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Original poster

Decent cookbook needed.

16 replies

knittingaddict · 02/03/2023 10:14

I'm definitely pre diabetic and probably diabetic (second test is on Tuesday.

It's been the wake up call I need and I've already changed my diet in the past couple of weeks and lost 3 kgs, but I've a long way to go. However I need a good cookery book with tasty, but uncomplicated meals that my skinny, healthy and definitely not diabetic husband will enjoy too.

I'm a decent cook and we have been using Gousto for a while now. Unfortunately they rely heavily on carbs with every meal and very few wholegrain options. Looks like the Gousto will have to go, but I need alternative tasty meals. Any suggestions would be useful. Thanks.

OP posts:
bruffin · 04/03/2023 21:59

Hairy Bikers Eat to Beat Diabetes type 2 or some of their other diet books

UnfinishedBusiness · 05/03/2023 09:04

This is a great resource (with meal planning and recipe ideas and more) compiled by some Essex gps.
lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

Tinybrother · 05/03/2023 09:14

thelowcarbkitchen.co.uk

she is a type I diabetic and has published ebooks plus this one in collaboration with a doctor www.amazon.co.uk/Low-Carb-Diabetes-Cookbook-delicious-diabetes/dp/1785041401, lots of free recipes on the site to see if they appeal

Original poster
knittingaddict · 05/03/2023 09:24

Thank you so much for the recommendations. I've seen the Hairy Bikers one and will have a look at the rest. I've a few Hairy Bikers cook books and they always excellent.

OP posts:
trulyunruly01 · 05/03/2023 09:43

This is a great one

Decent cookbook needed.
AnnaMagnani · 05/03/2023 09:48

I like a lot of the recipes on Diabetes UK - I also have an annoyingly skinny husband and he likes them too

www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/recipes

Original poster
knittingaddict · 05/03/2023 10:34

AnnaMagnani · 05/03/2023 09:48

I like a lot of the recipes on Diabetes UK - I also have an annoyingly skinny husband and he likes them too

www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/recipes

I looked on there, but it only confused me more. There seem to be quite a few recipes with potato and white flour for instance. I thought those were a no no after diagnosis.

Some sources say avoid all carbs. Some suggest substituting with whole grains. The advice is very confusing. If I can eat brown rice or bulgar wheat then I will be happy, but maybe I can't. 🤔

Also some seem to go a bit overboard with the substitutions for "healthy" food ie coconut oil instead of butter. Any thoughts?

OP posts:
Original poster
knittingaddict · 05/03/2023 10:36

AnnaMagnani · 05/03/2023 09:48

I like a lot of the recipes on Diabetes UK - I also have an annoyingly skinny husband and he likes them too

www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/recipes

I need to lose weight. My husband definitely doesn't. This is going to be interesting.

OP posts:
Tinybrother · 05/03/2023 10:50

knittingaddict · 05/03/2023 10:34

I looked on there, but it only confused me more. There seem to be quite a few recipes with potato and white flour for instance. I thought those were a no no after diagnosis.

Some sources say avoid all carbs. Some suggest substituting with whole grains. The advice is very confusing. If I can eat brown rice or bulgar wheat then I will be happy, but maybe I can't. 🤔

Also some seem to go a bit overboard with the substitutions for "healthy" food ie coconut oil instead of butter. Any thoughts?

Show quote history

I think that’s a “your mileage may vary” question. Personally I avoid carbs like potatoes rice grains etc and fruits except for berries, I don’t worry about fat sources

trulyunruly01 · 05/03/2023 10:54

What I like about the Caldesi book above is that it deals with the needs of different family members and it sets out carb targets for each. In their household, the husband needed to reverse his Type 2 (and has, successfully), the wife needed to maintain and there is an active younger person who needed a diet accounting for the activity/sports.
It also explains the science bit really well, especially useful for me....

Original poster
knittingaddict · 05/03/2023 11:05

That book looked great (l looked on Amazon) however it also says no pulses, no grains and no sweet potato. Nothing. Other sources recommend some healthier pulses, grains and sweet potato. Maybe the "nicer" sources are full of wishful thinking.

I am eating my usual butter and Greek yogurt and meat and I do love vegetables and eggs too. thank goodness.

I had a delicious three bean chilli in a vege/vegan cafe near us thinking I was being good. 😭

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 05/03/2023 11:16

I found with my skinny husband, low carbing was a very easy way to lose weight.

Make normal looking healthy food - he has potatoes/rice, I don't.

Or just make something with beans in and I have a smaller portion.

The Diabetes UK stuff tends to be on the realistic end of diet change, rather than the all carbs are the enemy which TBH I found impossible and depressing.

My DM almost managed to completely reverse her diabetes by avoiding sugar, white carbs, swapping potatoes to sweet potatoes. She also found grapes gave a big blood sugar spike so swapped to other fruit. She's an elderly woman and has no truck with things like coconut oil!

Tinybrother · 05/03/2023 11:25

It’s got to be something you can manage long term

Original poster
knittingaddict · 05/03/2023 11:27

AnnaMagnani · 05/03/2023 11:16

I found with my skinny husband, low carbing was a very easy way to lose weight.

Make normal looking healthy food - he has potatoes/rice, I don't.

Or just make something with beans in and I have a smaller portion.

The Diabetes UK stuff tends to be on the realistic end of diet change, rather than the all carbs are the enemy which TBH I found impossible and depressing.

My DM almost managed to completely reverse her diabetes by avoiding sugar, white carbs, swapping potatoes to sweet potatoes. She also found grapes gave a big blood sugar spike so swapped to other fruit. She's an elderly woman and has no truck with things like coconut oil!

Thank you, so much. That was incredibly helpful and gives me hope that I can sustain this new diet.

OP posts:
bruffin · 06/03/2023 14:16

There are two organisations
Diabetes.org which is the charity for Diabetes and is based on research
then there is Diabietes.co.uk
This is a private company that sells low carb diets which is why it recommends them!

Original poster
knittingaddict · 06/03/2023 19:54

bruffin · 06/03/2023 14:16

There are two organisations
Diabetes.org which is the charity for Diabetes and is based on research
then there is Diabietes.co.uk
This is a private company that sells low carb diets which is why it recommends them!

That's useful to know. I wouldn't buy a low carb program online anyway. A couple of cookery books and some decent online sources will do me.

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