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The NDSS is administered by Diabetes Australia
The NDSS is administered by Diabetes Australia
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Home | Life with diabetes | Management and care | Food and nutrition | Healthy cooking
Sharing a plate of beans

Healthy cooking

By making a few changes to your recipes, you can make them healthier.

Being diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t continue to enjoy food. Healthy eating for people with diabetes is no different from what is recommended for everyone. There is no need to prepare separate meals or buy special foods. Your whole family can enjoy the same healthy meals.

You can make healthy and nutritious meals suitable for everyone by choosing ingredients and recipes that are high in fibre and low in saturated fat, added sugar and salt (sodium).

There are many types of eating plans that may be suitable for people with diabetes. One size does not fit all. These include Mediterranean-style diets, low fat plant-based diets or lower carbohydrate (carb) eating plans.

Talk to a dietitian to develop an eating plan that meets your food preferences and nutritional needs. A dietitian can also advise you about serving sizes that are right for you and how to adapt your favourite recipes to fit into your eating plan.

Read more in our fact sheets:

Hints for healthier cooking: a quick guide has three steps to help you cook healthier meals that you and your family can enjoy

Healthy cooking videos

These videos are also available in other languages.

Talk to a dietitian about serving sizes that are right for you and how to adapt your favourite recipes to fit into your eating plan.

  • Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a dietitian.
  • Go to Dietitians Australia or call 1800 812 942 to find a dietitian near you.
  • Go to healthdirect to find a health service or diabetes health professional near you.

Dietitians are accessible and are usually based in many local hospitals, diabetes centres and community health centres.

Free access to diabetes programs

Learn to manage your diabetes confidently with diabetes programs, available face-to-face and online. Register for a diabetes program.

More information and support

  • Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a dietitian.
  • Go to Dietitians Australia or call 1800 812 942 to find a dietitian near you.
  • Go to healthdirect to find a health service or diabetes health professional near you.

Featured resources

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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