8 Foods Daily to Reverse Insulin
When you’re working to reverse insulin resistance, starving yourself or constantly obsessing over calories isn’t necessary.
The key lies in consistently eating more of the right foods.
What you add to your diet is just as important as what you take out.
Here are the top eight foods you should include daily to enhance insulin sensitivity, burn fat more efficiently, and ultimately reverse insulin resistance.
1. Beef: A Powerful Yet Misunderstood Food
Beef tops the list — particularly grass-fed beef — as one of the most powerful but often misunderstood foods.
It’s high in complete protein, supporting lean muscle growth and maintenance.
Additionally, it’s rich in steric acid, a unique saturated fat known for aiding fat oxidation and supporting mitochondrial function, helping burn fat more efficiently and improving insulin sensitivity.
Beef also contains iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and creatine, all essential for energy, thyroid health, and hormone balance.
For those with insulin resistance, where glucose uptake and energy usage are compromised, protein-rich foods like beef can increase insulin sensitivity and minimize muscle loss — something especially crucial as we age.
Opt for grass-fed beef to benefit from a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and higher levels of fat-soluble vitamins.
2. Eggs: Balancing Blood Sugar Naturally
Eggs are another excellent choice for improving insulin sensitivity and balancing blood sugar.
Packed with high-quality protein and healthy fats, eggs are also rich in choline, which supports liver function in processing fats.
By preventing blood sugar spikes, eggs help control cravings and hunger.

While two eggs provide around 12–14 grams of protein, they’re best paired with another protein source like cottage cheese, smoked salmon, or even leftover ground beef for a more complete meal.
Aiming for at least 30 grams of protein per meal is crucial, especially for those with insulin resistance.
Always eat the whole egg, as the yolk contains most of the nutrients, including vitamin D3 and selenium.
3. Avocados: Fat, Fiber, and Fullness
Avocados are technically a fruit but are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber.
Loaded with monounsaturated fats, they contribute significantly to improving insulin sensitivity.
Rich in magnesium and potassium, avocados support stable blood sugar and healthy blood pressure.
The healthy fats in avocados slow carbohydrate digestion, preventing sudden glucose spikes and reducing insulin demand.
Regular avocado consumption helps you feel fuller longer, reduces post-meal energy crashes, and supports long-term insulin sensitivity.
They’re incredibly versatile — eat them with eggs, burgers, salads, or blend them into sauces and dressings.
4. MCT Oil: Quick Energy and Fat Burning
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat digested differently than other fats.
MCTs are sent directly to the liver for quick energy and also promote ketone production, making your body more efficient at burning fat.
They’ve been shown to increase satiety, lower hunger hormones, and boost insulin sensitivity.
MCT oil is especially beneficial during a low-carb lifestyle or intermittent fasting.
Begin with a teaspoon in your coffee or meal, gradually increasing to one or two tablespoons.
Make sure to choose a brand with C8 and C10 MCTs, avoiding C12.
5. Cottage Cheese: Slow-Digesting, High-Protein Add-On
Cottage cheese is a fantastic high-protein snack or meal addition.
It contains casein protein, which digests slowly and keeps you fuller for longer.
It’s rich in calcium, phosphorus, and conjugated linoleic acid, supporting fat loss.
If you struggle to reach your protein goals, which is key for reversing insulin resistance, adding cottage cheese to meals can help you reach that critical 30 grams of protein per meal threshold.
6. Blueberries: Smart Fruit for Stable Blood Sugar
Yes, you can enjoy fruit if you’re insulin resistant — you just need to be smart.
Blueberries, and berries in general, are lower in sugar and fall lower on the glycemic index, reducing the likelihood of blood sugar spikes and lowering insulin needs.
Portion control is important — too many berries still mean more sugar. Pairing berries with protein or fat helps reduce spikes even further.
7. Wild-Caught Salmon: Anti-Inflammatory Superfood
Though not always consumed daily, wild-caught salmon should be a regular part of your diet.
It’s a top anti-inflammatory protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, which your body can absorb and use efficiently.
These compounds improve insulin signaling and reduce inflammation.
Salmon also provides protein, selenium, and vitamin D3, supporting cardiovascular and hormone health.
For those in Australia, wild-caught options may be rare, but Butcher Crowd offers quality meat deliveries, including wild-caught salmon, right to your door.
8. Cacao Butter: Fat for Mitochondrial Health
Cacao butter is rich in steric acid, the same beneficial fat found in beef.
It promotes fat burning, supports mitochondrial function, and is packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation.
A popular way to enjoy it is blended in coffee for a healthy fat boost that supports insulin sensitivity.
Final Recap: 8 Best Foods to Eat Daily
To reverse insulin resistance and support metabolic health, focus on these eight foods:
Wild-Caught Salmon | MCT Oil |
Eggs | Cottage Cheese |
Blueberries | Avocado |
Beef | Cacao Butter |
These foods are rich in protein, fat, fiber, and vital nutrients that stabilize blood sugar, improve metabolism, and lower insulin needs.
Build your meals around these elements to stay fuller, curb cravings, and restore your body’s insulin sensitivity.
FAQs
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Can I eat fruits if I have insulin resistance?
Ans. Yes, fruits like blueberries that are low in sugar and glycemic index are good options. Always watch portion size and pair with protein or fat.
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Why is grass-fed beef better for insulin sensitivity than regular beef?
Ans. Grass-fed beef has a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and higher levels of bioavailable nutrients, including steric acid, which supports fat oxidation.
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How much protein should I aim for per meal?
Ans. At least 30 grams of protein per meal is recommended, especially for those managing insulin resistance.
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Can MCT oil help if I’m not on keto?
Ans. Yes, MCT oil supports insulin sensitivity and fat burning regardless of your diet. It’s especially helpful during intermittent fasting.
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Is it necessary to buy wild-caught salmon?
Ans. Wild-caught salmon has a better nutritional profile than farmed, especially in omega-3 content and lower contaminants, making it more effective for improving insulin resistance.