No, I am not diabetic. But I am aware that diabetic cookbooks boast of some of the most nutritious and low calorie recipes. With this fact in mind, I not only seek these types of cookbooks, but also, recommend them to both friends and relatives.

“Quick Cooking for Diabetes” is one of the most rewarding medium-sized cookbooks around. This book is only 144 pages in length; yet, its coverage unmasked more than 60 mouth-watering recipes. In order to live up to its “Fast food needn’t be unhealthy” slogan, it provided nutritional analyses of those delicacies, which it focuses on.

Although I do not cook most of the food that I eat, I love dorning the apron once in a while. The only thing that I don’t cherish about cooking is any recipe that takes eternity to be prepared. Nevertheless, I must point-out that I appreciate well-cooked food—especially if it contains meat and/or meat-products.

The ideas covered in this book are expertly knitted and effortlessly explained. They will benefit those who are often too busy to spend lengthy times in the kitchen. Each of the described recipies could be prepared in 30 minutes or less. As a fitness freak who continually seek ways to remain healthy and in great shape, I often peruse this book before deciding what exactly to include for a weekend brunch.

Written in conjunction with both Australian and British Diabetes Association, one of the goals of this book is to show diabetics how to eat whatever they like, without undue worries. For this reason, the following delicacies were given prominence:

(a)    Butternut Squash

(b)   Coconut Soup

(c)    Pan-fried lamb with spiced Flageolet beans

(d)   Lime and raspberry cheesecakes

The preparatory directives of these menus (in addition to many others) were stylishly presented. The same could be said of other traditional staples like: rice, pasta, potatoes, beans, seeds, pulses and other legumes. The indisposable clouts of bread, fruits, and vegetables were highlighted. All these, including their exquisite preparations were beautifully illustrated.

Meanwhile, if you are a diabetic, be assured that all kinds of useful pieces of advice are stacked in this book. Issues pertaining to high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, caring for the feet, eyes, skin, and so on, were all well done.

Even as a non-diabetic fitness enthusiast whose drive is to eat healthy and maintain optimum poundage, I have come to appreciate some of the diabetic dos and don’ts, which dotted several paragraphs of this book. The anchor points include how best to balance food choices and other nutritional options: so as to enjoy meals without any fear or guilt.

VALENTINE ODUENYI.