The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook Review

Plant-based eating is becoming popular and for a good reason. 

Why? The answer is very simple. The typical American diet, better known in some circles as the standard American diet (the SAD diet), may be contributing to the poor health of many individuals and the wide spread increase of diabetes in our nation. 

"Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States. More than 11 percent of the population is living with diabetes, and 38 percent of U.S. adults have prediabetes. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and lower-limb amputation. Recent research has also shown a connection between diabetes and dementia, hearing loss, and some forms of cancer. Experts point to diet as a key component in preventing and treating diabetes and prediabetes—particularly one featuring fruits and vegetables. That’s where The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook comes in, helping people with diabetes—or at risk for developing it—enjoy more plants. The key word is enjoy.”  (source)

If you are pre-diabetic or diabetic, you may want to explore The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook by Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN. It contains over 125 nourishing recipes that the author says "will satisfy every taste bud." 

                                    

   Jackie Newgent-Author of The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook

I was sent a complimentary copy of her cookbook to review. The opinions are all my own. 

My review: 

The first 29 pages of the cookbook provides a valuable section on "Plant-Filled Tips and Tools for Diabetics" which includes information on how to stock the pantry and how to plan a plant-based menu designed for diabetics. 

• The recipes look good, contain easy to find ingredients, and are relatively easy to make. 

Appetizers and Snacks: 

The initial section covers "party apps and snacks" which includes fresh fig guacamole, poppers, plant-based meatballs, a variety of skewers, dumplings, bruschetta, canapés, and more. 

                    Fresh figs for the fresh fig guacamole recipe

Breakfast and Brunch

Next the author jumps to breakfast and brunch main dishes. 

The smoky portobello bacon and homemade sausage patties looked interesting as well as the homemade granola, variety of oatmeal dishes, and the no bake energy bites. 

• If you think plant-based eating is dull or boring, think again. 

Lunch and Dinner

The lunch and dinner main dish section is extensive. The creamy vegan eggplant korma, easy ginger tempeh, grilled eggplant steak, enchilada bake, veggie chow fun, vegetable "meatloaf" are just a few of the choices and all look very tempting. 

Burgers, Sandwiches and Wraps

Additional main dishes include plant-based burger recipes, sandwiches, and exciting wraps ideas. 

Bowls and Skillet Meals

 "Bowls"have become very popular. There are lots of "bowl" choices with delicious looking sauces and also a variety of skillet meals. 

Salads:  With Beans, Grains, and Leafy Greens

The author didn't forget to include some great looking salads such as Creamy Picnic Macaroni Salad, French Lentil Salad, Black Bean and Avocado Cobb Salad with a unique Carrot Vinaigrette- to name a few. 

Sides:  

The recipe for Sautéed Baby Spinach with Currants and Pine Nuts sounds amazing, as does her recipe for Whipped Purple Cauliflower with Chives. Do you love eggplant?. You might enjoy the recipe for Roasted Greek Eggplant with plant-based feta (available in most markets) and many of her other sides recipes.

Soups and Stews: 

The author did not forget about providing numerous recipes for soups and stews which I'm sure are hearty, healthy and delicious in the cold winter months. Tortilla soup or chili anyone? 

Desserts and Drinks

Finally, the cookbook ends with desserts and drinks. Plant-based recipes are made without eggs or dairy. The author provides recipes for brownies, pudding, sherbet, and cookies- all made plant-based and healthy!

The recipes in this cookbook look filling and inviting and especially designed to work for a diabetic diet, but I think anyone trying to eat healthier would enjoy and perhaps benefit from these recipes. 

As my regular readers know, I have been following a plant-based/vegan diet for almost 3 years (prior to that I was a vegetarian for over well over 40 years). I'm always asked, "What do plant-based eaters eat? - 

• There are lots of recipes in this cookbook!!! Jackie has covered it all and makes it really easy to know what to eat to enjoy the taste and health benefits of plant-based eating!!

My notes: 

The only drawback for me is that some of the recipes use plant-based cheeses and plant-based mayos which I tend to avoid because I find they are processed and high in fat. I can probably leave out the "cheese" in the recipes that call for it. 

Do I recommend this cookbook? 

Yes! Absolutely!

To view this book on amazon and read some sample pages and recipes click here: The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook

I am an affiliate for Amazon. If you click on a link from my blog and make a qualified purchase, I receive a small compensation at no additional cost to you. 

Disclaimer: As always I must include this disclaimer. I am not a medical doctor and am not trying to give medical advice. Always check with your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet, especially if you are diabetic.