Is soup good for diabetics​? Absolutely! Soups are an excellent way to include nutrient-dense, high-fiber vegetables in your diet. The more vegetables you add, the healthier and more blood sugar-friendly these soups become. Vegetables contain a wealth of nutrients your body needs, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, a lot of veggies are low in calories and carbohydrates, which is essential for diabetics.

Since starchy vegetables have more grams of carbohydrates per serving, diabetics should focus on non-starchy veggies instead of starchy ones.

This post will explain why soup is a fantastic part of a balanced, healthy diet, offer tips on how to prepare it, and offer some delicious soup recipes. 

Why soup is so good for you?

A satisfying and nourishing supper can be made with hearty soups that contain vegetables and legumes. Some soups, like those made with lentils, may help you feel satiated for longer than if you eat the same foods separately.

Because of this, soup is especially beneficial if you have diabetes and are attempting to cut back on between-meal snacks.

Soups are a great source of essential nutrients. They are a practical way to increase your diet of vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Healthy carbs like pulses, small whole wheat pasta shapes, or a handful of brown rice can be added. Adding toasted nuts or seeds on top adds protein and some good fats.

Best Soups for Diabetics​

Vegetable Soup with Leafy Greens

This low-carb soup is full of vital vitamins and high in fiber.

Ingredients:

• Kale, spinach, zucchini, and broccoli
• Onions and garlic are low-carb aromatics.
• A vegetarian broth with less sodium
• Turmeric plus a pinch of pepper

Benefits: Leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, which helps regulate blood sugar. Vitamin C and chromium, which are both good for diabetics, are found in broccoli.

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

It’s a traditional choice that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast without skin
• Celery, zucchini, and carrots
• Chicken broth with reduced sodium
• A pinch of fresh herbs, such as thyme and parsley

Benefits: Non-starchy vegetables control carbohydrates, while chicken provides lean protein, which is necessary for fullness without influencing blood sugar.

Tomato Basil Soup

When prepared without extra sugar, tomato soup can be a tasty low-carb option.

Ingredients:

• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• A vegetarian broth with less sodium
• Pepper and garlic

Benefits: Tomatoes include antioxidants like lycopene and are low in carbohydrates, which might help lower inflammation, a common issue for diabetics.

Lentil Soup with Vegetables

Although they contain more carbohydrates, lentils are excellent in fiber and protein, which, when consumed in moderation, can help control blood sugar.

Ingredients:

• Lentils
• Celery, tomatoes, and carrots
• A vegetarian broth with less sodium
• Cumin and garlic

Benefits: Rich in fiber and satisfying, lentils can help control blood sugar levels. Because of its high carbohydrate content, diabetics should only eat smaller servings of this soup.

Pumpkin and Carrot Soup

Carrots and pumpkin provide a touch of sweetness without being very carbohydrate-rich.

Ingredients:

• Carrots and a small quantity of pumpkin
• A vegetarian broth with less sodium
• A pinch of cinnamon and fresh ginger

Benefits: Carrots and pumpkins are both strong in fiber and have a moderate glycemic index. Cinnamon may help control blood sugar levels and naturally boost sweetness without the need for added sugar.

Soup and Weight Loss

If you’re attempting to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight, soup can help if you have the correct components. 

Since soup contains a lot of water, it may not be as “energy-dense” as other foods. The quantity of energy, or calories per gram of food, is known as its energy density. so that you can eat a substantial quantity of soup without consuming an excessive number of calories.

Tips for Great Homemade Soups for Diabetics​

Using up Leftovers 

You can keep soups for diabetics​ for up to three days in the refrigerator. To preserve, cover and chill till cold after leaving them uncovered for one to two hours until the liquid reaches room temperature. 

Additionally, you may prepare homemade soup in bulk and store it in the freezer for up to two months. Double up on your ingredients for economical and time-efficient meal preparation, and you’ll have evenings covered for the foreseeable future. If freezing, chill overnight before freezing. Make sure the soup is heated through when reheating it from the freezer. 

Give up the Fat

As the soup simmers, you may notice a greasy film forming on top. This layer is made up of leftover oil from cooking any veggies and extra fat from any meat that was consumed. Before serving, completely drain the grease; you can skim the liquid while it simmers. To use less fat, attempt to cut out any visible fat from your meat before cooking it. You can also use a little vegetable oil to sauté veggies. 

Pot Luck

The quality of your soup can be greatly affected by the pot you use. Long cooking times and low heat will require a sturdy pot. A large pot with a heavy bottom and a round base is ideal. Additionally, to provide you control during steaming or thickening, make sure the pot’s cover fits tightly.

Do’s

• Seek out soups that contain either diabetes-friendly carbs like beans, barley, and quinoa, or non-starchy veggies like green beans, carrots, and mushrooms.
• Soups with fewer than 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving are the best choices.
• Serve your soups with dark green salads or roasted non-starchy vegetable sides.

Don’ts

• Soups containing starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn, or peas may elevate blood glucose levels.
• Steer clear of high-calorie toppings like sour cream, cheese, and chips.

Final Thoughts

A diabetic-friendly diet can benefit greatly from the inclusion of soups. Focusing on lean proteins, low-carb veggies, and thoughtful seasonings will help you enjoy filling, substantial soups that help regulate blood sugar. To make wholesome, blood sugar-friendly soups that make managing diabetes easier—and tastier—try experimenting with different mixes and seasonings.

There are many tasty soups for diabetics in this guide. Enjoy the comfort of soup while promoting improved blood sugar control by selecting the ones that best suit your preferences and dietary requirements.

For personalized care and deeper insights into managing diabetes, consider booking an appointment with our specialist. Your health deserves the best attention.

For Contact: +92 323 3004420