Food Seasonings for Diabetics

Diabetes can be a dangerous condition if you don't maintain a good diet. Keeping your sugar levels in check is essential to avoid health problems. Likewise, carbs are bad for diabetics because the carbs turn into sugar and eventually fats. This can cause hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), which may in turn cause blurred vision, extreme thirst and hunger. Consuming too much salt (sodium) can result in water retention and may cause high blood pressure, which can be a complication for a diabetic.

Whether its low-salt additives or a flavorful substitute, there are some flavorful options to make your dish more tasty. Also, consider picking something from your backyard garden.

Fresh Basil

• Choose this seasoning for various Italian and chicken dishes. Basil contains no fat and no carbs. Being low in calories and sodium, this is a natural seasoning for your diabetic-minded meals.

  One recipe is tomato-basil rotini. Use 1 tablespoon of basil along with a package of rotini, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cups of plum tomatoes, a pound of chicken, and 11/4 cups of pasta sauce. Cook pasta and drain. Combine the basil, sauce, olive oil and chicken. Add pasta and toss. Serve warm.

Garlic Pepper

• Garlic pepper contains no fat and no carbs, and is low in calories. It's a good additive for various salads and main dishes. This pepper also may be good for circulation, in addition to tasting great.

  One recipe is garlic lima-bean soup. Using a pinch of garlic pepper with 10 large garlic cloves, 2 cups onion, 1 teaspoon of hot red pepper, 34 oz. lima beans, 3 cups of low-sodium broth, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1 pinch of salt and 1/2 cup of fat-free half and half. Over a medium heat, place a cooking-spray-coated pot. Saute onions, red pepper and garlic for 10 minutes in a separate pot. Stir in beans, thyme, and broth and bring to a boil. Puree the onions, red peppers, garlic and half and half, and add to the soup. Place lid on pot, lower heat and simmer for five minutes. Sprinkle with the garlic pepper and salt. A serving has only 4 grams of sugar and 220 calories.

Lawry's Seasoned Salt

• Lawry's is good for diabetics because it also has no fat and is low in calories and carbohydrates. Although it is a salt, if you eat it in moderation it will be worthwhile, as it makes your foods tastier. Taste your food before you salt it; you may like the flavor without an additive.

  Lawrys Salt-Free 17 is another option. It's what its name implies: salt-free. It's also packed with a blend of 17 herbs and spices, including: oregano, black pepper, basil, sage, dill and bell peppers.

  Visit www.lawrys.com for some recipe ideas using these low-fat, low-calorie seasonings.

Mrs. Dash Original Blend

• Mrs. Dash is a good seasoning for diabetics because it has no salt and no MSG (monosodium glutamate), a salt compound that is considered bad for you.

  Mrs. Dash can be used on a variety of food, including chicken, fish and beef. You can also add Mrs. Dash to your favorite soups or salad.

  One Mrs. Dash recipe that has only 400 calories and is very low in fat is grilled chicken. As you grill the chicken, add Mrs. Dash. Also place chopped onion and peach slices for additional flavor. Visit www.mrsdash.com for the complete recipe.

Peppermint

• Peppermint is a good additive to diabetic recipes. With only 0.1 grams of sugar in each serving, it is a healthy and flavorful additive.

  One recipe that may meet not exceed your sugar limit is chocolate peppermint cookies. The recipe includes 1 cup margarine (2 sticks), 1 teaspoon of peppermint, 3 cups flour, 1/2 cup egg whites at room temperature, 11/3 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix margarine and sugar at medium speed until fluffy. Add peppermint, other flavorings and egg whites, and mix at medium speed for one minute. Stir cocoa, baking powder, flour and salt together. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Return dough to room temperature and roll on floured board. Cut in 21/2-inch rounds and place on a coated cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to12 minutes. Cool and serve.