Pre-diabetes and diabetes don’t mean you have to stop enjoying good food. What you eat may look a little different and it may take more work but if it keeps you healthier for longer, it’s worth it.

This is a light, nutritious, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner. Made with fresh zucchini noodles, protein-rich black beans, sautéed garlic spinach, and juicy stovetop-cooked chicken, this dish is low in carbs, high in fiber, and packed with essential nutrients.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
2. Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in pan over medium heat then add in the chicken and cook until golden brown on each side and fully cooked. Once cooked, remove from pan and let it rest before slicing.
3. In the same pan add the remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic. Sautee until fragrant then add the spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted then remove from heat.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the black beans over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
5. Use a spiralizer or julienne prep peeler to make noodles out of the zucchini.
6. Sautee the noodles for 1-2 minutes in a dry pan (no oil) over medium heat.
7. Put the warmed noodles in a bowl and top with black beans, spinach, and sliced chicken.
8. Drizzle lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using).

You can also add more to the dish, like tomatoes, onion, etc., depending on your tastes.