Best Fast Food Breakfast for Diabetics

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Finding the best fast food breakfast for diabetics can be a challenge. It’s tough to find something that fits your dietary needs. But there are many options out there-you just need to know what they are and where to find them!

Best Diabetic Breakfast

We love to start off the day with a healthy meal, don’t we? I know that I do, and when I’m able to eat something delicious and nutritious in a short amount of time—well, it makes me feel great! With so many fast food options available today (and their often high sugar content), it can be hard for those with diabetes to find something delicious enough without sacrificing blood glucose levels.

Healthy Fast Food Breakfasts

There are a few tips and tricks when it comes to healthy eating out for breakfast.  One of the best things to start with is eggs. Eggs are a prime source of protein and they’re delicious, too. You can add vegetables to most breakfast sandwiches or keep it simple with just cheese and meat. 

Try to find a breakfast sandwich made with whole-grain bread, a wrap, or an English muffin. . You can also look for fast-food restaurants that offer oatmeal with nuts and dried fruit, yogurt and granola parfaits.  Additionally, you can look for breakfast items that are grilled rather than fried, and opt for lean proteins such as grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or Canadian bacon. With a little research and creative ordering, you can find a delicious and nutritious breakfast that fits your dietary needs.

Best Fast Food Breakfast for Diabetics

The following list of restaurants offers items that are more nutrient dense than your typical fast food meal. Someone living with diabetes that is on the go may turn to fast food for breakfast options more than they would like so there are a variety of options to check out. They include everything from oatmeal and cereal to sandwiches and wraps in between.  These are the best fast food breakfasts for diabetics who want something good but healthy. So whether you’re on the road or just want something easy at home for breakfast, consider trying one of these options.

McDonald’s

The classic McDonald’s Egg McMuffin is actually a reasonably healthy option. The english muffin is a lower carb option than most breakfast sandwiches. Opting for ham over bacon and sausage helps cut down on saturated fat and sodium.

Dunkin

Tasty sandwiches and wraps are a great alternative to the traditional breakfast items that are higher in sugar and carb so give the high fiber and highly portable Wakeup Wrap a try. 

Starbucks

Oatmeal is a great option with its nutrition profile of being high in fiber and vitamins and minerals, low in fat and cholesterol, low in sodium, and high in antioxidants. However, it is higher carb so some alternatives that are good options include the Turkey Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg White Sandwich, Spinach, Feta, and Egg Wrap, or the Kale and Mushroom Sous Vide Egg Bites. 

Panera

The Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries Parfait is well balanced with protein, whole grains, and fruit. The butter pecan granola with whole grain oats adds the perfect crunch. Or opt for savory with the Mediterranean Egg Wrap where you will get essential vitamins and minerals and healthy fat, while being low in sugar. Truly this is probably the healthiest restaurant with the best fast food breakfast for diabetes. 

Taco Bell

Burrito options reign supreme here and you can customize it to make it a healthier choice. I’d recommend extra eggs, cheese and/or salsa, and light potatoes. If a whole wheat tortilla is available, choose it to add more fiber. Avoid bacon, sausage and any other processed meats as they have very little nutritional benefit compared to the calories they contain.

Wendy’s

The Fresh Baked Oatmeal bar is a unique fast food offering and high in fiber with oats as the first ingredient. Pair with a protein option like eggs or a peanut butter packet from home for more balance. Or give the egg, and swiss croissant a try- skip the meats and combo option. 

Subway 

You can order a wrap or sandwich at most fast food restaurants, so look for one that is made with whole grain bread and has plenty of vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats. A simple and easy choice is an Egg and Cheese breakfast sandwich piled with veggies. 

Arby’s 

Who knew Arby’s had breakfast!? Arby’s locations that serve breakfast specialize in sandwiches, from croissants and biscuits to buns and wraps that can all be easily customized. 

Burger King 

A ham, egg, and cheese Croissan’wich is the best choice available here. While it is high in sodium, it also packs 17g of protein and is the lowest calorie breakfast sandwich. 

Einstein Bros Bagels

The Nova Lox and Bagel provides a whopping 22 grams of protein and contains heart healthy omega-3s. If you’re looking to keep sodium or carbs lower, chose the Avocado Toast with eggs on a whole wheat “Thintastic” bagel. 

Chick-fil-A: 

The Egg White Grill is a well balanced option with filling protein, without all the carbs and saturated fats in biscuits and croissants. Hash browns, scrambled eggs, fruit cups and yogurt parfaits are good choices here too. 

You can enjoy your favorite fast food restaurant’s breakfast menu without feeling guilty about it! A few swaps like skipping sausage patties or bacon strips or opting for an English muffin will provide the best fast food breakfast for diabetes. If you’re a fast food fan and also have diabetes, these restaurants do offer healthy options for diabetic-friendly breakfast.

If you’re looking for other healthy options for your favorite meals check out my post on Diabetes Friendly Pasta.

Or if you are looking for extra support in managing your diabetes check out my offers to lower A1c