Tex-Mex Made Healthy by Southwest Cookbook Author Kelley Coffeen

Tex-Mex Made Healthy by Southwest Cookbook Author Kelley Coffeen

Interview of Kelley Coffeen, Author, and Southwestern cuisine expert; Tex-Mex Made Healthy by Southwest Cookbook.

·What is a “diabetes-friendly” diet exactly? Is it a special diet?

Knowledge is power for healthy eating. Diabetic friendly means low carb, low fat, and low-calorie foods, however, WE SHOULD ALL BE EATING THIS WAY! These recipes are low-carb, low fat and low calorie but still have the authentic flavor of Tex-Mex cuisine. They are recipes that are especially healthful for people with diabetes—and including the nutritional information with each recipe—is critical to preparing food that helps you manage diabetes successfully.

·What are some of the traditional recipes included that you’ve changed to make them healthier and accessible living with diabetes?

Tex-Mex Made Healthy by Southwest Cookbook Author Kelley Coffeen

Using only a few simple techniques and tricks, even recipes like churros or sopapillas can be healthy! Oftentimes, the solution is simply changing the cooking technique from frying to baking or switching out an ingredient like sugar for a substitute.

·What are some of the ingredients used in Tex-Mex that are already optimal for those looking to adopt a healthier diet?

So much of the basis of Tex-Mex cuisine are healthy fruits and vegetables that naturally lend themselves to healthy diets already, so having to adapt these recipes for people living with diabetes was a breeze! For instance, fresh chile peppers are jam-packed full of healthy vitamins and nutrients like Vitamins C, B6, Potassium, and Copper which acts as an antioxidant. The herbs and spices common in Tex-Mex cooking are also beneficial to the human body. Cinnamon, as an example, has been proven to lower blood sugar levels, and even garlic has compounds in it that are beneficial to heart health!

·The book includes some cocktails. How can alcohol be considered diabetes-friendly? Have you altered the recipes?

I have created Smart Cocktails that are low in sugar but full of flavor! Using only low sugar mixers and flavored waters is key. Enjoy frozen margaritas, white sangrias, tequila sunrises and many more. According to the American Diabetes Association, alcohol is not off-limits to people with diabetes or those watching their sugar levels. However, moderation is key. Women should have no more than one drink per day. Men should have no more than two drinks per day. One drink is equal to a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1 1/2 ounces of distilled spirits (tequila, vodka, whiskey, gin, etc.).

You can purchase Tex-Mex on Amazon and if you use my link, I will make a small commission at no additional charge to you. Be watching for my upcoming post showing how easy it is to create a recipe using the Tex-Mex Made Healthy by Southwest Cookbook Author Kelley Coffeen.

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