In the world of dieting, it’s easy to assume that all foods are either good or bad and that there is no middle ground. Fried chicken is not a healthy food, right? Well, not necessarily. There’s more to this beloved Southern dish than you might think. If you have diabetes and want to know if you can eat fried chicken as a diabetic, the answer is yes! Fried chicken is actually one of the most versatile foods in your diet as a person with diabetes. You just need to know how to make it as safe and healthy as possible. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the common fears about fried chicken as a diabetic and explain why those fears are unfounded.
Diabetes and Fried Chicken: What’s the Big Deal?
If you have diabetes, you’re probably very aware that there are foods you need to avoid. Sweet desserts, high-fat meats, and fried foods top the list of foods that are dangerous for people with diabetes. The problem with this approach to dieting is that it makes you feel like you can’t eat anything. That isn’t the case at all, of course, but that’s the feeling you’re likely to get. Diabetic isn’t a disease that can be cured with a single dietary change. It’s a condition that requires careful attention to what you eat combined with regular exercise and consistent monitoring of your blood sugar levels.
Can Diabetics Eat Fried Chicken?
If you’re wondering if you can eat fried chicken as a diabetic, the answer is yes! There’s nothing inherently dangerous about frying foods — as long as you do it in moderation and with the right oils. You can enjoy fried chicken as part of your healthy, balanced diabetic diet as long as you make a few smart choices. Fried chicken, however, often comes with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy. That makes it challenging to eat as a diabetic. Instead, try these tips:
Avoid the skin
Skin is where most of the fat and calories are.
Choose thigh meat
Thigh meat is less fatty than breast meat.
Use a light touch with the salt
You can replace some of the flavor with vinegar or lemon.
Is Fried Chicken Bad for Your Cholesterol?
The cholesterol in fried chicken is not particularly high. The biggest cholesterol-related concern with fried chicken, therefore, is that it is often eaten in combination with other foods that are high in cholesterol.
- When enjoyed all by itself, fried chicken has no impact on your cholesterol.
- It’s when you combine fried chicken with foods high in cholesterol (like mashed potatoes and gravy) that you start to see a problem.
Is Fried Chicken Bad for Your Blood Sugars?
Fried foods are generally thought to be bad for blood sugars, but that’s only true when you eat them in large quantities. If you eat fried foods in moderation with other foods, you won’t be setting yourself up for blood sugar spikes.
- If you eat fried foods as part of a balanced meal with other protein and carbohydrate sources, you won’t have problems with your blood sugars.
- In fact, fried foods can actually lower your blood sugars in the long term.
How to Safely Enjoy Fried Chicken as a Diabetic
Fried chicken is a treat that people with diabetes shouldn’t be deprived of. However, it’s important to eat it in moderation and with other healthy foods.
- Enjoy fried chicken as an occasional meal.
- Make sure to include a side of vegetables.
- Have a low-carb side dish that provides fibre and nutrients.
Bottom line
Fried chicken — when enjoyed in moderation and with other healthful foods — is a versatile and delicious part of a diabetic diet. You can enjoy the crispy texture, savory taste, and fun atmosphere of fried chicken without worrying about your blood sugars or cholesterol. It’s a great option for any meal or occasion.