With my 7-day printable diabetes meal plan, you can take the guesswork out of meal planning and managing your blood sugar levels.
Managing diabetes requires careful attention to nutrition. Let’s dive into a comprehensive 7-day diabetes meal plan to provide nourishing and delicious options for you or a loved one managing diabetes.
What’s included in this free diabetes meal plan?
With this 7-day meal plan designed for two people, every meal provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
Each meal in the 7-day meal plan comes with nutrition information, helping you keep track of your daily intake and make informed choices. For your convenience, a free printable PDF (including a grocery list) is linked below.
7-day diabetes meal plan pdf
Click here to download your free 7-Day Printable Diabetes Meal Plan. You can download it in a pdf format complete with a grocery list and meal planner.
Crafting a well-balanced meal plan is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and overall health. Ensuring consistency throughout the day is key for those with diabetes. But, this is just a starting point and is not meant to provide individualized advice. And, it should not replace the advice of your own diabetes care team. Consult with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian to make any necessary adjustments based on your individual health needs.
7-day meal plan for prediabetes
For those with prediabetes, the 7-day meal plan is particularly beneficial. According to the WHO, focusing on nutrient-rich foods and portion control helps regulate blood sugar levels which is associated with a decreased risk for type 2 diabetes.
Key aspects to focus on include:
- Consuming plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limiting foods with high amounts of added sugars
- Limiting sugary beverages
7-day meal plan for gestational diabetes
Similarly, for our mamas-to-be who are managing gestational diabetes, the 7-day meal plan offers a variety of wholesome options to support both maternal and fetal health. Emphasizing balanced meals and snacks throughout the day can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.
If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, be sure to meet with a diabetes educator or registered dietitian to create a specific plan tailored to your unique needs. This 7-day diabetes meal plan is a great starting point for many people.
What is the biggest meal of the day for diabetes?
Ideally, all meals should be similar in size and have consistent amounts of carbohydrate throughout the day. Spreading out your food intake evenly throughout the day can help prevent spikes and dips in blood sugar levels. Aim for similar-sized meals and snacks at regular intervals to maintain steady energy levels and promote better glucose control.
What foods are included in this diabetes meal plan?
You’ll notice we include all types of foods in this meal plan and balance our meals and snacks with adequate sources of fat, fiber, and protein. As a registered dietitian living with diabetes myself, I love teaching people who to enjoy all the foods they love!
There are often misconceptions about certain foods. While pasta, potatoes, and rice are often labeled as off-limits for those with diabetes, the truth is that they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal plan.
And, don’t forget to check out our recommendations for the best bread, rice, and pasta options!
Meal Prep Strategies
To streamline your 7 day diabetic meal plan and make healthier choices throughout the week, consider preparing some ingredients beforehand:
- Chop fruit and vegetables
- Cook grains
- Portion out proteins
Doing these things ahead of time, saves time and encourages consistency.
Incorporating Alcohol
No amount of alcohol is “safe” for health, but many people will still choose to consume alcohol.
If you choose to do so, only consumer alcohol in moderation and opt for light beer, dry wines, or spirits mixed with calorie-free mixers to minimize the impact on blood sugar.
Read more on incorporating alcohol with type 1 and type 2 diabetes here.
*Be responsible when consuming alcohol. Alcohol is a known carcinogen and will impair judgement when consumed in excess. Do not consume alcohol if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.*
What if you have dietary restrictions?
The 7 day diabetes meal plan below can easily be modified to accommodate specific dietary preferences or needs, such as gluten-free (GF) or dairy-free (DF).
Most of the recipes are already written to be gluten free and easily be adapted to be dairy free.
7-day diabetes meal plan
This 7-day diabetes meal plan is great whether you’re managing prediabetes, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or type 1 diabetes. Each day you’ll have three meals and two snacks.
And, you’ll notice that some days we even plan for eating out! For help choosing a blood sugar friendly meal on those days, check out our post with tips and tricks on fast food and eating out.
Day 1
For day one of our meal plan, we’ll enjoy one of my favorite breakfast recipes, peanut butter banana overnight oats, a delicious salmon caesar salad for lunch, and a simple spinach pasta recipe for dinner.
Breakfast – Peanut Butter & Banana Protein Overnight Oats with Kefir
This recipe is one of my favorites for packing in the protein and fiber at breakfast time. The kefir, chia seeds, peanut butter, and almond flour get us to over 20g protein.
Lunch – Smoked Black Pepper and Salmon Caesar Salad
This simple salad is a great way to get some healthy fats and protein in with salmon. Remember, the American Heart Association recommends eating seafood at least two times per week for optimal heart health.
Dinner – Spinach and Truffle Mushroom Pasta
I love teaching people with diabetes how to enjoy pasta! In this dish, we use a bean-based pasta for added protein and fiber, and then pile on the veggies. You can add some additional protein like chicken or shrimp, if you prefer.
Snacks
Fruit + protein is one of my favorite snack combos. For this day in our meal plan, try these combinations:
- ½ cup berries with ½ cottage cheese
- Mandarin orange with cheese square (1 oz)
Day 2
Today we’ll enjoy a delicious savory omelette for breakfast, some of yesterday’s leftover pasta for lunch, and an easy sheetpan meal for dinner.
Breakfast- Colorful Mediterranean Omelette with Feta
To get our second serving of seafood this week, we’re having a Mediterranean inspired omelette for breakfast. It’s loaded with protein and fiber thanks to the salmon, eggs, and veggies.
Lunch – Spinach and Truffle Mushroom Pasta leftovers
Enjoy the pasta leftovers from dinner last night!
Dinner – One Pan Citrus Glazed Salmon, Broccoli, and Potatoes
I love a simple one pan meal. Both this recipe and dinner on day 3 use this technique. You can also replace the salmon with another type of fish if you prefer.
Snacks
For snacks, try some hummus and veggies (cucumbers/carrots/sweet peppers), and one of my favorite low sugar trail mix recipes.
Day 3
On day three, we’re enjoying a simple microwave chia seed oatmeal breakfast, lunch out, and another easy sheet pan meal for dinner… but this time fajitas!
Breakfast- Warm chia seed oatmeal
This chia seed oatmeal is high in fiber thanks to the chia seeds and nuts. And, it’s ready in just a few minutes!
Lunch – Enjoy a meal out!
It’s normal and ok to schedule having a meal at a restaurant or getting take out into a meal plan. Enjoy a lunch out this day!
Dinner – Easy Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
Another sheet pan meal that’s high in flavor for dinner tonight! Lean ground beef is nutrient dense and can be included in a heart healthy and diabetes friendly diet.
Snacks
For snacks, try some apple slices with nut butter, and popcorn with string cheese.
Day 4
I know I said Day One had my favorite breakfast, but today we’re enjoying another one of my favorite breakfast recipes: a simple microwave French toast bowl! For lunch, we’ll have a refreshing blueberry and apple salad, and comforting healthy chicken pot pie for dinner.
Breakfast – French Toast in a Mug
This French toast in a mug is perfect for quick mornings. It’s low in sugar and incredibly flavorful!
Lunch – Heart Healthy Blueberry Apple Salad
Loaded up with fruit, nuts, and greens, this salad packs 10g fiber, and includes a delicious homemade dressing.
Dinner – Healthy Chicken Pot Pie
The real star of the show with this chicken pot pie recipe is the crust. It’s delicious and flaky, and lower carb than traditional pie crusts thanks to the almond flour we use.
Snacks
Today, enjoy some mandarin oranges with cheese, and that popcorn blueberry and walnut trail mix we had earlier in the week.
Day 5
In the spirit of taking it easy on a Friday, we’re tajing it easy for day five of our meal plan. Breakfast is a hearty egg and bean quesadilla. Lunch is out leftover chicken pot pie. And, dinner is take out or out to a restaurant!
Breakfast – Veggie Black Bean Egg Quesadilla
Anyone remember that viral quesadilla hack a few years ago? Well, we use that technique along with fiber-rich veggies and beans in this delicious breakfast quesadilla.
Lunch – Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie
Enjoy your chicken pot pie leftovers for lunch this day!
Dinner – Eat out!
By the end of the week, most people are tired and don’t have energy for cooking a full meal. This is ok! Pick up takeout or enjoy a meal out!
Snacks
We’re having my favorite fruit + protein combo for snacks again today. Try:
- ½ cup berries with ½ cup cottage cheese
- Mandarin orange with cheese square (1 oz)
Day 6
Day six of our meal plan contains some delicious recipes! Lemon ricotta pancakes, avocado BLT sandwiches, and grilled lamb loin chops with grilled veggies are all on the menu.
Breakfast – Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
One of my favorite ways to make something taste sweeter without actually adding sugar is lemon zest. We use lemon zest to really make the flavor of these pancakes pop! And then, protein rich ricotta cheese instead of syrup on top.
Lunch – Avocado Lime BLT Sandwich
Sandwiches are another one of those things that many people think might be off limits… but, a classic BLT with some avocado added makes a great and balanced lunch with fiber and protein.
Dinner- Grilled Lamb Loin Chops with Corn on the Cob and Grilled Romaine
This entire meal is incredibly simple to put together. I love the flavor of grilled corn and romaine and the fiber they give us alongside protein-rich lamb loin chops.
Snacks
For snacks today, enjoy:
- Apple slices with nut butter
- Popcorn with string cheese
Day 7
Day seven is all about leftovers. We’ll enjoy leftovers at breakfast and dinner. And, whip up an easy chicken noodle soup for lunch.
Breakfast – Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Take it easy this morning, and enjoy leftover pancakes from the morning before!
Lunch – Chicken Noodle Veggie Soup
For this chicken noodle soup, we’re using a bean based pasta again to increase both fiber and protein.
Dinner – Grilled Lamb Loin Chops with Corn on the Cob and Grilled Romaine leftovers
Tonight’s dinner is some delicious leftovers from yesterday! The grilled romaine makes a great salad base if you want to change it up a little as well.
Snacks
For snacks today have some hummus and veggies (cucumbers/carrots/sweet peppers), and trail mix. Or, try some packaged snack options from the grocery store. I’ve got 70+ recommendations in this post.
Additional meal planning resources
Want more help with meal planning and grocery shopping? Check out these other resources:
- The Best Grocery List for Type 1 & 2 Diabetes
- Healthy Costco Grocery Shopping List by Aisle
- A Dietitian’s Guide for Diabetes Foods at Walmart: Snacks, Frozen Meals, and More
Sources
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/nutrition-during-pregnancy
- https://www.seafoodnutrition.org/seafood-101/nutrition/celebrate-heart-month-by-eating-seafood-twice-a-week/
- https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/mediterranean-diet-lean-beef-may-lower-risk-factors-heart-disease/
