Today, World Diabetes Day is celebrated around the world, under the theme, "Eyes on Diabetes". Diabetes, a group of diseases that result in elevated levels of sugar in the blood affects a significant number of people on this planet. According to statistics by the International Diabetes Federation, 415 million adults were living with diabetes in 2015. That number is expected greatly as the years go by. May you reading this, not become a dreadful statistic.
Fighting diabetes, starts with prevention and that means paying attention to what you eat. It means maintaining a healthy body weight, practicing portion control, drinking lots of water and making healthy meals. Speaking of healthy meals. I have put together five recipes that are delicious yet loaded with nutrients to kick diabetes out. Let's get to them.
AVOCADO SALAD
Avocados are green gold! For a healthy diet, use them in place of butter on your (whole grain) bread. You could also use mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise in sandwiches. Avocados help to keep blood sugar from spiking after a meal. See how to make this simple healthy avocado salad here..
HOMEMADE YOGURT
Yogurt is a super food when it comes to diabetes because a lot of dairy could fight insulin resistance, which is a main problem with diabetes. It is rich in vitamin and protein and calcium which studies say may help people lose weight. And homemade yogurt is far better than storebought plus it is ridiculously easy to make. You do not have to deal with added sugar and other added ingredients. Click here for the super easy recipe.
OILESS OKRA SOUP
Also know as "lady fingers" or "gumbo", okra is believed by some to be the secret to managing diabetes. However, it must be cooked right. That means, it shouldn't be overcooked so its nutrients are not lost. This recipe shows you how to make the perfect healthy okra soup.
SAUTEED GREENS
From spinach in America to "ugu" (fluted pumpkin leaves) in Nigeria and "njama njama" (garden huckleberry) in Cameroon, green leafy vegetables are awesome! They are rich in fibre and low in calories and carborhydrates. See how I saute my veggies here. The same technique I use can be used for just about any kind of green leafy vegetable.
STEWED BEANS
Beans are high in fibre and they are a solid source of pottassium and magnesium. There are so many varieties of beans and they should be a part of every diet, if you ask me. The one you see above was stewed with some meat which is also good for fighting diabetes - as long as the meat is lean and does not fill more than a quarter of your plate. Check out my stewed beans recipe here.
Note: Use extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil as healthy alternatives to regular vegetable oil.
Hope the above recipes inspire you to eat healthy. Sending prayers and strength to everyone who is either a diabetes patient or has one in their life.
Which of the recipes above is calling your name? (Translation: which one do you like best?)
Bisola says
Diabetes is very common now. Thanks for this.
I am certain someone will find it useful. Besides even people without diabetes can also find the recipe useful.
Precious says
Sadly so common now, Bisi.
The recipes are awesome for everyone. Hope you are good, dear.
brenda says
Want to ask, the avocado salad, is the back of the avocado peeled off or included?
I think I am interested in that if the avocado.
You sure are a great cook Precious..
Brendascouch.com
Precious says
The back is peeled off, Brenda.
Thanks for the compliment, dear.
Amaka says
Yay! When your food is a drug, you just 'gon' eat without an apology. I love avocado. Good to know this!
Thank you. 🙂
Walnut Is Bae
Precious says
I know right? You eat with no guilt.
Zita Bernice Tiena says
Great sis. We as food bloggers need to create awareness, so we can eat without guilt. Thanks for posting.
Precious says
So true, sis. There's nothing like eating without guilt. Thank you!
Bola says
Lifestyle modification is very key in management of diabetes, once you adhere to your dos and donts, you are good to go.
I like that yoghurt recipe and I hope the helps someone.
OluwaPrecious, how is you?
Precious says
I is fine lol.
That's the good news about diabetes. The fact that it can be managed and curbed. Hope it helps someone too.
trendwithgloria.com says
Another fact is we can take more of these to avoid diabetes also. Btw are you aware that you just aroused my appetite? Stop it ooo
?
trendwithgloria.com
Precious says
So true, Gloria. Like they say, prevention is better than cure.
kwi magdalene says
Thanks for the tips first lady Precious! God bless you in your endeavors.
Precious says
Amen. Thanks so much, sis.
Itunu says
???which one is calling your name. Babe!!! Is there anything you can't cook in this life? It's amazing. If only there was something like food give aways?
You've put together a great collection of healthy diet for those those with diabetes and those who love to eat healthy too. I doubt there's any extra science fact I can add to this post. Lol
Nice one dear. Keep it coming
Precious says
Hahaha calling your name as in activating your salivary glands. Girl, there are many things I can't cook oo. I really wish I could give away hot meals. Hahaha thanks dear!
Joy2Endure says
pear salad and home made yogurt calling my name.
The post is rich and educative for everyone conscious of the health of either a love
one or themselves. Diabetes is on the rise. I think I will start eating more beans.
Thanks for the tips.