Blood Sugar

It’s hard to believe that the slim, youthful-looking celebrity chef Michael Moore, has diabetes. As he writes in the introduction to his new book, Blood Sugar. .“My doctor said I was the most unusual person to become a diabetic. I was very fit, active and healthy; I never smoked nor was I a big drinker. I had always looked after myself, even while I worked long hours in an industry full of vices like alcohol, drugs and cigarettes.” Diagnosed in his early 30s, he began taking medication (a couple of pills a day) increased his exercise regime and laid off sweet things. I was probably in denial, thinking it would just go away.  Gradually my visits to the endocrinologist became further apart and less important. I was feeling fine and continued to pursue my very busy life. Then one lazy Sunday, eight years later, while out to dinner with his family, he was standing by the barbecue – and the next minute, hit the floor. “My wife Angela was with me, and at first she thought I was having a diabetic hypo and called an ambulance immediately. “She realised it was more serious when I wasn’t able to bring my sugars back up because my face was paralysed down one side. She looked me in the eyes and said, ‘I think you’ve had a stroke, there’s an ambulance coming’. “My kids witnessed the whole thing and it took a while for Eloise, my daughter, to get the vision out of her head.  It was a very confronting thing for a family to experience.  Angela’s quick thinking saved my life. “From this day, my life changed forever.” Blood Sugar, says Michael, is not a diet book, but rather a collection of recipes he had developed over time to keep him on track and still enjoy sensational food. “So if you have diabetes, or have had a stroke, or if you just want to eat good food while looking after your health, these recipes are for you.” The book is divided into various chapters including brunch and light meals; snacks; salads and vegetables; soups; pasta, rice and eggs; seafood; meat; dessert; sauces and dressings. But before you get to these, Michael talks about three things which helped him understand the way his body uses fuel. “I look at everything I am going to eat and break it down into three easy-to-understand headings – Fire, Coal and Water.  I look at each plate, dish or snack I am going to eat and ask myself what category is this in? It works for me and may well help you to understand what you are eating.”He also talks about the importance of exercise, portion control, and the importance of eating small meals (up to six a day) and being properly hydrated. “Being properly hydrated is paramount to kidney function and keeping your blood thin. It is amazing how healthy you feel as well.  Eating plenty of the water foods also helps.” When it comes to sweet things, Michael is a fan of natural fruit-jellies which he uses when he has a blood sugar hypo. “I always have some jellies with me or when I’m exercising.” And he’s into rewards. “Sometimes you have to cut yourself some slack. If you must have a treat like chocolate, make sure it is good quality, preferably dark chocolate (less sugar) and enjoy it slowly!” Blood Sugar is available in bookstores now: New Holland $RRP45