Free Diabetic cookbooks!

jennifer5232 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 04:41 PM

Some of you may know about this already but I am a new diabetic so having new recipes and cookbooks really help me out! Saw this ad on the TV for 3 free diabetic cookbooks, meal planning guide and diabetic magazine, I did it today and its absolutely free!

RobertIA · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 02:17 PM

If they were free, then you must have purchased something.

Plus if the cookbooks have the word diabetic in them - they are not what they seem. And they don't work well in the bathroom as the paper is too glossy.

These cookbooks are not written by people with diabetes for people with diabetes. Too high carb for T2 and to high on the Glycemic Index as well.

I will not buy any cookbook with the word Diabetic in the title. Not worth reading and many still stick to the exchange system which we all know is out of date now.

Bob

livelong · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 02:38 PM

I agree. These cook books are usually written by Dietitians who know little about glycemic index and many other factors like what kind and how much med you are taking for Diabetes.

However if someone has little information on Diabetic eating or is eating lots of carbs this might be a good starting point. You just have to do a lot of testing to see what carbs make you BS elevate more than others.

I went to Diabetic classes and it was most likely what they teach in the books. The Dieticians say 60 g carbs per meal. They did not talk about spikes and glycemic index. I started following the guidelines and found out quickly there are certain carbs I have to stay away from or have very very little of.

jenb · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 03:15 PM

Every cookbook can be a diabetes-friendly one. You don't need to search for special ones. Learn to modify recipes to be lower-carb. For me that means substituting stuff like Jerusalem artichokes for potatoes in "potato" salad, and avoiding starchy carbs like rice and pasta. I substitute some Splenda for sugar, use agave nectar sometimes and would use Stevia if I weren't allergic to it.

Have some fun with the books already on your shelf....you really don't need to support an industry that exploits the fears of people with a chronic condition. You can eat regular foods...just learn which ones work best in your diet. Cook, taste, and test, test test. It will get easier!

Jen

RobertIA · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 03:33 PM

I will say that the new editions of Betty Crocker's and Better Homes and Gardens do have nutritional information with each recipe and like jenb said, you can substitute to bring the GI down. I like substitutions when they are available and can add to the taste.

Betty Crocker's Diabetes Cookbook (not Diabetic) is also good in that it has some excellent tips for people with diabetes to get them started, but watch the recipes as some are very much high carb. Not in the basic recipe always, but putting it over noodles and rice is a no no.

I will no longer purchase any cookbook without the nutritional information. Yes, I may be limited, but at least I know that my serving size will be smaller, often 1/2 of normal serving or even less. So if the recipe is for four servings, I may only get to eat as if it is 6 to 12 servings, and on some of my favorites, I cut the ingredients in half so at to not have so much on hand. My wife is also not wanting a lot of repeat meals. Yes, when possible I will freeze leftovers for another week also.

Bob

Jae · #6 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 03:46 PM

Has anyone tried the "Taste of Home Light & Tasty" Annual Recipes 2007?

I love this cook book and it lists Nutrition facts for each recipe and diabetic exchanges. Even though I have never learned or used the exchanges but I watch the fat and carbs close.

Every recipe I have tried from this book has been wonderful. The draw back for me if there is more then 4 servings I try to avoid the recipe I only want to eat not be married to it.

jenb · #7 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 03:46 PM

You can run the ingredients in any recipe through a package like Calorie King and get detailed nutritional info. Really a handy tool!

Jen

RobertIA · #8 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenb

You can run the ingredients in any recipe through a package like Calorie King and get detailed nutritional info. Really a handy tool!

Jen

Well Jen, I admit to being lazy. I also grew up with those cookbooks and when I discovered the nutritional information, I realized how easy it could be to keep my favorites.

Yes Jae, I have seen the book. It is good, and many of the recipes are similar to many I already have. I would recommend it as well for those people needing it.

Bob