Shot put queen’s recipe for a healthy life
Dame Valerie gets behind diabetic cook book after mum’s struggle
Eat well, live well. It is a simple message, but one which resonates loudly with Olympic shot put queen Dame Valerie Adams.
The 34-year-old is backing a new recipe book being released by Diabetes New Zealand; aimed at helping people with diabetes make healthier food choices.
The book, Eat Well Live Well, features dozens of recipes from some of New Zealand’s most well known chefs and foodies; including Simon and Alison Holst, Robert Oliver, Kit Perera and MasterChef New Zealand celebrity cooks Brett McGregor and Jax Hamilton.
Adams, who gives the foreword in the book, shared that her late mother had type 2 diabetes; as did more than 50 per cent of her family in that generation, or older. “I feel it’s an obligation for myself to do what I can to make sure that it’s not like that for my generation and beyond,” she told the Herald on Sunday.
“Diabetes is a real issue amongst the Pacific Island people and I think it’s really important that we take the time to help show our communities that you can still enjoy the fruits of life . . . but think about your health.”
Statistics from the Ministry of Health show more than 200,000 people in New Zealand have been diagnosed with the disease.
The majority have type 2 diabetes and the prevalence of diabetes in Ma¯ori and Pasifika is about three times higher than in other Kiwis.
Another estimated 100,000 people are living with the disease but do not know it.
The book will be launched at Giraffe restaurant, in Auckland, tomorrow.
It coincides with Diabetes Action Month this month, which is promoting the theme: Act now to live well.
Giraffe is owned by Kiwi celebrity chef Simon Gault, who also has diabetes.
“As a chef and having battled type 2 diabetes myself, I’m all too familiar with how smart and inventive you have to be to put healthy food on the table,” he told the Herald on Sunday.
Recipes in the book include vegetarian options, mains, salads and desserts, and healthy versions of traditional Indian, Sri Lankan, Thai and Pasifika dishes such as povi ma¯sima (corned beef).
There is a take on the classic boilup and parents who have children with diabetes will find snack and lunchbox ideas too.
All profits from the book will go to supporting Diabetes NZ’s work.
Adams, who is mum to 1-year-old Kimoana and is expecting her second child, said she loved to bake and cook to get away from the “stresses of competition”.
“I want to instil in my own family, as well as those in my wider community, that it’s important to look after yourself and your loved ones and always try to live a healthy life as best you can.”
Diabetes is a real issue amongst the Pacific Island people. Dame Valerie Adams