General Disability Lifestyle

Posted on: Sun, Aug 17 2008 1:01 PM

Posted by: squabwithfibro Posts: 1,122

 I scan the internet looking for ways to eat healthier, but won't wipe me out to fix..

I look for recipes that are GERD and Diabetes friendly.  I like easy, you know, KISS=keep it simple stupid!  Painful to be in the kitchen for long and no energy.  This makes it challenging to make healthier food choices, and fix healthier meals sometimes.  Easy clean up is preferred for the same reasons.

Here are a couple I have fixed this summer.  My meat and potatoes eating husband,  really liked Ratatouille over brown rice!  I made a mistake on this one though...I ran out of energy before I was done chopping up all I needed for the recipe.  I needed to prep my chopping first, then prepare the dish.  My hands and wrists really hurt after all the chopping, so even a rest before cooking would have been a good idea.   I paid for it in pain and fatigue... So, how long would it really take to fix this? lol  for me, more than a 30 minute meal!!   just frustrates me sometimes...it's too easy to cave and make poor food choices...in the name of pain...

What are your food preparation challenges, and what "help" do you do to make it easier?  Calling for recipe's too......enjoy! 

Ratatouille

 6 Servings, Diabetes-friendly

2 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion

2 cloves garlic

1 eggplant

2 zucchini

3/4 cup green bell pepper

2 tomatoes

2 tablespoon basil, fresh (I used dried sweet basil)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon capers (I'd never used these before, kinda gives the wow in flavor, don't skip it if you haven't used them befoe...find them near the olives in a supermarket)

Preparation

1.  Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet.  Add the onion and garlic; stir-fry over medium-high heat about 2 minutes.

2.  Add the eggplant and stir-fry about 2 minutes.  Add the zucchini, green pepper, and tomatoes; stir-fry 3 minutes more.

3.  Add the basil, salt, and pepper.  Cover and simmer 30 minutes over low heat.

4.  Uncover, stir gently, and simmer 10 minutes more.  Add the drained capers.  Serve hot or chilled. 

Always needing a quick, healthy breakfast to keep on hand...to grab and go?

Applesauce Muffins

 12 servings, GERD-friendly, Diabetes-friendly

Ingredients

1 1/4 applesauce, unsweetened

1 egg

2 tablespoon canola oil

1/4 cup honey (I would switch out and use Splenda, myself)

1 cup whole-wheat flour

2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/3 cup raisins  (I prefer craisins, cherry flavored!)

Preparation

1.  In a large bowl, beat together the applesauce, egg, oil, and honey (or Splenda)

2.  Sift in the dry ingredients, stirring just to moisten.

3.  Stir in the rainsins (or craisins) and divide the batter among 12 muffin cups coated with nonstick cooking spray.   (I use paper muffin tin liners...easier for me to clean up...just thinking of my hands & wrists and wanting to treat them kindly)  I learned from someone on the Food Network to use an ice cream scoop for more more uniform muffins!  Makes sense to me, and easier on my hands...

4.  Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes. 

What recipes and tips to ease the daily grind of what to eat and feel the family do you use? 

Brighter Days and Healthier Eating to All,

Valerie