recipes in the Ultimate Diabetes Meal Planner use the healthiest cooking methods and ingredients available and still offer great taste. With these recipes—and definitely on the first time through—try to avoid substitutions or adding ingredients because you feel that it needs more flavor. An extra dash of oil or another pat of butter dramatically increases the amount of fat and calories in each dish you prepare. Give the recipes a chance to stand on their own, especially if you’re using fresh, high-quality ingredients. You may find that you’ve been relying on salt and butter in the past when you didn’t really need it.
Step 6: Repeat Cycles as Desired
It’s generally best if you follow the weekly cycles as they are written during your first time through the book. Following a healthy meal plan takes practice and experience, so let the Ultimate Diabetes Meal Planner gradually teach you how to do this. As you become more comfortable with meal planning and making healthy food choices, you’ll be able to create your own meal plans and adjust your own favorite recipes. In the meantime, let this book do all of the hard work for you.
If you do come across recipes that don’t quite suit your fancy, swap out that day with another one in the book. Be sure to use the entire day’s meal plan, so you can keep your diet balanced and your nutrient intake consistent. In some cases, an entire week’s worth of meals may not appeal to you. If that’s the case, then swap out the entire week with a different one. If you feel like eating a summer meal and it’s only spring, go ahead and do it! Following a healthy meal plan should be fun and flexible, so don’t feel like there are rules carved in stone with this book.
Remember, your goal in using this book is to bring a healthy, diabetes-friendly meal plan into your life. Don’t get discouraged or frustrated. It is a tool to help you, so make changes as you see fit to make it work for you.
Featured Recipes
Whole-Wheat Pancakes or Waffles
Spicy Whole-Grain Rice with Peanuts
Granola, Oats, Blackberry, and Raspberry Bake
1500 calorie MEAL PLAN WINTER WEEK 1
1800 calorie MEAL PLAN WINTER WEEK 1
2000 calorie MEAL PLAN WINTER WEEK 1
2200 calorie MEAL PLAN
