Diabetes Roundup, September 15, 2011 

Gassenheimer, Linda. Fast and Flavorful: Great Diabetes Meals from Market to Table. American Diabetes Assn. Nov. 2011. c.224p. index. ISBN 9781580404440. pap. $18.95. COOKING
Gassenheimer (Mix ’n’ Match Meals in Minutes) again focuses on meals that taste good and are a snap to make. The “market” in the subtitle refers to the supermarket—not the farmers’ market—and purchasing preprepared ingredients, from prechopped fresh onions to canned potatoes, is part of what makes meals come together quickly. Main dishes centered on seafood, poultry, pork, beef, veal, and lamb are paired with a complementary side and serve two people. Each recipe is accompanied by a shopping list, ingredient substitutions, and game plan for coordinating preparation between different parts of the meal. Serving size and nutrition information is also included.VERDICT Diabetic readers who want meat entrees, especially seafood, and have minimal time will be pleased to find Gassenheimer’s book. With only five meatless meals here, vegetarians and those trying to reduce their meat consumption will find little of interest. —J.B.

Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic Diabetes Diet. Good Bks. Nov. 2011. c.272p. illus. index. ISBN 9781561487301. $25.99. HEALTH
Many diabetics could eliminate some medications and improve their general health through maintaining a healthy weight. Similar in style to The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, this book helps achieve that goal. Part 1 provides instructions to jump-start weight loss in the initial two weeks of the prescribed diet by focusing on habits that contribute to weight gain. Part 2 guides readers through gradual weight loss, encouraging journaling to identify habits and patterns that affect success. The last section discusses plate portions, maintaining new eating habits, and what to do when one succumbs to temptation. Common obstacles, along with strategies to overcome them, are listed. VERDICT Concrete advice and tips provide instructions that can be followed by anyone. Excellent color, photos, and layouts strengthen the pertinent, easy-to-read content. The extensive table of contents allows users to navigate easily. An outstanding contribution. —J.M.S.

Mercer, Amy Stockwell. The Smart Woman’s Guide to Diabetes: Authentic Advice on Everything from Eating to Dating and Motherhood. Demos. 2011. c.232p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781936303137. pap. $16.95. HEALTH
Almost 11 percent (12.6 million) of women age 20 or older have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. The disease poses special challenges for women in large part because of hormonal changes that affect blood sugars. Mercer, diagnosed at 14 with type 1 diabetes, has used her experience, as well as interviews with medical professionals and other women living with the disease, to compile this volume. Imparting critical information for diabetic women in pursuit of a healthy and fulfilling life, Mercer covers a range of topics, including finding the right medical team, gaining control through information and communication, managing adolescence, diet, and exercise. Special attention is given to eating disorders and body image; dating, sex, and marriage; pregnancy and motherhood; and telling others about one’s condition. VERDICT An excellent resource for those seeking information about the impact of diabetes on women’s lives; the many personal stories lend warmth and accessibility.—J.M.S.

Webb, Robyn. The Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook: Foods To Fill You Up, Not Out! American Diabetes Assn. Oct. 2011. c.174p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781580404433. pap. $19.95. COOKING
Webb (Eat To Beat Diabetes) gives comfort food recipes a makeover, adjusting the fat, sodium, sugar, and serving size for people using diet to help manage their diabetes. Hamburgers, baked potato skins, creamy mushroom soup, barbecue chicken, crab cakes, quesadillas, cheesecake, and brownies all appear in chapters covering everything from appetizers to American classics and international dishes to desserts. For maximum flavor and convenience, fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs are combined with preprepared ingredients like canned beans and condiments. While some ingredients lists are long, recipe preparation and cooking are generally simple. Helpful cooking tips, serving size and nutrition information, and a produce-buying guide are included. VERDICT With its unintimidating style and diverse collection of recipes, this recommended book offers comfort food as well as mealtime variety for diabetics and nondiabetics alike.—J.B.