TIME is running out to enter your recipe into Diabetes UK's new recipe competition which aims to get families cooking together.

Claire Gordon regional manager in the South West said: “We’re looking for quick, simple and healthy recipes from families across the country.

"We'll shortlist four of the best and the public can vote online for the winner, who will receive a fantastic Red Letter Days experience for all the family to enjoy.

“Cooking with children is great fun and helps kids learn a whole new set of skills like teamwork, science and maths, and the basics of nutrition, helping to form healthier eating habits for life.

"And who doesn’t have fond childhood memories of the treat of being able to lick the cake mix from the bowl?

“We hope that our competition will inspire families to get creative in the kitchen and cook up some great healthy family suppers to inspire others around the country.”

For those who need some help in the kitchen, Diabetes UK’s ‘Enjoy Food’ recipe finder provides delicious and healthy recipes. People can choose from really easy-to-follow recipes or attempt others which are a bit more complex.

Each recipe lists the all-important carbohydrate content to make ‘carb counting’ easy for people with diabetes who need to match their insulin dose to the amount of carbohydrate they are eating. Each recipe also includes protein, fat, saturates, sugars and salt content per portion, as well as calorie information.

Claire Gordon added: “This resource aims to be helpful to the 3.9 million people living with diabetes, for whom physical activity and a healthy balanced diet is key to helping them manage their condition. However, it is really important for everyone, regardless of whether they have been diagnosed with diabetes, to embrace a healthy diet and these recipes can help everyone do just that.”

Shona Gordon, chairman of West Dorset Diabetes UK said: "Cooking your food from scratch at home is the best way to know exactly what you are eating and help you make sure your food really is part of a healthy balanced diet.

"Lots of recipes can be adapted to become more healthy with adjustments.

"Cutting down gradually on some ingredients like fats, oils and sugar can be of great benefit to all the family's health and well being.

"Cooking should be fun and a great way to bring the family together."

Diabetes UK's competition closes on Wednesday July 22.

A shortlist of four recipes will be created for the general public to vote on. The vote will open on Wednesday, August 5 and close on Wednesday August 28.

The lucky winner will be announced on Monday August 31.

Find out more at diabetes.org.uk/recipe-competition/

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