Being a diabetic doesn’t just affect your life physically and mentally but also socially. Those who aren’t diabetics take the fact that they can eat what they like when they like for granted. Unfortunately being a diabetic means that every morsel you put in your mouth has to be accounted for.

At one time of day it used to be the case that food for diabetics was on the whole bland and tasteless and that diabetics had to miss out on such delights as chocolate, cakes, cookies and much more besides. But that is not the case today.

Below you will find some of the most delicious recipes that are not only suitable for diabetics but those planning on losing weight, those who are on a diet too or those who just plan to eat healthily.

Apples and Pears Sautéed with Thyme

Makes 8 Servings:

Try this colorful combination when the fall red Bartlett pears arrive from Oregon although you can substitute the Oregon pairs for ones of your choice.. If you have a herb garden, you likely grow lemon thyme. If not, you can sometimes buy it at the supermarket or you can use common thyme and add 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest to the recipe. Serve this chunky compote alongside grilled pork, chicken, or sturdy fish such as halibut or swordfish. Don’t forget the recipe when it comes time for turkey in a couple of months.

Ingredients

• refrigerated butter-flavored cooking spray
• 2 teaspoons (9 g) reduced-calories margarine
• 2 large Golden Delicious apples
  1 pound (480 g) total, cored and cut into thick slices
• 4 medium Red Bartlett pears, 1 pound (480 g) total, cored and cut into thick slices
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 4 teaspoons (20 ml) minced fresh lemon
• thyme leaves
• dash of ground nutmeg

Method

1. Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray.
2. Add the margarine and place over medium heat.
   When it melts, add the apples and cook, gently stirring once, for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in pears and lemon juice. Continue to cook, gently stirring once, for another 2 minutes.
4. Sprinkle on the thyme and nutmeg: continue to cook for 1 minute.
5. Serve warm.

Per Serving : 68 calories (13% calories from fat), 0 protein, 1 g total fat (0.2 g saturated fat), 16 g carbohydrate, 3 g dietary fiber, 0 cholesterol, 10 mg sodium

Diabetic exchanges: 1 carbohydrate (fruit)

Chunky Onion-Tomato Compote

Makes 4 Servings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 16 pearl onions, peeled and cut in half
  salt (optional)
• freshly ground pepper
• 1 14 1/2-ounce (435 g) can no-salt-added canned tomatoes with their juice
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) crushed dried basil

Method

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until onions are soft and golden, about 8 to 10 minutes, seasoning to taste with salt (if using) and pepper.
3. Drain the tomatoes and add the juice, white wine, balsamic vinegar, and dried basil to the skillet.
4. Reduce heat to simmer, partially cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Coarsely chop tomatoes and set aside.
6. Stir in reserved tomatoes and continue to cook another 5 minutes.
7. Keep vegetables warm to serve alongside the halibut steaks.

Per serving: 68 calories (44% calories from fat), 1 g protein, 4 g total fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 7 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 0 cholesterol, 12 g sodium

Diabetic exchanges: 1/2 carbohydrate (1 1/2 vegetable), 1 fat

Now you know being a diabetic, you don’t have to settle for second best. I hope you enjoy the recipes above and please do look out for more great recipes.</p