Diabetes Health Talk

“If you or a loved one has diabetes, you need to eat heart-healthy meals,” says the back cover of a new cookbook for diabetics and those who eat with them.

“To stay on track, you need great-tasting meals everyone can enjoy.”

And that’s the reason two of the largest health associations in the country — American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association – partnered to produce a cookbook filled with recipes that are good for diabetics and good-tasting enough to share with loved ones who don’t suffer from the disease.

“Diabetes & Heart Healthy Meals for Two,” as its subtitle counts, collects “Over 170 Delicious Recipes that Help You (Both) Eat Well and Eat Right.”

Sound delicious

Cherry Tomato Toppers. Watercress and Apple Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette. Peach-Glazed Chicken. Salmon with Blueberry Sauce. Roasted Carrots with Shallots and Sage. Mixed Berry Crisp with Almond Streusel. They all sound tasty.

And the next morning, you can start the day off with French Toast with
Orange-Strawberry Sauce. While eating, it turns out, you don’t have to suffer from a disease, no matter what the vernacular claims.

“When you make healthy food and lifestyle choices, you and your family can enjoy the benefits for years to come,” the book begins. “The most important things are to develop a healthy eating pattern that includes a wide variety of nutritious foods and to be physically active.”

The recipes serve two, both of whom should be left smiling. While they’re “designed for those looking to improve or maintain their cardiovascular health,” the ingredients when mixed in proper proportions don’t tell your mouth that you’re trying to eat foods that are good for you.

Nutrition guide

Each recipe includes a nutrition guide that lists the usual cast of characters — calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate and protein.

They also offer “Exchanges/ Choices” that are calculated from “Choose Your Foods; Exchange Lists for Diabetes,” published in a collaboration of the American Diabetes Association and American Dietetics Association.

In addition, the front portion of the volume lists bits of nutritional advice, including tips for limiting saturated fat, selecting low-fat dairy products, cutting back on trans fat and sugar in your diet, and avoiding foods high in cholesterol.

Finally, “Diabetes & Heart Healthy Meals for Two” mixes a little lifestyle advice with your Sesame Herb Chicken Kebabs. You can wash it down with a Green Tea Spritzer with Raspberries.

“Regular physical activity helps you manage your weight, gives you energy, and strengthens your heart,” the book says. “It also improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin and reduces blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.”