There are a lot of healthy habits you can develop when cooking and eating that help manage diabetes. These include portion control, cooking with healthy fats, and having tools and equipment that make you want to cook healthy, delicious food.
If you are planning on giving gifts to support someone following a healthy eating plan, here are some ideas of useful kitchen tools and gadgets from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and elsewhere to help them on their health journey.
Diabetes-Friendly Gift Ideas Under $20
- The ADA’s Portion Control Plate with Lid: This nine-inch plate, with a vented lid for microwaving, helps you know how much of what type of food—non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, and quality carbs—should be eaten at each meal.
- The Diabetes Placement: A simple visual guide using the Diabetes Plate to plan meals without needing to weigh, measure, or calculate anything.
- Oil mister: Fill a mister of your choice with your preferred oil and spray on foods or pans instead of pouring from a bottle. This means less oil is used and less calories and fat per meal. Try getting more than one mister to fill with different oils like olive, avocado, canola, or others.
- Reusable storage wraps and bags: Since we’re thinking about our meal plan, how about thinking about the environment at the same time? Available at many different stores and brands, try planet-friendly food storage for leftovers.
Diabetes-Friendly Gift Ideas Under $50
- Digital kitchen scale: This may be one of the most important items for a healthy kitchen. Look for one with an LCD display and a variety of measurement options and unit conversions.
- Steamer pot: Steaming food is a healthy cooking method alternative that doesn’t require oil. A variety of foods can be steamed, like vegetables, chicken, and shellfish.
Splurge-Worthy Diabetes-Friendly Gift Ideas
- Dutch oven: This heavy-duty kitchen item can be used for many different styles of recipes. You can make braised meats like Cider Braised Chicken, soups, or use for a recipe that requires going from cooking on the stovetop to an oven.
- Quality nonstick pans: One strategy for healthier cooking means using less fat to sauté or cook foods like veggies and fish. A great nonstick pan means you can use less oil and, if you’re willing to splurge a little, it can also go from stovetop to oven or broiler.
- Air fryer: For the person who loves fried foods but is trying to cut back, an air fryer can give foods a crispy exterior with little or no oil.
If you need more ideas, be sure to check out the ADA’s Shop Diabetes! No matter your budget, the person who receives the gift will certainly be touched by your support of their diabetes management journey. Happy holidays!
