Is Turkey Chili Good for Diabetics? A Comprehensive Guide

This easy turkey chili is full of protein (25 grams per serving!) and has a nice spicy kick from ingredients like red chili and jalapeño. And it can be ready in 30 minutes!.

I call this recipe “Simple Turkey Chili” because it’s easy to make and only takes about 30 minutes.

But the flavors in this healthy turkey chili recipe are anything but basic, thanks to ingredients like red chili, garlic, and jalapeño. It has just the right amount of heat without being overbearing.

Of course, if you like your recipes so spicy they make your eyes water, by all means do not let me stop you! Feel free to add as much spice as you like!

When the remaining ingredients come together in such a delicious way, you’ll wonder if you actually just ate a healthy recipe. The answer is yes!.

As a diabetic, you’re constantly looking for ways to manage your blood sugar and stay healthy. One way to do this is by eating healthy, delicious meals like turkey chili. Turkey chili is a great option for diabetics because it’s packed with nutrients and low in carbohydrates

Here are some of the benefits of turkey chili for diabetics:

  • Low in carbohydrates: Turkey chili is a low-carb meal that won’t spike your blood sugar levels. This is important for diabetics who need to control their carbohydrate intake.
  • High in protein: Turkey is a lean protein source that will help you feel full and satisfied. Protein is also important for managing blood sugar levels.
  • Rich in fiber: Turkey chili is a good source of fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes digestive health.
  • Packed with nutrients: Turkey chili is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.
  • Delicious and satisfying: Turkey chili is a delicious and satisfying meal that you can enjoy without feeling guilty.

Here are some tips for making turkey chili that’s good for diabetics:

  • Use lean ground turkey: Choose lean ground turkey to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your chili.
  • Add plenty of vegetables: Vegetables are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making them a great addition to turkey chili. Some good options include onions, peppers, celery, carrots, and zucchini.
  • Use low-sodium broth: Choose low-sodium broth to reduce the amount of sodium in your chili.
  • Season with herbs and spices: Herbs and spices can add flavor to your chili without adding any extra calories or carbohydrates. Some good options include chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder.
  • Serve with healthy toppings: Top your turkey chili with healthy toppings like avocado, Greek yogurt, or shredded cheese.

Here are some recipes for turkey chili that are good for diabetics:

  • Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe from Healthy Diabetic: This recipe is packed with vegetables and uses low-sodium broth. It’s also easy to make and can be ready in under an hour.
  • Easy Turkey Chili from Diabetes Food Hub: This recipe is another great option for diabetics. It’s low in carbohydrates and high in protein. It’s also quick and easy to make.

Turkey chili is a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for diabetics. These suggestions and recipes will help you have a tasty and filling dinner that won’t raise your blood sugar.

Here are some additional benefits of turkey chili for diabetics:

  • Boosts the immune system: Turkey chili is a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can help to boost your immune system.
  • Provides essential nutrients: Turkey chili is a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy.
  • Is a natural source of electrolytes: Turkey chili is a natural source of electrolytes, which can help to keep you hydrated and prevent dehydration.

Turkey chili is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious meal that’s suitable for diabetics. It is a flexible dish that suits the tastes of all ages and dietary requirements.

How to make Simple Turkey Chili

You can make this recipe in 4 easy steps that take less than 30 minutes!

Step 1: Chop the jalapeño, red chili, onion, and garlic.

Step 2: Sautée on a hot pan for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent.

Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the pan, stir to combine, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the spices, black beans, chicken stock (or bouillon cube), and tomatoes. Simmer for ten to fifteen minutes.

You’re ready to serve! I like to top mine with sour cream and chopped green onions.

The green onions are optional, but I strongly recommend the sour cream. It adds a freshness that really elevates that taste of the turkey chili.

A lot of the heat in this recipe comes from the red chili. Before chopping the chile, take out the seeds if you want to slightly lessen the heat. Or, if you love spicy food, consider increasing the number of red chilis!.

For the spices, I like to use paprika and black pepper. They add nice flavor without too much heat. Ground cumin is another classic chili spice, but I personally don’t like it that much.

For a hotter chili, you could also add more chili powder.

is turkey chili good for diabetics

This chili packs a powerful 25 grams of protein and 17 grams of mostly low-glycemic carbohydrates into a serving that only has 232 calories. All of it from healthy, minimally processed ingredients.

I’m not a fan of the term “diabetic chili,” but this recipe has everything you need to be healthy and appropriate for those with diabetes. You can even get rid of the majority of the carbohydrates if you eat a very low-carb diet by cutting back on the amount of beans.

And most importantly, this chili is super tasty!

Finding foods that support your nutritional goals rather than taste like cardboard is the key to eating healthily on a regular basis. Even the fittest people on the planet don’t want to eat food that tastes like cardboard, trust me.

I always tell my diabetes coaching clients that the best diet is the one they will stick to. To make that happen, having great go-to recipes like this simple turkey chili is key!.

After a demanding workday, having quick and easy recipes on hand eliminates the need to order takeout pizza.

is turkey chili good for diabetics

Why do you use turkey instead of beef in this chili?

Ground turkey has two advantages over ground beef.

First, it’s naturally a lot leaner. You can get ground beef that’s almost as lean as ground turkey, but it doesn’t taste that great. Ground beef gets a lot of its flavor from the fat. At low fat percentages, turkey simply tastes better than beef.

I like to use 93% lean ground turkey to keep the calories down. Less-lean ground turkey will have more flavor, so you can go for that if you like. But this recipe’s red chili and spices are so flavorful that I don’t mind at all that the turkey is thinner.

Second, ground turkey is less expensive than ground beef, especially if you are buying organic. Always nice to keep meals as cost-effective as possible!.

How to Make Diabetes-Friendly Turkey Chili | Cooking Video | Diabetes Food Hub

FAQ

Is chili OK for diabetics?

Some studies have indicated that the consumption of chilli-containing foods can influence iron absorption and affect serum insulin and glucose concentrations, which may help to alleviate diabetes or prediabetes.

Should diabetics eat ground turkey?

Turkey is a low glycemic index (GI) food. That means it won’t cause the blood sugar spike that you’d get from more sugar-rich and carb-rich foods. If you have diabetes, including turkey in your diet can help you to keep your blood sugar under control.

Does turkey chili have a lot of carbs?

Turkey Chili With Beans (1 cup) contains 19.3g total carbs, 13.7g net carbs, 7.5g fat, 19.4g protein, and 218 calories.

Is a turkey sandwich healthy for a diabetic?

While deli turkey is not the best choice, unprocessed turkey breast without the skin is great. Turkey breast has almost no fat to speak of, and no saturated fat. It’s an extremely low calorie protein option full of niacin and selenium.

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