by Catalogs.com Info Guru Elizabeth Sobiski

It’s widely reported that people who want to take charge of their health are helped tremendously when they develop plans for cooking and eating.

This is especially true for diabetics because blood sugar is greatly affected by food choices. That said, many people – especially those not used to cooking – can be intimidated by the thought of making so many meals from scratch. Here, we’ve assembled 10 of the greatest diabetes cookbooks for people who can’t cook. Remember, follow the recipe exactly the first time you make it. Once you’re confident with it, you can add personal touches.

10. The Low GI

Vegetarian: Diabetic Friendly 200 + Recipes. Written by Ellie Miller, this cookbook is made up of low glycemic index recipes. Glycemic index, or GI, refers to the naturally occurring sugar content in a food. Foods with a low GI release energy into the bloodstream slowly, reducing spikes in blood sugar levels. This cookbook is great for the vegetarian who is looking to control their diet with recipes that are easy and delicious.

9. 30 days Challenge

Weight Loss for Diabetics. Steve Patchett has assembled 160 low GI and low fat recipes diabetics will love. As many doctors will tell you, dropping excess pounds will help lower your blood sugar – and improve your overall health and well-being. As with any dietary suggestions, check with your doctor to make sure it’s right for you and your situation. If you’re looking to enjoy comfort foods like roast chicken and gravy while getting healthier, this is a great option.

8. Blood Sugar

Inspiring Recipes for anyone facing the Challenge of Diabetes and maintaining good health. Chef – not movie producer – Michael Moore, has diabetes. Earning his living in a kitchen producing phenomenal food and travelling the globe made living a healthy lifestyle a challenge and he suffered the consequences. He had a major stroke, one that he thankfully survived. It showed him the importance of his decisions, so he set out to create exciting recipes for everyone. Enjoy the seafood pie or paella fried rice – and impress your family with the dinner you cooked!

7. Delicious Dishes for Diabetics

Eating Well with Type-2 Diabetes. Based on the popular Mediterranean diet, Robin Ellis presents recipes that are healthy and easy to prepare. Exotic sounding recipes such as red peppers stuffed with tomato and goat cheese are a snap to prepare and delicious to eat. The book was written for people who love good food and want to continue the pleasure of eating despite being diagnosed with diabetes.

6. The Family Classics Diabetes Cookbook

This collection is from the American Diabetes Association magazine and is full of recipes that are quick and simple. Filled with fresh ingredients, all recipes meet the association’s nutritional guidelines. For those with the most rudimentary of cooking skills, there are ‘how to’ and ‘simple tips’ sections to make life in the kitchen even easier. This book is a great idea for the newly diagnosed person in your life.

5. Betty Crocker’s Diabetes Cookbook

Everyday Meals, Easy as 1-2-3. If you’re feeding a family and don’t want to make separate meals for the diabetic and the rest of the family, Betty Crocker has you covered. Each of the recipes features Carbohydrate Choices, the American Diabetes Association’s new method to simplify meal planning. Want Creamy Vanilla-Caramel Cheesecake? With this cookbook, you can have it.

4. The Sweet Life

Diabetes without Boundaries. This cookbook from Type 1 diabetic chef Sam Talbot, focuses on healthy eating and living life to its fullest. The book is perfect for those who love seafood. For instance, you can whip up Dungeness crab with a garlic and chili sauce or a velvety clam chowder.

3. 1,000 Diabetes Recipes

This comprehensive cookbook can be your go-to book, packed with recipes families will love. It explains how to make your comfort-food favorites work within your nutritional guidelines. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy lasagna, sausage pizza or strawberry pie. It also includes advice for meal planning and food shopping.

2. Diabetic Cookbook for Two

Jennifer Koslo has assembled 125, perfectly portioned, recipes for two people. Let’s face it – not everyone has to feed a large family and prefers not to have lots of leftovers after every meal. That’s where this cookbook comes in. Now you can make beautiful, tasty and healthy dishes for a single meal. Recipes include Meatloaf for Two and Freshened-Up French Onion Soup, just for example. She also includes a list of items to always keep on hand to make healthy choices quickly.

1. Taste of Home Diabetes Family-Friendly Cookbook

The people at Taste of Home are known for putting together recipes that are easy to make and tasty, too. With this book, you’ll get more than 500 recipes from appetizers to desserts with complete nutrition facts. Also included are healthy living tips, advice for shopping, as well as how to snack and curb food cravings.