I have been compensated by Glucerna for this post; however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own. Talk with your healthcare provider about a diabetes management plan that’s right for you. #GlucernaChallenge #CollectiveBias #Ad

A diagnosis of anything is tough.
A diagnosis of diabetes is life-changing, for the entire family.

As the one in charge of meal planning for my husband, diabetes is never far from my mind. It has to be. So today, I’m sharing my recipe for Low Carb Deconstructed Baked Salmon Salad – delicious for anyone, but ideal for a diabetic.

I find myself “counting carbs” throughout the day. I often call asking what my husband has had for lunch, so I know whether dinner needs to be “extra” healthy. And that “healthy” is a very different healthy than what a normal person might think. There are so many natural foods that are healthy for most, yet for the diabetic, not so great. Though a healthy and natural sugar, fruit intake still has to be watched, just like a candy bar would be. Oh, it can get overwhelming.

It’s only been less than a year since my husband’s diagnosis, but we are determined as a family to fight this with everything we have. This is a team effort and I’m proud of all he’s accomplished so far. He’s fortunate in that he’s able to fight this right now with medication, diet, and exercise.

No needles. No insulin. Yet.

I’m hopeful that he might never need to use them.

I seriously couldn’t be more proud of this man, who has lost over 30 pounds since that diagnosis was first handed down during the holiday season. Guess who didn’t have any holiday desserts last year? You guessed it, this family, though my daughter did enjoy a treat or two. But here’s the thing, it runs in her family, on both sides. I’d be a fool if I didn’t try to change her eating practices right now. So at age 9, she is educated on counting carbs and how blood sugar affects each and every one of us, not just Daddy.

For the last month, my husband has had the help of Glucerna® when it comes to nutrition. I can’t praise Glucerna® products enough. First, they help him manage hunger throughout the day. Second, they are designed to help minimize blood sugar spikes, which is perhaps the most important thing to me. Even though I’m not a diabetic, I have been known to have low blood sugar episodes that are scary. Maintaining a consistent blood sugar is key for any diabetic patient. They need all the help they can get.

What’s in the kitchen and in his backpack for work? Glucerna® HungerSmart™ Shakes, and  Glucerna® Mini Snacks which each feature CARBSTEADY®, scientifically formulated to help minimize blood sugar spikes*.

For afternoon snacks (critical for a diabetic), we have Glucerna® Mini Snacks with 3 grams of protein and only 3 grams of sugars. I find them at my local Walmart, in the diabetic care aisle. It’s these snacks which help get him and his blood sugar level safely to dinner, where I can provide him a low carb meal.

Speaking of that low carb meal, let’s introduce you to my Low Carb Deconstructed Baked Salmon Salad!

LOW CARB DECONSTRUCTED BAKED SALMON SALAD (serves 2)

This recipe serves two but is easily doubled or tripled based on your size party.

Ingredients:
2 salmon fillets
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/3 cup Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Salad Dressing (or similar)

Instructions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray (or use an oven safe skillet)
Place salmon fillets in baking dish.
Mix remaining ingredients in small bowl until well-blended (spinach, mushrooms, tomato, salad dressing)

Spoon mixed ingredients over the salmon fillets.
Bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until salmon flakes pretty easily.

OPTION: My family loves this easy recipe with salmon, but it can easily be changed up to use with chicken.

I’m sure you can tell why we love this recipe. It’s low carb and incredibly filling with a generous portion of protein and plenty of veggies. No starches here – no rice, potatoes or bread, so the carbs are low. Yes, vegetables can have carbs, did you know that? Tomatoes and the salad dressing here are the biggest carbs, but still incredibly low compared to most meals.

Healthy low carb meals for lunch and dinner combined with a Glucerna® HungerSmart™ Shake for breakfast and Glucerna® Mini Snacks during the day are making all the difference with husband. It makes diabetes more manageable and less scary.

I easily find all our favorite Glucerna® products at my local Walmart store and you can too. You can also shop for them online, which is sometimes easier to do with our crazy schedules.

I’m proud to be partnering with Glucerna® for this 3 month challenge, but more importantly, I’m grateful for the fact that these products give my husband and diabetic patients everywhere a nutritious and well balanced snack or meal option. Learn more about Glucerna® and take the challenge with us!

Do you have any go-to low carb recipes?

*Use under medical supervision. Do consult with your healthcare provider or nutritionist regarding which diet / lifestyle is appropriate for your condition.
**Compared to high glycemic carbohydrates.

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