Friday, July 10, 2009

Food Storage for Diabetics

A few days ago I received an email from a reader looking for information on storing food for diabetics. Here are a few sites that may be of help:

Recipe Source: Diabetic Recipes - http://recipesource.com/special-diets/diabetic/
Diabetic Diet Ideas - http://www.food-storage-info.com/diabeticdietideas.html
Emergency Preparedness: Diabetes Management During a Crisis - http://aces.nmsu.edu/terrorism/CRpresentations/epdiabetes.pdf

Some suggestions for planning food storage for diabetics:
1. Take a look at diabetic recipes (ones you now use, check online, or diabetic cookbooks from the library).
2. Find ones that sound good to you and have "storage" potential (ones that use ingredients that may be stored.)
3. Give the recipe a try -- see if you like it.
4. Save the recipes you like by printing them on recipe cards or on paper and keep them in a binder. (In an emergency where there is a loss of power, you may not be able to retrieve recipes from your computer.)
5. For each recipe, make a list of necessary ingredients.
6. Itemize ingredients as to whether they may be stored short-term (3-months or less) or long-term (1-year or more).
7. Purchase necessary ingredients. (Don't go into debt to do this. Gradually build your food storage by purchasing an extra can or two each time you shop -- or a little more -- as you can prudently afford. Watch for sales.)
8. Store your supplies. (See "Family Home Storage Pamphlet")
8. Rotate. (Use it up.)
9. Replenish. (Restock your shelves.)
10. Repeat steps one through nine.
11. Adapt your recipe collection as circumstances and tastes change.

Some recipe suggestions:
Almond Granola Bars
Baked Oatmeal
Refried Beans
Rice Pudding
Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes
Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas

2 comments:

lindaharper said...

I am diabetic and unfortunately, whole grains are too much for my blood surgar. I have been canning meat and gardening to put up a lot of vegetables. We are also planning a greenhouse to extend our growing seasons of vegetables that are lower in carbs and healthy for diabetics (or anyone). This will go along with traditional food storage to help out. I am also storing Splenda instead of sugar. Just some ideas!

K P said...

Thanks for sharing Linda! Those are some great ideas!