20 SIMPLE WAYS TO ADD CINNAMON TO YOUR GESTATIONAL DIABETES DIET

Adding cinnamon to your pregnancy diet can offer a flavorful and potentially beneficial strategy for managing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains compounds known to enhance insulin sensitivity and regulate glucose metabolism, both crucial factors in gestational diabetes management. By incorporating cinnamon into your meals or snacks, you can enjoy its potential health benefits while adding depth of flavor to your dishes.

So why not spice things up a bit? Here are 20 easy ways to sneak cinnamon into your day! Ready, set, go! 1-2-3..

DRINKS

#1 Cinnamon Tea: Brew a cup of hot cinnamon tea by steeping a cinnamon stick or a teaspoon of ground cinnamon in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Add a splash of lemon juice or sweetener for extra flavor if desired.

#2 Cinnamon Coffee: Sprinkle ground cinnamon into your morning cup of coffee or espresso for a fragrant and flavorful boost. Stir well before enjoying.

#3 Cinnamon Spiced Hot Cocoa: Add a dash of ground cinnamon to your favorite hot cocoa recipe or infuse the hot cocoa milk with a cinnamon stick.

#4 Cinnamon-Infused Water: Add cinnamon sticks to a pitcher of water for a refreshing and subtly sweet beverage.

BREAKFAST

#5 Cinnamon Quinoa Porridge: Cook quinoa with almond milk, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla extract until creamy and serve warm with your favorite toppings for a protein-packed breakfast option.

#6 Cinnamon Chia Pudding: Mix chia seeds with coconut milk, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup before chilling in the refrigerator overnight for a tasty and nutritious pudding.

#7 Cinnamon Cottage Cheese: Sprinkle cinnamon over the cottage cheese bowl and add some peach chunks or berries for a tasty and aromatic addition.

#8 Cinnamon Yogurt Parfait: Stir cinnamon into plain yogurt, then layer it with sugar-free granola, and fresh berries for a satisfying and wholesome snack or dessert.

#9 Cinnamon Flavored Protein Smoothie: Blend 1-2 spoonfuls of nut butter with almond milk, a dash of cinnamon, and chia seeds for a creamy and indulgent smoothie that's perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

LUNCH/DINNER

#10 Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt before roasting in the oven until caramelized and tender for a nutritious side dish.

#11 Cinnamon Roasted Carrots: Coat carrot sticks with olive oil, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey before roasting until golden and caramelized for a flavorful side dish.

#12 Cinnamon Cauliflower Soup: Add a dash of ground cinnamon to homemade cauliflower soup for a warming and aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the cauliflower.

#13 Cinnamon Baked Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with a blend of cinnamon, garlic powder, and smoked paprika before baking until golden and juicy for a savory and flavorful main course.

#14 Cinnamon-Spiced Lentil Stew: Stir ground cinnamon into a hearty lentil stew along with other warming spices like cumin and turmeric for a comforting and nutritious meal. Add your favorite protein to boost the protein amount (chicken, turkey, pork, tofu – you name it!).

#15 Cinnamon Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, cinnamon, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze before roasting until caramelized and tender for a tasty vegetable side dish.

#16 Cinnamon Flavored Salad Dressing: Add ground cinnamon to Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil mix for a unique salad dressing. Makes a perfect dressing for a chicken salad!

SNACKS

#17 Cinnamon-Spiced Nuts: Toss mixed nuts with melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt before roasting in the oven for a crunchy and satisfying snack.

#18 Cinnamon-Spiced Chickpeas: Toss drained chickpeas with olive oil, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt before roasting in the oven for a crunchy and satisfying snack. Add cumin an smoked paprika for additional flavor.

#19 Cinnamon Spiced Apple Slices: Sprinkle cinnamon over sliced Granny Smith apple for a tasty and aromatic twist. Enjoy with nut butter.

#20 Cinnamon Baked Apples: Half and core apples, sprinkle with cinnamon, and bake until tender. Top with peanut butter and a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a simple yet delicious dessert/snack.

Cheers to cinnamon and stable blood sugar levels! Why not get creative, try out new recipes, and savor the sweet and spicy goodness of cinnamon in every bite! Happy cooking and happy cinnamon-ing!