Diabetes Menu with Guest Chef, Virginia Hill

Virginia Hill is a recognised authority on microwaving and cooking for people living with diabetes in Australia. She runs the 'Cooking Centre', a Melbourne consultancy that advises and educates commercial organisations and individuals. Virginia is heard weekly on Radio 3AW Melbourne.

There are nearly a million Australians with diabetes, so most of us now know someone with the disease.

For the many people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (mature onset, non-insulin dependent diabetes) this means an adjustment to their eating behaviour to ensure blood sugar levels stay within recommended boundaries.

Today, good quality scientific research supports recommendations that the best diet for people with diabetes contains a wide variety of foods, which means people with this disease are able to eat and enjoy contemporary foods, with some adjustments.

For instance, the diabetic diet needs to include plenty of wholegrain breads and cereals, vegetables and fruits into a daily menu, whilst only small amounts of fat, especially saturated fats, are recommended.

This means limiting cakes, biscuits, butter, chips, takeaway fried foods and full cream dairy products.

Contrary to the myth to the sugar is the worst thing for people with diabetes you will need to note that fat is far worse. In fact, a moderate amount of sugar and sugar containing foods maybe eaten and it's okay to include your favourite sweetener to make meals more enjoyable.

For heavy-handed salters, only small amounts of salt should be added to food, so try seasoning with a variety or peppers, lemon juice, garlic and fresh herbs to add flavour.

It goes without saying that only a moderate amount of alcohol should be included in a diabetes diet.

The good news is a diet which is good for people with diabetes is good for everyone, so I've created a flavourful menu to convince you.

Entrée

Crumbed Pesto Mushrooms
Mushrooms, low in fat and kilojoules whilst high in B vitamins are readily available and versatile. Deep and rich in flavour, they adapt to any national cuisine by adding the right ingredients. They make an ideal entree as they can be pre-prepared then cooked quickly when required.

Main

Warm Mustard Chicken Salad
Skinless chicken makes a hand and adaptable high protein, low-fat meal that most people will enjoy. Use a low salt (light) homemade marinade, your favourite fresh herbs and spice or a variety of mustards to create a spectrum of different flavours.

Dessert

Baked Cherry Cheesecake
Fortunately the popular belief about sugar being the worst thing for people with diabetes is not true. Sugar and sugary foods in normal serves have no greater effect on blood sugar levels than many starchy foods. So I've adapted the traditional cheesecake by using low-fat ricotta cheese (strictly speaking not a cheese, as it is made from leftover whey from other cheeses) and sweetened it lightly for the 'sweet tooth' to enjoy, without guilt.

Virginia's current book, The Ultimate Diabetes Cookbook, was written in conjunction with dietician, Lorna Garden and is endorsed by Diabetes Australia. Click here to read a review.

Last updated: July 15th, 2003