Poaching: This involves submerging food in water, milk or stock to cook. It requires heating the specified liquid to a temperature of about 180F (82C), which is lower than simmering and boiling. Since poaching is completed at a lower temperature, it’s best for delicate proteins equivalent to eggs, chicken and fish.
Pros: Poaching keeps food juicier and prevents proteins from getting too tough.
Cons: It’s not suitable for giant or tougher pieces of protein and there may be some nutrient loss from the food into the cooking liquid. If possible, be sure you devour the cooking liquid as well.
Air frying: Much like a convection oven, a fan circulates hot air around food in an air-fryer. The circulating air cooks the surface of the food first making it crispy, while keeping the within soft to resemble the feel and taste of deep-fried foods. It is a healthier alternative to frying since it uses little to zero oils and cuts down on calories.
Pros: Air frying cooks foods quickly, with little fat.
Cons: Some meats, cheeses and fish change into less nutritious with air frying due to AGEs. The unit has limited capability, takes up counter space and may be costly to buy.
Read more about how air fryers fit right into a diabetes eating regimen.
Microwaving: Quick, convenient and secure, microwaving is one other cooking option that preserves the nutrients of foods because of short cook times.
Pros: It’s quick, easy and particularly ideal for reheating leftovers. It also does an excellent job of preserving a food’s vitamin C and other nutrient content.
Cons: With limited capability, microwaving shouldn’t be practical for larger meals. This cooking method also can dehydrate food and alter its texture. Like an air fryer, it may well take up significant counter space and be costly to buy.
Next time you’re tempted go for a deep-fried meal option, do not forget that there are numerous diabetes-friendly cooking methods which are higher decisions on your health. While there is no such thing as a cooking method that retains all of a food’s nutrients, cooking for shorter periods at lower temperatures, and with less water, could have the very best results.
Listed below are more tips about healthy meal preparation.