Some Diabetes-friendly kitchen tips
Diabetes sufferers or someone who is caring for someone who has diabetes already know that they must take care when choosing foods and preparing mealtimes . Some diabetes sufferers have specially created meal plans and strict menus that they need to follow. However, as someone who has a Dad who is diabetic, I am fully aware that one common complaint amongst diabetes sufferers is that they sometimes go to prepare their meal, but find that they don’t have all the required ingredients and foods they need to do so. One way that would help make this easier is to plan your menus in advance and ensure that the required ingredients are always there in the kitchen . However, we all know that people are often far too busy to take the time needed to plan well in advance. With that always at the back of your mind, it may be a good idea to try and keep diabetes-friendly staple foods well stocked up in your cupboards. That way, you can have some peace of mind that you will be able to fix at least 1 preferred dish when you want one. Exactly what you keep in your kitchen cupboards depends on your likes/dislikes and food preferences. If you or someone you know prefers a specific dish that needs a specific ingredient, this will be easily added to the shopping list. However, there are some helpful suggestions for those who need to create a diabetes friendly menu. How do I know this? Well I listened well to my Mum! Ensure you have – and in fact always use – lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. These are important ingredients in any healthy diet, let alone diabetes-friendly diet and will add flavour to your meals. If it isn’t practical to keep fresh vegetables, then buy frozen but always take note of the food labels and always buy those with a lower salt content.
Dry or canned pinto, black, kidney beans are great to add to any diabetes friendly menu.
The fibre in the beans is very healthy. And always ensure you wash extra salt off canned beans.
Whole grain pastas are also a great addition. Ensure that the pasta is labelled “wholewheat,” instead of plain “wheat”. Also, brown rice, oats & barley are good staple foods to have in your kitchen cupboard.
Solid white canned tuna (or salmon) in water is also healthy.
Heart healthy cereals such as Cheerios & high-fibre cereals are also a good choice.
Olive oil or any healthy cooking oil is essential. My mum uses “Flora Cuisine”.
Buy jellies & jams that are labelled as “reduced sugar” or “low in sugar”.
Buy only low-fat dairy, such as 1% Milk & Cheese.
Ensure the meat you buy is as lean as possible and avoid methods of cooking such as frying) .
If you think that the food you are eating is too bland, avoid using salt to help flavour it; Choose a powder instead such as garlic powder or onion powder.
