Just-the-basics-meal-plan-recipes

According to the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines, certain ethnic communities are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its complications like heart disease than the general population. These include communities of South Asian, Asian (Chinese), Hispanic, West Indian/Caribbean, African and Aboriginal descent. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has also identified the need to raise awareness of diabetes prevention and management in high risk ethnic communities through the diabetes strategy.

We know that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as healthy eating habits and physical activity play a major role in the onset, severity and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Culturally specific resources and programs have shown to be effective for diabetes management and prevention in target communities. However, diabetes community programs in Canada have indicated a significant need to increase their culturally specific resources, education and support services As a result, George Brown College (GBC) began an applied research project to reach out to high risk ethnic communities in 2007. The goal is to create healthy versions of traditional ethnic dishes that look and taste great. The project consists of collecting ethnic recipes from community members who have or are at risk of developing diabetes. These recipes are then modified at GBC to become diabetes friendly according to the CDA nutrition guidelines. The modified recipes are presented through cooking demonstrations at local health centres to obtain final approval from the target communities. We are pleased to share these recipes with you as part of the culturally adapted “South Asian Just the Basics: Healthy Eating for Diabetes Management and Prevention” resource.