Nutrition ·Nov 13, 2019

Popular Diabetes Cookbooks

Family eating food together

Having diabetes doesn’t have to mean your diet should be boring or unsatisfying. It also doesn’t have to be challenging on finding healthy and satisfying food. Finding food that works for you and helps you maintain your A1C levels can be very manageable if you’re given the right resources. We’ve put together a list of cookbooks and diabetes food blogs that provide helpful tips on meal planning & budgeting, what to look for when eating out, and good recipes that make eating healthy easier!

The Diabetes Cookbook & Meal Plan by Lori Zanini

The Diabetes Cookbook & Meal Plan is specifically designed to help people who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes. It can be hard to immediately make changes to your food choices, and this book aims to make that transition easy and enjoyable. There are over 100 recipes included that are categorized into helpful labels such as gluten-free, dairy free, 5-ingredient and 30 minutes or less recipes. Along with great recipes, there is a 4-week meal plan and help information and resources for Type 2 diabetes. This cookbook is great for all audiences looking for healthy recipes and making better food choices.

This cookbook has raving reviews for its easy-to-understand information about diabetes, simple and delicious recipes, and reportedly improved health and A1C levels. You can read more reviews here.

These are three popular recipes from the cookbook:

Breakfast Egg Bites
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Stone-Ground Mustard and Apricot Glazed Salmon

The Sweet Life - Diabetes Without Boundaries by Sam Talbot

This cookbook is by Sam Tablot, a professional chef with Type 1 Diabetes. The cookbook is a collection of recipes for diabetics, but he also relays experiences and stories about living with Type 1 diabetes. In the book, there are also guest excerpts from famous people such as Halle Berry and Larry King who share some of their experiences with diabetes.

Talbot’s cooking style is based on two main techniques - substituting sugar and salt for citrus and spices, and emphasizing the importance of moderation.

The book includes over 75 recipes. Here are a few of his most popular recipes:

Crab Ceviche with Blueberries and Popcorn
Striped Bass with Heirloom Tomato Scampi
Frozen Coconut Yogurt with Cinnamon
Baked eggs with Chickpeas and Harissa

The Perfect Diabetes Comfort Food Collection by American Diabetes Association & Robyn Webb

The Perfect Diabetes Comfort Food Collection is a best-selling cookbook. This is a great staple cookbook to have in your household. Robyn Webb provides over 100 recipes that you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. They are easy, delicious, hearty, and diabetes friendly. Comfort food does not have to mean it’s unhealthy - this book covers everyone’s favorite recipes with a mission to make sure they are nutritionally balanced. For every recipe, Webb has added suggestions for what you can pair this dish with. People also enjoy the choices you are given in regards to switching out ingredients for ones that may better suit your diet.

Some favorites from this book include:

Baked Ziti
Blackened Fish Tacos
Skillet Lasagna

The 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook by Nancy S. Hughes

Nancy Hughes has written a plethora of cookbooks and works with major food companies throughout the U.S. and Canada as a leading food consultant. She also contributes recipes to a number of different corporations including American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association and Better Homes and Gardens.

This cookbook includes over 150 recipes that are healthy, easy and delicious. The goal of this cookbook is efficiency - using just four ingredients makes these recipes easy to whip up and helps you save on groceries.

Some popular recipes from this book:

Fresh Lemon Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Zesty Beef Patties with Grilled Onions
Dijon Asparagus

The Type 2 Diabetic Cookbook & Action Plan: A Three-Month Kickstart Guide by Martha McKittrick (registered dietician) & Michelle Anderson

This cookbook was primarily written for people who have been newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The co-author, Martha McKittrick is a registered dietician as well as a certified diabetes educator, and she wanted to make her knowledge accessible to a broad group of people. She includes easy recipes and meal plans as well as a realistic approach to diabetes management.

Some of the most popular recipes from this book include:

Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Home-style Herb Meatballs
Whole-Wheat linguine with Kale Pesto

FAQ's

Are these cookbooks suitable for all types of diabetes? These cookbooks are generally suitable for all types of diabetes, although some may focus more on specific aspects of diabetes management or dietary preferences. It's important to check the details of each cookbook to ensure it aligns with your specific type of diabetes and dietary needs.
Do these cookbooks provide nutritional information for each recipe? Yes, most of these cookbooks provide nutritional information for each recipe, including details such as calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber content. This information is valuable for individuals with diabetes who need to monitor their nutrient intake closely.
Can I find recipes in these cookbooks that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or dairy-free? Many of these cookbooks offer recipes that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, or vegetarian options. They often include labels or symbols to indicate which recipes meet certain dietary criteria, making it easier for readers to find recipes that align with their needs and preferences.

Check out our other blog posts with recipes, meal planning and tips when eating at restaurants! (Listed Below)