Making vegetables interesting
Q: Dear Donovan,
I recently found out my child is diabetic and I’m trying to get him to stop indulging in sweets and eat healthier. However, he says he doesn’t like vegetables. Can you advise me of some interesting ways to prepare tasty but healthy meals for him? He has type 2 diabetes and he is 12 years old.
A: Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to control its blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes — type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is usually found in children and young adults. This type of diabetes was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about five per cent of the total diabetic population. People with type 1 diabetes lack the ability to produce insulin. The body breaks down sugar and starch to produce glucose and other simple sugars. Insulin is responsible for getting glucose from the blood to the cells to produce energy. These people need to be monitoring their blood sugar levels on a regular basis.
People with type 2 diabetes normally produce insulin. This insulin is usually ineffective. However, with the help of insulin therapy, meal planning and exercise, they can manage their diabetic conditions and live long and productive lives.
Diabetes is a condition which can affect any age group. A child with type 2 diabetes will need monitoring 24/7 including the many hours at school and even extracurricular activities.
You did not mention if your child is on insulin. Hopefully, you have informed his caregivers about his condition. Your child will have to learn to express himself when he feels that his blood sugar level is too high or low. The main focus will have to be about keeping the blood sugar levels under control.
Diet plays a very important part in helping to control type 2 diabetes. You mentioned that your child would prefer to eat unhealthy foods instead of eating vegetables. A diabetic diet should be low in carbohydrates and should have a fair amount of fruits, vegetables, vegetable juices, fibre, protein and good fats.
You will have to find creative ways to ensure that he eats his vegetables. It is always easier to drink rather than to eat vegetables, so give him vegetable juices. In addition, in some cases a fruit can be added to the vegetable juice to enhance the taste. For example, June plum could be added to green juice. You could also make vegetable shakes using soy milk or regular milk. Vegetables could be added to soup. In addition to his healthy diet you should ensure that he gets a good amount of exercise. Good luck!
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@ jamaicaobserver.com.
