Creating a healthy eating plan is one of the most important tasks in diabetes. Using recipes for people with diabetes are one of the best ways to stick to that plan. According to the Mayo Clinic, a diabetes diet is medically known as a medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for diabetes. This is not a restrictive diet; it is a controlled diet which is rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. It calls for mostly, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In fact, if everyone used recipes for people with diabetes more often, the world would be a much healthier place.
Recipes for people with diabetes provide a much healthier alternative for almost every meal. As well as helping you to keep your blood sugar levels from rising too high, these recipes can help you reduce the excess fat and calories in your diet. They can also keep you from eating too large of portions in each meal. Recipes for people with diabetes should always include:
Healthy carbohydrates – healthy carbohydrates are the types of carbohydrates found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and low fat dairy products.
Fiber-rich foods – Vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole-wheat flour, and wheat bran are examples of foods which are rich in fiber.
Heart-healthy fish – Fish is a healthier alternative to most meat and poultry because they contain less total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Fish such as herring, salmon, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which lower triglycerides and promote hear health. Fried fish and fish which contain high levels of mercury should be avoided.
‘Good’ fats – Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are considered good for you. Foods such as avocados, almonds, pecans, walnuts, olives, sunflowers, canola oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oils are some examples. These types of fats lower your cholesterol levels. They should still only be eaten at low or moderate levels since they are still high in calories.
Recipes for People with Diabetes to Try
Rotini with Ground Beef and Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 box Dreamfields Rotini
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 pkg. spinach leaves, shredded
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can low sodium tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1tbsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- ½ tsp. crushed red pepper
- Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. As this cooks, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and the garlic, cooking for 5 minutes and stirring occasionally. Then, add the beef to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink. Add the spinach next, and then the basil and red pepper, as well as the salt if being used. Allow the mixture to cook for 3 minutes more. Drain the past when it is done. Stir it into the beef mixture, and sprinkle all of it with Parmesan cheese before serving. This recipe should serve 6 as a main dish.
Brandied Onions and Steak
Ingredients
- 1 lean sirloin steak (12 oz)
- 4 medium onions, sliced
- 4 tbsp. low-calorie margarine
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- Dash of brandy
Instructions
Cook the sirloin steak as you normally would. Meanwhile, melt the margarine in a medium skillet and add the garlic, onions, and parsley. Saute the mixture until the onions are tender. Add the brandy and simmer for 2 minutes. Transfer the steak onto a platter, and then spoon the onions over the top. Serve.
