Many people are looking for diabetic recipes to help manage their blood sugars. I share my favorite sources for recipes here.
I’m always searching for healthy recipes myself. It’s not necessary to have diabetic recipes, but I, for one, love having recipes to follow. I’m just not good at throwing things together and having them turn out well. While it is perfectly fine to put together simple meals without recipes, by following a balanced meal plan like ChooseMyPlate.gov, here are places to find diabetic recipes that are healthy and good-tasting.
But first, there is no need to limit yourself the “diabetic recipes”. People with diabetes should eat a variety of healthy foods, (including lean meats/proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low fat or fat-free dairy) just like everyone else. You can have an occasional dessert and there are no foods you have to give up. I look for recipes that are low in added sugar, fat, sodium and include real food. Of course they have to be delicious and not take too much of my precious time and energy to fix. You can do the same thing. The key is to know where to find recipes that fit the bill of being delicious, quick and healthy. Here’s what I use.
First off, I love cookbooks and recipes by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who are also Chefs, (or at least excellent cooks).
They know about nutrition and know how to make it taste great! Their books always include nutrition info which makes carb counting easy (if you do that–not everyone has to). My new favorite cookbook is Clean Eating for Busy Families by Michelle Dudash, a dietitian who is also a certified Cordon-Bleu chef. I’ve liked everything I’ve made so far, the ingredients are easy to find and the recipes are simple.
Other favorites include:
Ellie Krieger from the Food Network’s Healthy Appetite. I started using The Food You Crave several years ago and she has newer popular books as well.
Marlene Koch‘s Eat What You Love has common family favorites that are lower in calories, fat, and sugar. Don’t tell anyone these recipes are healthy because they will never taste the difference. Many people perceive healthy food to not taste as good but its in their head so just keep quiet.
Brenda Ponichtera has Quick and Healthy: For People Who Say They Don’t Have Time To Cook, best selling cookbooks with many editions. I love her books because they are so “quick and healthy” and easy to follow. My family’s favorite is her Swedish meatballs.
Zonya Foco is the author of my first RDN cookbook was Lickety Split Meals for Health Conscious People on the Go. Some recipes take 5 minutes to make! She now has a members only site for recipes online for under $5.00/month. See link below.
So next, let me share where I look on-line for recipes.
My long-time “go-to” website for healthy recipes is cookinglight.com. They have been kitchen-tested and “turn out”. I even have company over and try a brand new recipe from Cooking Light and know it’ll be delicious. I like reading the recipe reviews online and get other’s ideas on adjustments they made to the original recipe. You can’t go wrong with 5-star recipes and there are plenty to choose from. I have collected many Cooking Light cookbooks over the years. They have RDNs on staff and a magazine edition with accurate nutrition and fitness information as well.
Here are a couple RDN colleagues who help people eat healthy with tried and true recipes that have been tested on their families:
Rose Martine says
Looks beautiful and delicious! I do some prep ahead meals but not that many. I think this is very worthwhile and nice to know you always have a meal on hand!
Marcia Pell says
It’s so nice to have something in the freezer for busy weeks. I don’t always do it either, but it’s so nice to be able to get meals on the table with grains already cooked. Love leftovers too!Thankks for replaying Rose!
Joseph Donahue says
I’m always looking for new recipes that help us cut back on the processed alternatives. Thanks for putting all of these in one place.
Marcia Pell says
You’re most welcome. Glad you find it helpful Joseph.