Now that you have been diagnosed as a diabetic, your health care team has given you a list of recommended eating habits. Changing your eating habits though can be a difficult lifestyle change, without a little bit of help along the way.
Reducing the fats in your diet can lead to a whole host of desirable health benefits but every time you have tried, the food just tasted so bland and boring. Thus, ultimately out comes the same old sauces, gravies, butter, margarine and soups that got you into trouble in the first place.
How To Spice Up Your Cooking
To brighten up any kind of dish and still be able to control your blood sugar levels, think three simple ingredients. These are:
Homemade broths
Citrus or citrus zest
Fresh or dried herbs
Learning how to cook using these three will greatly enhance the flavors and textures of any of your kitchen delicacies.
Homemade Broths
The aroma of a large pot of homemade broth will waft all through the house making everyone hungry for a bowl of homemade soup. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, ham or vegetable broth, add any vegetables of your choice, the leftover chicken, beef or ham bones to a large pot of water and after a couple of hours of simmering you will end up with a fantastic base. Spices and herbs should be added within the last 20 minutes of cooking to retain their great taste and flavor.
Always allow your broth to cool a little, package it and refrigerate it overnight, then remove any fats that raise to the surface before using it.
Citrus or Citrus Zest
Many desserts, baked goods, homemade salad dressings, party dips or soups and stews can benefit from the addition of the light and sweet flavor of citrus. For zesting, choose organic oranges, lemons, limes and tangerines first. Peel the outer layer of the skins only with a carrot peeler or grater but remember citrus zest has a strong flavor so a little goes a long way on flavor.
Fresh or Dried Herbs
Nothing beats the taste and quality of complementing a dish with the correct herb for seasoning. Actually you can interchange fresh or dried herbs, just remember to follow the rule: fresh =X2. This means if your recipe calls for 1 tsp. dried spices, then you are safe using 2 tsps. of fresh herbs.
Because fresh herbs are so easy to grow, pick a few varieties you like (or buy frequently) and start yourself a mini herb garden. You receive the benefit of a much longer shelf life because all you have to do is pluck a few sprigs off your plant as needed. Also it is easier to clean your herbs because you can be assured no pesticides or chemicals were added to your plants as they were grown.
Common Uses For Select Herbs
Certain herbs always seem to complement the flavors of certain dishes. Below is a list of the common uses for many herbs and spices. Remember though, if you enjoy the flavor of dill on top of your pasta, then put it there. This list is only some suggestions. Mix and match them until you find the varieties you and your family personally like.
Cilantro is popular with Mexican and Thai dishes
Dill is served well with cauliflower, fish, and carrots
Marjoram can often be found in soups, stews and egg dishes
Mint is often used with fruit salads, beverages and desserts
Oregano, Garlic and Basil are good selections for pasta and tomato-based sauces
Parsley serves well with fish dishes, soups, vegetables and tomato-based sauces
Rosemary and Thyme complement chicken and vegetable dishes
Tarragon is usually found with sour cream, yogurt, roasted chicken or any type of bean dish
No one wishes to eat bland food, so start some experimenting and find out what your family's favorites are to safely reduce the fats commonly found in many prepared dishes. Your own good health will ultimately be the final result of your new diligence.
About The Author: KJ Robinson
With some practice and more patience, cooking for a diabetic household can be just as easy as a non-diabetic meal. For information on ways to accomplish the transition please visit my site at http://www.allergy-and-diabetic-health.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment