All you need to know about artificial sweeteners and sugar-free treats. By Dr Gita Mathai, a paediatrician and family practitioner.
Food is enjoyed if it looks, smells and tastes good. It needs to provide an appetising blend of salt, sugar, bitters, sourness and spice. The first three in excess are “injurious to health”, and, of these, sugar is considered the greatest villain of all. It is purported to be singlehandedly responsible for the global epidemic of…
Diabetes
People with diabetes need to be very careful during Ramadan in order to maintain good glycemic control. Here are some tips for those who are fasting during this period. During the fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world are fasting during daylight hours, eating two meals a day – Sehri or Suhoor (at pre-dawn) and Iftar (at sunset). For people with diabetes taking insulin or on some medication, the many hours without food and water puts them at risk of…
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Meaning Sarpa means snake. Sarpasana mimics the posture of a snake. Benefits of Sarpasana 1. It strengthens the back and makes the spine supple. 2. The posture helps to stretch the abdominal cavity and the chest. 3. It stimulates and directly exercises internal organs such as the pancreas, intestines, liver and kidneys. Thus Sarpasana is believed to help manage diabetes. 4. It massages the pelvis and the reproductive organs, helps in menstrual and other gynaecological disorders. 5. It deepens…
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Meaning: Ardha is half. Pavan is air/wind/gas. Asana is posture. This asana’s name reflects its benefits, that is, the release of unnecessary gases from the body, especially the stomach. Benefits 1. It strengthens the lower back and stretches the spinal cord. It is thus particularly good for treating back pain. 2. The posture helps to massage the abdomen and the digestive system thereby eliminating wind and preventing constipation. 3. It stimulates and directly exercises internal organs…
With all the hype around high-protein diets, more and more people want to cut down, and some want to eliminate, carbohydrates from their diets. But not only are carbohydrates present in almost all foods, eliminating them would disturb the body’s natural functioning, says Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Ujjwala Baxi. Why do we need carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of fuel for our internal and external functions. Carbohydrates are digested and broken down into glucose,…
Lasagna made from whole wheat doesn’t spike the post-lunch blood sugar as much as the refined flour varieties. Tuna rich in omega- 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D are ideal for people with diabetes who run a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure and elevated triglycerides. Ingredients: Tuna /White Pomfret (boneless ) - 700 g Onion – 2 Olive oil – 2 tbsp Tomato puree – 1 cup or 250g Sundried tomatoes - 10 g Freshly ground pepper - ¼ tsp Sweet corn - 300g…
Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are rich in fibre, iron, phosphorus and the B-complex vitamins. It has been seen that eating chickpeas control blood sugar levels after meals, so it is good for people with diabetes. This recipe also uses poppy seeds, which are a good source of calcium and fibre, low in sodium and have no fat or cholesterol, as well as coconut, which provides certain essential fats missing from other vegetable oils. In this recipe they have been used in…
Paneer paratha is a favourite choice for kids’ lunchboxes. It is nutritious and can be modified for the needs of growing children by using whole-fat paneer instead of low-fat and an extra dash of fat (ghee, butter or oil depending on preferences). Ingredients For the dough 200g whole wheat flour 2 tsp white oil Pinch of chilli powder Pinch of salt For the Filling 200g low-fat paneer 100g onion 50g carrot Small bunch of coriander…
A nutritious navratan khichdi that is filling and provides excellent quality protein. It can be adapted to pongal as well. Its tasty and easy to make! Excellent quality protein, loads of vegetables. Great for persons with diabetes too. Ingredients (Serves 6 people) 225g rice 50g soya nuggets (If you skip this for a more traditional option it will reduce the protein content) 55g arhar (toor) dal 55g chana dal 55g moong dal 55g masoor dal 100g potatoes 100g carrot 100g cabbage 50g…
