If you’re diabetic and find it a challenge to follow a healthy eating plan, Nadia Badarudin has suggestions
MANAGING diabetes is crucial to averting complications such as vision loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, skin problems and lower-limb amputations.
This can be done by controlling blood sugar levels as well as reducing weight and cholesterol. Apart from exercising, a healthy eating plan is crucial.
Here are some simple, tasty recipes improvised from Glucerna, a complete nutrition formula for diabetics developed by Abbott Nutrition. The recipes are prepared by Chef Christine of Masak-Masak at Ben’s Independent Grocer in Kuala Lumpur.
CREAMY BROCCOLI SOUP
Yield: 3 portions
Ingredients
• 4 scoops Glucerna powder
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups warm water or organic vegetable stock or low sodium chicken stock
• Salt & black pepper (as needed)
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Toasted walnuts (optional)
• Cheddar cheese (optional)
Method
1. In a pot, bring the stock to a simmer. Add broccoli and let cook.
2. Puree the broccoli and stock. Add in Glucerna powder.
3. Stir well. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and walnuts if desired.
CHICKEN WITH MUSHROOM SAUCE
Yield: 1 portion
Ingredients
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 chicken breast
• ¼ tsp paprika powder
• 1 tsp garlic
• ½ cup button mushrooms
• ¼ cup low sodium chicken stock
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley
• 2 scoops Glucerna powder
• 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)
• Salt & black pepper (as needed)
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Marinate the chicken breast with salt, pepper and paprika.
2. Roast the marinated chicken for 15 minutes.
3. Dissolve Glucerna powder in the chicken stock.
4. Heat up the olive oil and add in garlic. Saute until fragrant. Add in mushrooms, mustard and stock mixture. Stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish the chicken with flat leaf parsley and serve.
SALAD
Ingredients
• Bunch of baby spinach
• 1 Japanese cucumber
• 3 cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
For dressing
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (chopped)
• 1 tbsp Glucerna powder
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
Method
Mix everything together.
GREEN TEA POPSICLES
Yield: 3-4 popsicles
Ingredients
• 5 scoops Glucerna powder
• 200ml plain water
• ¼ tsp green tea powder
Method
1. In a mixing bowl, add water and Glucerna powder. Mix well to dissolve the powder.
2. Add green tea powder and blend well using a hand blender.
3. Allow liquid to settle and chill in the refrigerator until the bubbles subside.
4. Pour the mixture into ice lolly moulds and put them in a freezer until frozen.
GLUCERNA CHALLENGE ME
The Glucerna Challenge Me programme is specially designed to help diabetics manage their condition with a healthy lifestyle. The 12-week programme incorporates online tools and resources to help diabetics manage blood sugar levels, weight and cholesterol. Details at www.glucernachallengeme.com or call 1800-88-6233 (Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm).