Eating with Diabetes

Today is World Diabetes Day, a day on which we spread awareness of this growing threat to our nation’s overall health. In 2007, Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day. The goal is to educate the public on lifestyle changes to optimize prevention. Each year on November 14^th, the International Diabetes Federation chooses a theme that addresses an issue facing the diabetes community. The date was chosen to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting, of one of the two individuals who conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin back in 1922.

Just because someone has diabetes does not mean they can no longer enjoy eating the foods they love. In order to celebrate this holiday, ChefUniforms.com has decided to give some simple, healthy options when it comes to cooking for that diabetic special someone. As a lover of chicken, I’ve decided to post a simple, yet delicious recipe for an Apple and Thyme chicken that is diabetic-friendly. This recipe is from DiabeticLifestyle.com.

Apple and Thyme Chicken

Servings: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Ingredients

2 whole boneless and skinless chicken breasts, about 1/2 pound each, halved and all traces of fat removed
cooking spray
salt (optional) and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 medium Granny Smith or other tart green apple, cored and thinly sliced
1 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon crushed dried thyme
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels.
Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt (if using) and pepper. Place in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Arrange apple slices over and around chicken breasts.
Sprinkle with shallot and thyme leaves; pour on the balsamic vinegar.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until chicken is opaque throughout (cut to test).
Arrange cooked breasts on a platter and spoon apples and cooking juices on top. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired. Serve at once.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving:	163 calories (9% calories from fat), 27 g protein, 2 g total fat (0.4 g saturated fat), 9 g carbohydrate, 1 g dietary fiber, 66 mg cholesterol, 78 mg sodium
Exchanges:	3 very lean meat, 1 carbohydrate (1 fruit)

For more diabetic-friendly recipes, please visit www.diabeticlifestyle.com.