Ask Us Anything!

One of our favorite things about the Eat REAL America community is the fantastic questions you ask.

So today, we’re answering a few questions we’ve been hearing more frequently lately – including:

• Are dates OK for someone with diabetes?
• What foods have we changed our minds about over the years?
• What are some good high-protein breakfasts that aren’t eggs?

Let’s dive in!

“Are dates good for someone who is diabetic?”

We’ve received this question several times recently. And Zonya was also asked this during one of her live Forever Young sessions.

Since dates are naturally very sweet, many people assume they must be off-limits for someone with diabetes. The same is often true for fruit in general. But the real answer may be surprising.

Dates do contain natural sugar and carbohydrates, which means they can raise blood sugar. But they also contain fiber, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants that help slow digestion and provide a steadier release of glucose into the bloodstream.

For many people with diabetes, dates can absolutely fit into a healthy eating pattern – especially when eaten in moderation and paired with protein or healthy fat. For example, stuffing a date with peanut butter (like in the Snickers-Inspired Stuffed Dates) or adding dates to vegetable dishes (like our Garlicky Cauliflower and Kale with Dates and Pecans) may help reduce blood sugar spikes compared to eating dates all by themselves.

It’s also important to look at the bigger picture. Replacing highly processed desserts or snacks with whole foods like dates is often a positive step – even for someone managing their blood sugar.

A few practical tips:

• Pair dates with a protein or healthy fat
• Watch portion sizes (aim for 1-2 Medjool dates rather than a large handful)
• Avoid products made with dates plus lots of added sugar

And as always, everyone responds differently to foods. Someone with diabetes should work with their healthcare provider or dietitian to determine what works best for their individual needs.

For more on dates (including how to make date paste), check out our coaching tip Dates: Nature’s Caramel. And for more on diabetes, read How to Dodge Diabetes Deliciously!

“What’s a food you have changed your mind about over the years?”

This is a great question. There are SO many. When we first started our REAL food journey, there were plenty of foods we thought we didn’t like. But as our eating habits changed, our taste buds changed too.

One of the biggest surprises for me was coconut. Why coconut? Well, something struck me recently while we were moving my dad into assisted living. A nurse asked if he had any food allergies. He answered emphatically, “coconut!” The nurse asked, “you’re allergic to coconut?” His response? “No, I’m not allergic, I just can’t stand it.”

Suddenly it all made sense. Now I know where my dislike for coconut came from. But today? I LOVE coconut and enjoy adding it to so many recipes.

(We wrote all about coconut in this coaching tip, and more in this coaching tip.)

Scott and I were also longtime mushroom haters. We used to pick mushrooms out of our food and leave them sitting all alone on the side of the plate. But as we shifted toward more REAL foods, we discovered we actually LOVE mushrooms and crave them, along with many other foods we once avoided.

It’s amazing how much your tastes can change when your body gets used to REAL, flavor-loaded foods. We share more about this in our coaching tip Don’t Believe Everything You Think.

There are also foods we once believed were perfectly healthy – but later reconsidered. One example is deli turkey. Turkey sandwiches were a staple for us growing up and even into adulthood. But as we learned more, we realized many of these meats are processed to enhance flavors or improve preservation. This processing increases the risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses over time. Now, it is rare that we will eat deli meats. This of course means we have to be prepared with alternatives, which requires just a little thought and effort. But for us, it’s been worth it. You can learn more about processed meats – along with healthier alternatives – in our coaching tip Does Lunchmeat Really Cause Cancer?

“What are some good high protein breakfasts that aren’t eggs?”

Another great question! The good news is there are plenty of satisfying, protein-rich breakfast options that can help keep you full and energized all morning.

One of the easiest options is Greek yogurt. A bowl topped with berries, nuts, chia seeds, or homemade granola can easily provide 20-30 grams of protein while also adding fiber and healthy fats.

Smoothies are another fantastic option, especially during warmer months. In our Very Berry Smoothie Bowl, you can use tofu, Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese to get a great, flavor-loaded boost of protein to start your day. Adding nut butters and hemp seeds are also easy ways to amp up your protein even more.

Some other easy ideas include:

• Southwest Tofu Scramble
• Sunrise Tofu Scramble
• Make Ahead Muesli
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Power Pancakes or Waffles
• Breakfast burritos (omitting the eggs or using tofu scramble instead)
• Egg Roll in a Bowl

Does that last one sound a little strange? One helpful mindset shift is realizing that breakfast doesn’t have to look like “traditional breakfast food.” Sometimes leftovers from dinner make the most balanced, energizing and satisfying breakfasts of all.

For more on protein, check out our coaching tip Are You Getting Enough Protein?

WE HOPE THESE ARE HELPFUL!

Please keep the questions coming!

We love hearing what you’re curious about, confused about, or struggling with – because chances are, other Eat REAL America members are wondering the same thing too.

Send us your questions, and we will try to answer them in a future Ask Us Anything coaching tip!