Mental Health
Management
Preparing Foods in Healthful Ways When You Have
Preparing Foods in Healthful Ways When You HaveDiabetesEveryone can benefit from preparing foods in a healthful way, whether you have diabetes or not.“I always enjoyed cooking, but now it's a little different when you really look at the carbohydrates andthe sodium and really look more for the nutritional value.”When you’re in the kitchen cooking, prepare your meat by removing any excess fat before you cook it,including the skin on chicken.If you normally fry food, try broiling, steaming, grilling, or baking your foods.This cuts down on fat, which is good for your diabetes and weight management.“Some of the healthy ways to cook are things that involve keeping the freshness of the food and thetaste and flavor vibrant, and I think of those as steaming, baking, roasting, even pan sautéing can be,depending on what it is.”If your busy schedule makes it hard to cook meals every day, try preparing healthy meals ahead of time andfreeze them for easy reheating later.You will be less likely to reach for unhealthy processed foods, or the take-out menu, if a healthy meal is onhand.“I was talking with my aunts about different foods and different books and things like that that help youand they’re all excited, so we get together and we look through them and we plan meals and snacksand try this, try that.”Try the same for snacks. Cut up fresh vegetables or fruit ahead of time so they are easily within reach.“Right now, the little plastic baggies is my friend, because I’m able to portion out, and so by using thatlittle snack one, there’s but so much you can fit in there. Which is a plus because then I know I’mlimiting my snacks.”And you might be a good cook, or like the kitchen, but we can all assemble healthy foods.Talk to your healthcare provider about more tricks you can try when preparing your meals at home.The next time you cook think about healthy ways to prepare your food, because small changes can go a longway to controlling your blood glucose and your health.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
Watch to learn tips for making healthy choices when selecting and cooking fresh produce, meat, and fish.
Learn the many feelings that your loved ones might have about your diagnosis, and the importance of honest and open communication.
See how joining a support group can benefit you and your family members.
Learn strategies for choosing healthy foods from a variety of cuisines.
