Good nutrition starts in the kitchen, and with a little education. For people with diabetes, good nutrition is critical to keeping blood sugar levels under control. Surprisingly, watching what you eat does not mean losing what you like.

The first step to meal planning is working closely with a registered dietitian. Dietitians know how nutrition can better control patients' blood glucose levels, while tailoring programs that suit their tastes and lifestyles.

What are some simple rules to good nutrition? Balancing out carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains can make a difference in your blood sugar. Keeping fat, especially saturated fat, at an appropriate level. Again, your dietitian can help you set-up your requirements.

What does this mean? You're not necessarily restricted to what you can eat, as long as it can be incorporated into your daily meal schedule. And while most foods can be incorporated into a meal plan, sometimes special foods are very helpful.

Take a look at the following recipes that can become a part of your daily routine. They're fast, easy to make, and taste great!

LEMON BLUEBERRY BRAN MUFFINS

Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 cups bran flakes cereal, crushed
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup Cary's Sugar Free Syrup
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1-1/4 cups unsifted flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350�. In a large bowl, combine cereal and buttermilk; let stand 5 minutes. Combine syrup, oil, and egg; mix well. Add to cereal mixture. Stir together flour, soda, rind and salt; add to cereal mixture. Stir only until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Fill paper-lined or lightly greased muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan. Serve warm.

    Nutrition values per serving (1 muffin): 130 calories; 3g protein; 5g fat; 19g carbohydrate; 20mg cholesterol; 300mg sodium (values are rounded) Percentage of calories from: 9% - protein; 34% - total fat; 57% - carbohydrate
    Exchanges: 1 bread/starch, 1 fat

BERRY FIZZ

Ingredients
  • 4 oz. Lightstyle� Low Calorie Cranberry Juice Cocktail
  • 4 oz. diet cranberry or grape ginger ale
  • Lime wedge, garnish

Directions
  1. Pour into a glass with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge

  2. Makes one serving.

    Nutrition values per serving: 5g carbohydrate
    Exchanges: Free