Diabetic cooking involves the ratio of carbs to protein in each dish and course. By including items that are low in carbohydrates, a meal can be prepared for two that is both healthy and delicious. By preparing smaller portions, you can readily make excellent meals regardless of whether both parties are diabetic or not.
Vegetables
Many vegetables will work well for a diabetic diet, but some have higher carbs and should be noted. Broccoli and squash are two low-carb vegetables that make fine choices for diabetic cooking. Roughly 8 oz. of each vegetable should be ample when cooking for two people.
To prepare the vegetables, steaming is usually the best method to keep the nutrients intact. You also want to not add too much butter or salt, as diabetics are prone to high blood pressure and some type 2 diabetics retain weight, so low-fat dishes are also recommended. Two vegetables and an entree is a good option for a meal for two.
Meats
Meat is a nutritious food for a diabetic diet, as it will provide ample protein without raising blood sugar. On a diabetic diet, you are to eat portions of meat ranging in size from 4 to 6 oz., or roughly the size of your fist. Therefore, for a meal for two, you can use about 12 oz. of the meat of your choice. Some of the better choices are chicken and fish, but steak and turkey are also acceptable options.
You want to grill the meat if possible and prepare it with minimal salt or butter to help lower fat intake as well as salt. Diabetic cooking is a process that helps you maintain your blood sugar levels as well as attempt to either not gain weight or continue to lose weight.
Baked Goods
Although diabetics must watch their sugar intake, there are recipes for sweet foods that use artificial sweeteners. You can bake an apple pie for your dessert that uses Splenda in place of sugar. There are also cookie recipes that use aspartame, also known as Equal, for sweetening. You can also bake using apple juice and other substitutes to make desserts that will not spike blood sugar levels.
Tags: blood sugar, diabetic diet, blood sugar levels, sugar levels