![cottage cheese topped toasts with different toppings](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.eatingwell.com/thmb/_G_wcOvKcnl7WQ11FnFfpAWejD4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EW-LWWD-June-Cottage-Cheese-Toast-04-Loose-1x1-d676ac94e7764605b312941b3c672f4b.jpg)
Ali Redmond
Here's how we made these recipes diabetes-friendly
1. We used whole-grain bread as the base. Whole grains and foods made from whole grains (such as bread) can help with the management of blood sugar and insulin resistance. This is mostly because of soluble fiber, which helps slow digestion and glucose absorption. We recommend finding a loaf of whole-wheat or other whole-grain bread that has at least 3 grams of fiber per slice.
2. These toasts are amazingly satisfying, thanks to cottage cheese. Each 2-tablespoon serving of cottage cheese contains 3 grams of protein and only 1 gram of carbohydrates, which means it has minimal impact on blood sugar. Since heart disease can be common in people with diabetes, we recommend finding a brand of cottage cheese you love that’s 2% milkfat or less to keep saturated fat down.
3. For variations on the sweeter side, we leaned into honey and fruit for a naturally sweet touch. For the recipes included here that use honey, we add only a small amount since it will raise blood sugar like other sweeteners. Honey offers a few nutritional benefits that granulated sugar can’t, such as additional vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Variations to Try
Top cottage cheese toast with:
- 1 thin slice red onion, 1 oz. thinly sliced smoked salmon and 1/2 tsp. rinsed capers. Nutrition Info: Calories 182, Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 10mg, Carbohydrates 24g, Total sugars 6g, Added sugars 0g, Protein 12g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 447mg, Potassium 105mg
- 8 thin slices cucumber and 1/4 small sliced avocado tossed with 1/2 tsp. each low-sodium soy sauce and rice vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds. Nutrition Info: Calories 233, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 3mg, Carbohydrates 28g, Total sugars 6g, Added sugars 0g, Protein 9g, Fiber 6g, Sodium 341mg, Potassium 329mg
- 1 large egg fried in 1 tsp. avocado oil, 1/8 tsp. each salt and pepper, 1 tsp. each hot sauce and sliced scallion greens. Nutrition Info: Calories 262, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 189mg, Carbohydrates 24g, Total sugars 6g, Added sugars 0g, Protein 14g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 578mg, Potassium 155mg
- 1/4 cup blueberries tossed with 1/2 tsp. honey 1/8 tsp. lemon zest and 1/4 tsp. lemon juice. Nutrition Info: Calories 175, Fat 2g, Saturated Fat 0g, Cholesterol 3mg, Carbohydrates 31g, Total sugars 12g, Added sugars 3g, Protein 7g, Fiber 3g, Sodium 241mg, Potassium 66mg
- 1/4 cup diced mango tossed with 1/4 tsp. lime zest, 1 tsp. lime juice and 1/2 tsp. toasted unsweetened shredded coconut. Nutrition Info: Calories 175, Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 3mg, Carbohydrates 29g, Total sugars 11g, Added sugars 0g, Protein 8g, Fiber 3g, Sodium 242mg, Potassium 114mg
- Crush 1/4 cup raspberries and toss with ½ tsp. honey and 2 tsp. toasted slivered almonds. Top with 1/4 cup whole raspberries. Nutrition Info: Calories 212, Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 3mg, Carbohydrates 33g, Total sugars 11g, Added sugars 3g, Protein 9g, Fiber 7g, Sodium 241mg, Potassium 162mg
![slice of toast next to a bowl of cottage cheese with knife](https://www.eatingwell.com/thmb/XihSqH4q_6SEIwjHVtSQgqWzDn0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EW-LWWD-June-Cottage-Cheese-Toast-01-Ingredients-ec9da0150d1f462f9453f9be8d55813a.jpg)
Ali Redmond
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons low-fat cottage cheese
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1 slice whole-wheat country bread (1/2-inch thick), toasted
Directions
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Spread cottage cheese over toast.
Ali Redmond
Frequently Asked Questions
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Luckily there are low-sodium cottage cheese options available. These containers will often say “low-sodium” or “no-salt-added,” so be on the lookout when shopping. It’s also possible to find low-sodium bread. Again, you’ll have to read the labels, so if there isn’t an identifier on the front of the package, flip it over and check out the Nutrition Facts panel.
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Each variation offers plenty of room for adding your own twist. We suggest sticking with alterations that won’t have a huge impact on the dish’s nutrition profile. For the savory versions, feel free to add more greens or sprouts since they’re low in carbohydrates, or switch up the fresh herbs and spices you’re using. For sweet toasts, you can swap out one fruit for another or add spices that work well with sweeter flavors, like cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves.
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Great idea! Many of these toasts would make for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner for more than one! Simply spread out the bread slices on a large baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and bake at 400°F until golden, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 toast
Calories 143, Fat 2g, Saturated Fat 0g, Cholesterol 3mg, Carbohydrates 22g, Total sugars 5g, Added sugars 0g, Protein 7g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 241mg, Potassium 34mg
EatingWell.com, June 2024