For most of my life, bread has been a source of comfort—the smell, the warmth, the familiarity. Finding comfort and stability in everyday bread is something I have always held close, but living with diabetes changes the way you look at food, especially something as simple and cherished as bread. When I couldn’t find store-bought options that felt balanced or trustworthy, I started working with my bread machine at home. That process slowly evolved into Bread & Balance, a book of bread machine recipes designed for individuals who want to enjoy bread without worrying about its potential impact on their blood sugar.
November has meaning here. It is National Diabetes Awareness Month, National Homemade Bread Day, and also the month of World Sandwich Day. All three align naturally with the intention behind this book: to cultivate a relationship with bread that feels steady, nourishing, and grounded in real life—not driven by guilt, restriction, or fear.
Why These Recipes Matter
When you live with diabetes, you are often told what you can’t eat. Bread is usually one of the first things to go. But I never believed I had to abandon something so deeply connected to home and comfort in order to maintain my health. Instead, I began testing flours, ratios, textures, natural sweeteners, and methods until I found combinations that worked for stability—not just taste.
The recipes in Bread & Balance utilise familiar ingredients and rely on a bread machine to reduce physical strain, eliminate guesswork, and make baking accessible to people of all ages and energy levels. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s sustainability.
National Homemade Bread Day
National Homemade Bread Day, celebrated on November 17th, reminds us that baking at home can be a simple and enjoyable experience. Bread doesn’t have to be complicated, exhausting, or time-consuming. A bread machine lets you measure, load, close the lid, and allow warmth to return to your kitchen.
This slow rhythm matters—especially for those who live with chronic pain, fatigue, or limited mobility. Bread should not be out of reach.
World Sandwich Day
A sandwich is one of the most ordinary meals, yet it depends entirely on the bread. When the bread supports your energy instead of spiking and crashing it, a sandwich can become a balanced meal. A slice of homemade bread from Bread & Balance paired with eggs, lean proteins, vegetables, or light spreads becomes nourishment that is simple and steady.
Diabetes Awareness Month
This month serves as a reminder that balance is not about deprivation—it is about understanding your body and making choices that support your well-being without sacrificing comfort or joy.
Bread & Balance is not about restriction. It is about reclaiming bread in a way that feels honest, mindful, and kind.
Homemade bread, prepared with intention, can still have a place at the table.