Introduction
When I was in the middle of writing
The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook, something unexpected happened: my husband, who had previously been the picture of perfect health, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I vividly remember the night we figured it out. We had eaten some ribs and mashed potatoes for dinner (made in the Instant Pot, of course), and Brendan was feeling a little bit off afterward. He started making some mental connections; in the previous few weeks he’d been losing weight and experiencing some other unexplained symptoms. A little bit of Googling, a finger prick, and a call to the night nurse confirmed his Dr. Google results, and the next week turned into a blur of appointments and blood tests, followed by a formal diagnosis from an endocrinologist.
The first few weeks were a steep learning curve for both of us. Being the main cook in the house, I was tasked with figuring out the nutrition information (especially carb counts; who knew that “net carbs” equals total carbs minus total fiber?) for all of our meals, while Brendan learned to give himself insulin injections and track his blood sugar with a glucose monitor. We found that his levels were most stable when our meals were low to moderate in carbohydrates, with a good amount of protein and some fat included. After four months of eating this way, his blood work came back with numbers in the range of a person without diabetes.
We now know that diabetes can be managed successfully, and one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is maintaining a nutritious, balanced diet. To that end, preparing your own meals (or in my husband’s case, being lucky enough to have a cookbook author prepare them for him) is the most foolproof way to know exactly what’s in your food and ensure that you’re eating well.
One happy benefit of writing this cookbook has been its usefulness for my own dietary needs, as well as my husband’s. With my own diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that’s closely tied to insulin resistance, it turns out that the same diet works great for both of us. Though my husband’s type 1 diabetes and my PCOS are very different conditions, they can both be managed well with similar foods.
I cannot tell you how excited I was to write this book, not only to help others with diabetes but also to have a resource at home with Instant Pot recipes that my husband and I enjoy. Each recipe includes nutrition information so you don’t have to guess at carb counts, and the Instant Pot–specific instructions are clear and easy to follow, telling you which button to press at every step.
Whether you’re new to cooking recipes to support diabetes, to using an Instant Pot, or to both, this book is here to guide you on your path to a healthier lifestyle. The introductory pages include all of the beginner Instant Pot information you need, as well as tips on how to eat for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and other insulin resistance–related conditions.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, the food you’ll cook will be not only good for you but also delicious and satisfying. Most of the recipes in this book are either hearty one-pot dishes or include simple serving suggestions that make it quick and easy to put together a balanced meal. There are also easy breakfasts, appetizers, and even desserts that you can enjoy without worry.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey to good health!
Happy (pressure) cooking,
Coco
Copyright © 2020 by Coco Morante. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
