest)
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine tuna beans, beans, onions, olives, celery (if using), tomatoes, and lemon zest.
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper (to taste). Pour just enough of the dressing over salad. Toss to combine.
People with diabetes need to be vigilant in monitoring their blood sugar levels to ensure they stay within a normal range. Choosing lower carbohydrate high protein meals can help to maintain blood sugar levels, as well as promote weight loss. For those who suffer from both type 2 diabetes and obesity, and are having trouble controlling their weight and blood sugar levels despite diet and exercise, they may be a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery.
To find out if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery, call Dr. Shillingford’s office today at (561) 483-8840. Dr. Shillingford, MD, PA is a board certified surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. His gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band patients often choose him as their bariatric surgeon due to his excellent location near Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and even as far away as Naples, Jacksonville, and Orlando, as well as his affordable out of pocket prices and excellent surgical reputation.
