Diabetic-Friendly Vegetables: Your Essential Guide to Smart, Blood Sugar-Friendly Eating

Leafy Greens:

  • Spinach, kale, collard greens, Swiss chard

  • Romaine lettuce, arugula, watercress

  • Why they’re great: Extremely low carbs, packed with nutrients

Cruciferous Vegetables:

  • Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts

  • Cabbage, bok choy

  • Why they’re great: High fiber, anti-inflammatory properties

Other Non-Starchy Stars:

  • Zucchini, yellow squash

  • Bell peppers (all colors)

  • Mushrooms, asparagus

  • Celery, cucumbers, radishes

  • Green beans, snow peas


🟡 YELLOW LIGHT VEGETABLES 🟡

Enjoy in Moderation – Monitor Portions

Starchy Vegetables (Limit to ½-1 cup cooked):

  • Sweet potatoes, potatoes

  • Corn, peas, winter squash

  • Beets, carrots, parsnips

  • Why caution needed: Higher carbohydrate content

Legumes (Measure carefully):

  • Beans, lentils, chickpeas

  • Why they’re special: High fiber but also higher carbs


Practical Portion Guide for Common Vegetables

Unlimited Category (2+ cups raw/1+ cup cooked):

  • Leafy greens, cucumbers, celery

  • Mushrooms, bell peppers

  • Zucchini, cauliflower

Moderate Category (½-1 cup cooked):

  • Broccoli, green beans, cabbage

  • Brussels sprouts, asparagus

  • Eggplant, tomatoes

Measured Category (½ cup max):

  • Sweet potatoes, regular potatoes

  • Corn, peas, winter squash

  • Beans, lentils