Ok, this is how it is. I may have to take care of my Dad, who is a diabetic. However, he does not eat very good. I want to help him get better and that means cooking better meals for him. I was wanting to get some ideas where I could get some diabetic recipies and/or cookbooks. Lilith, Fakey, or anybody else out there with this type of expertice. What are your ideas & opinions? Thanks in advance!
If you're looking for an actual book, check out used bookstores first. I've found stacks of cookbooks for the snagging at really cheap prices, including special dietary needs (diabetes, celiac disease, etc). The Fix-n-Forget-It cookbooks are great (especially if you have a crock pot), along with the "One Pot" books. Betty Crocker and Good Housekeeping are good brands to look for as well.
For websites, check out All Recipes or Recipe*zaar.
For assistance, I would definitely familiarize yourself with the type of diabetes your father has, as well as a list of "no-no's." I have hypoglycemia, so it's a wee bit different from full-blown diabetes, but in general, stay away from highly processed foods (a lot of canned goods, jams, jellies, and lunch meats are chock-full of nasty preservatives, along with sugars and salts). Keep it fresh, keep it simple. If you like mac & cheese, make it from scratch rather than using prepackaged, pre-prepped meals. Yes, it takes longer. Yes, it can be more expensive. It will taste better, though.
Eat more fish & seafood! It's better for you, and doesn't have as nearly as much unsaturated fats as red meat (yes, there are exceptions, but not many). A fresh salad with a mix of greens, prawns, cherry tomatoes and an avocado-cilantro dressing? Yum!
Sugar-free foods are becoming a lot easier to find, so gradually wean yourself from one to the other. A good example is jam - I love jam, but most standard-issue jams are FULL OF SUGAR and give me issues. Try a brand like Dutch Orchards, which has a significantly less amount of sugar than a lot of brands.
You're probably going to run into issues with condiments and snacks. Try a vinagrette salad dressing (instead of ranch or italian), go for high-protein snacks (peanuts & other nuts, granola) rather than high starch or carb snacks (chips, cookies).
Now, I am not a doctor, however, I have heard/read that eating cinnamon can help with insulin control.
Thanks Lilith. He is still in the hospital in Mobile, AL right now. Hopefully they will help him get back on his feet. I am, however, making the preperations now instead of later. The Cooking that I would do for his Diabeties is one of the areas that I need to be ready for.
Thanks, Gavgoyle. I will check it out later on tonight or this weekend.
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Kraft's site or Magazine I got my dad when he was diagnosed.
if you need more do a search of the net for "diabetic cookbooks" or "diabetic cooking magazines".
If you keep his weight under control and his diet steady you can probably avoid most of the problems inherent with the diabetic lifestyle such as daily insulin shots. If he smokes, he needs to quit. Caffeine is detrimental due to effects it has on the body such as decreased circulation due to the reduction of capillary size (especially in the brain).
Hope it helps. I'll see what else I can dig up. I haven't had to deal with it for a while cause the Dad didn't like me imposing rules on his lifestyle and he moved to Florida. Can't help some people, after he moved.....insulin shots daily, 2 minor strokes, clotting blood vessels, guess the kid did know what he was talking about!
FH
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BTW, I listed the kraft site for ease of finding ingredients and for the overall quickness of having a decent meal. The magazine has a good mix of both gourmet and casual dining options if someone proves to be a picky eater.
But seriously, the best thing you can do is try to increase his overall health and remove the "bad" influences to his system. You would be amazed by how much it will change a situation, and remember, it is Uber-hard to give up all the vices we have accrued throughout our lives. Be patient but firm. Good luck and I'll keep him (and you) in my prayers.
FH
P.S. Kinda ironic that "Fake Healer" is offering fairly good advice on "healing". I recently went through this stuff so some of the info has remained in my head.
How is this going; we would like an update as diet and health are always a concern to us gamers who tend to have poor diets; hehe could you really see a platter of veggies and non fat dip at the gaming table instead of chips and cola...
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How is this going; we would like an update as diet and health are always a concern to us gamers who tend to have poor diets; hehe could you really see a platter of veggies and non fat dip at the gaming table instead of chips and cola...
I wish I saw it, it would be much easier to keep trim. I estimate I eat about 3-4 x the calories/fat/etc on game night as other normal nights.
FH
yep; and as I am on a low sodium diet for high blood pressure, it is the night where I get way to much sodium and sugar, and whatnot. There really doesnt seem to be much you can eat and not drip stuff on your notes or grease up the papers or whatnot and celery even with peanut butter is kinda boring. Sure a cheese ball is good, but as gm I dont really have time to keep cutting slices off and putting them on crackers. Lots of stuff gamers can eat are just to much hassle for gms who cant keep running for a napkin :) healthy snacks have always been problematic; after all; how much trail mix can you eat in a night.
...hehe could you really see a platter of veggies and non fat dip at the gaming table instead of chips and cola...
Yes - this is something my gaming group does quite freqently, particularly in the summer when we're all craving something light and crunchy. :)
Thanks for all the info everyone. He is still in the hospital. So at this point, I have yet to use any of the info that you all have given.