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The Question
02/01/12 02:46 PM

"My husband has type 2 diabetes that we are trying to control with diet. I am having problems trying to find side dishes that are not full of starch "
Asked By: jejoanne6  
Category: Food and Nutrition

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Expert Answers (1)

02/06/12 01:21 PM

Hello Jejoanne6 - Our food expert Susan Weiner responded to your question and asked that we post it for her this time. This is her response:

Thank you for your question to dLife. Eating a low carb meal plan as part of a nutritious diet is essential for good diabetes management. Planning meals and snacks which include protein (such as fish, eggs, poultry, and meat), along with adequate fiber (from whole grains and veggies) can help improve your blood sugars. Here are a few suggestions on how to lower the carb content of your side dishes:

  • Check out http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/diabetic-recipes/ for some fantastic and delicious low carb recipes and side dishes.

  • Switch to whole grains such as barley or quinoa, and add low carb vegetables to them. Remember to measure out your portions. After a while, you'll become familiar with proper serving sizes.

  • Switch to spaghetti squash instead of pasta. Try substituting bean sprouts for noodles.

  • Try to redefine your side dish. Enjoy broiled tomatoes or grilled eggplant with garlic and basil or mashed cauliflower topped with cheese. All are delicious and much lower in carbs than traditional pasta or potato dishes.

    • Spice up your side dishes with fresh seasonings to make them interesting and satisfying. Start your meal off with a colorful fresh salad, dressed with olive oil and vinegar. Over the winter, try some fresh vegetable soup. These low calorie, low carb appetizers can help curb your appetite for starches during the meal. Enjoy the dLife recipes and your lower carb side dishes!

    Answered By: Monica Dennis
    Accreditations: dLife Senior Editor
    Sources Show

    Community Answers (1)

    02/14/12 09:44 PM

    My wife got several good ideas about carb substitutes from attending Weight Watcher meetings. Here are two of my favorites: (1) Peeled and boiled, the root vegetable jicama (pronounced "hick-a-muh"), tastes a lot like boiled potatoes. (2) Spread a layer of frozen Italian-style green beans on a greased baking pan and cook at high heat until they begin to turn brown, then flip them and brown the other side. If you close your eyes when you eat them, they taste a lot like french fried potatoes.
    Answered By: nrcbtm1
    Flagged!

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    *** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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