I have had Type 2 Diabetes for almost 10 years now. Focusing on my health is very important to me so I decided to finally start cooking, and last night was my first dinner!

Actually, I have wanted to get started for quite a while, and have even been gathering recipes in anticipation. I think that I will enjoy it, and it will be another way to try a variety of meals that are especially diabetic-friendly since managing carbs is critical for good glucose control. Also, my wife needs a  break after cooking for me almost 49 years now. She appreciates the time off, and actually liked the first meal I prepared. I think she was probably surprised that I pulled it off, but didn’t mention it.

For this meal, I used some recipes from Diabetic Meals in 30 Minutes – Or Less! by Robyn Webb for the American Diabetes Association (pp. 157-161): Chicken Rigatoni, Oven-Based Parmesan Zucchini, Salad Greens, Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Pinot Noir. I made everything except the wine, and it actually came out pretty well. Here are some photos.

First Dinner

Chicken Rigatoni

Oven-Baked Parmesan Zucchini

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Main Dishes

Dinner Italiano

Next up for tomorrow night will be Spinach, Artichoke, and Mushroom Toss.