Diabetes Recipes in Time for Summer

The following article is excerpted from Healthy Aging Magazine.To continue reading this article and more like it, log in or subscribe to Healthy Aging Magazine, the lifestyle magazine that is all about following your passion and what you can do rather than what you cant.Diabetes remains one of Americas most common chronic health conditions, affecting more than 40 million peopleabout one in every eight Americans.

The disease becomes increasingly common with age, making it an important health concern for adults 45 and older.While diabetes can lead to serious complications, advances in treatment, medications, and self-management mean that millions of people are living long, active, and healthy lives with the condition.Successful diabetes management combines healthy eating, regular physical activity, medications when needed, and routine medical care.Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and other cardiovascular risk factors is equally important.

For many people with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes such as weight management and exercise can help control blood sugar, although medicationsincluding insulin for some individualsmay become necessary over time.Careful blood glucose management also helps reduce the risk of complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels.One challenge never seems to change: planning enjoyable, nutritious meals that fit a diabetes-friendly lifestyle.In an effort to present new ideas for the diabetic menu, cookbook author Corinne Trang has written the book, Switch It Up, A Fresh Take on Quick and Easy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes for a Balanced Life.Heres one recipe from her book:Veggie Burger with Pickled Red OnionsMakes8 burgers1 large red onion, peeled and sliced paper thin1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar or rice vinegarSalt to taste3 tablespoons olive oil, divided use1 large clove garlic, peeled and minced1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped1 stick celery, trimmed and finely chopped3 cups soft-cooked Puys lentils, drained thoroughly (water completely squeezed out)12 sprigs thyme, leaves only except for 8 sprigs left intact for garnish1/4 teaspoon cumin powderPepper to tasteIn a small bowl, add the sliced onion, separating the rings.Add the vinegar and season with salt.

Toss well and let stand for 30 minutes.In the meantime, in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon oil and saut the garlic and minced onions until caramelized, about 2 minutes.Add the carrots and celery and continue to saut until soft, about 10 minutes.Let cool.In a medium mixing bowl, add the sauted vegetables, lentils, thyme, and cumin.

Season with salt and pepper and mash the ingredients together until well combined.Shape them into 4 large or 8 small round patties.In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining oil and pan-crisp the veggie burgers until crisp on the outside, about 5 minutes, flipping them once.

Serve each patty, topped with some pickled red onion and garnished with a sprig of thyme.EXCHANGES / CHOICES1 Starch1 Vegetable1 Protein, lean1/2 FatCalories 165Calories from Fat 45Total Fat 5.0 gSaturated Fat 0.8 gTrans Fat 0.0 gCholesterol 0 mgSodium 15 mgPotassium 400 mgTotal Carbohydrate 22 gDietary Fiber 7 gSugars 5 gProtein 7 gPhosphorus 155 mgOriginally published in Switch It Upby Corinne Trang.Reprinted with permission from The American Diabetes Association.Switch It Up is available at ShopDiabetes.org, in bookstores nationwide, Food Photography: Corinne Trang.