Dinner Makeover: We Need Healthy Dinner Ideas

Balance Your Diet (Without Sacrificing the Foods You Love)

• Kori’s condition is serious: Left untreated, insulin resistance can lead to diabetes and is associated with heart disease and kidney failure. So she needs to reduce her carbohydrates, especially refined ones (white bread, white rice, pretzels) and sweets. But it’s not only Kori who will benefit from doing this; Jason will, too, says Laura: “Most Americans consume too many carbs. Rebalancing your diet is healthy for anyone, insulin-resistant or not.” 
• Laura recommends that the couple fill their plates with the following food groups: lean proteins (chicken breasts, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, tofu); high-fiber or whole-grain carbs (wild rice, lentils, fruit, vegetables); and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocados). Jason and others without insulin resistance should shoot for 50 percent carbs, 25 percent protein, and 25 percent healthy fats. Kori should have slightly fewer carbs and more protein and healthy fats. She can partake of dessert now and then, says Laura, but if she eats a slice of cake, she should make up the rest of the meal with healthy protein and fat.