Pea Cheese Salad

This image is very similar to this recipe. 

Hello Friends, I goofed and left out the hard cooked eggs! You need the eggs! Sorry!

Pea  Cheese Salad

10 oz frozen peas
1 cup diced cheddar cheese   
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 pimento
2 hard cooked eggs
salt
pepper
tabasco sauce to taste

Blanch peas and cool. Mix peas, cheese, onion, celery, and pimento in medium bowl. In a separate small bowl mix mayonnaise, salt, pepper and tabasco sauce.  Add this mixture to  vegetables and cheese. Check seasonings and strength of tabasco. You may want to add another drop or two of tabasco depending on the strength of the sauce you are using and the strength of the kick you want when you bite into the salad. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tip: Use only frozen or fresh peas. Canned peas do not look or taste as well.  You may use roasted red pepper diced in place of the pimento.

Another Green Bean Recipe

Green Beans are a part of most Thanksgiving celebrations. If you are tired of the old Green Bean Casserole and would like to try something new, I have just the thing for you.

Ingredients

Frozen Green Beans
Onions
Roasted Red Peppers or Diced Pimentos
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil
Garlic Powder
Crumbled Bacon or Bacon Bits

Directions

This is a very simple, quick recipe that you can make your own. On top of the stove heat your 10 inch skillet until hot.  Add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and diced onions  (about 1 small). Let the onions cook until tender then add thawed green beans. You can run them under water for 1 minute to thaw. Dry thoroughly.  Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, diced roasted red peppers or diced pimentos. Saute in the skillet for fifteen minutes uncovered or until done. Add bacon bits when almost done. This dish will have a good color and be very tasty. Add other herbs of your choice and season to taste.

Hope you enjoy this recipe. It is low carb and healthy.

www.reynoldspkg.com/.../herb_green_beans.aspx

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here and for people with diabetes there is the worry about over eating or eating the wrong foods. I will make a series of blog posts of trimmed down holiday favorites to help you keep your eating under control. These recipes are so good most people will never know they have been changed. 

Read on.

 

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Carb choices: 1By relying on a slimmed-down white sauce, this creamy green bean serve-along keeps fat and sodium in check.

CARB GRAMS PER SERVING: 14

 

Nutrition Facts Per Serving:

• Calories 107
• Total Fat (g) 3
• Saturated Fat (g) 1
• Cholesterol (mg) 7
• Sodium (mg) 148
• Carbohydrate (g) 14
• Fiber (g) 3
• Protein (g) 4
• Vitamin A (DV%) 0
• Vitamin C (DV%) 0
• Calcium (DV%) 0
• Iron (DV%) 0

Diabetic Exchanges

• Other Carbohydrates (d.e.) .5
• Vegetables (d.e.) 1.5
• Fat (d.e.) .5

1-1/2	pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
2	tablespoons butter or margarine
3	tablespoons all-purpose flour
1	tablespoon dry ranch salad dressing mix
1/4	teaspoon ground white pepper
1-1/2	cups fat-free milk
	Nonstick cooking spray
1	cup chopped onion
2	cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2	cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1	cup soft whole wheat or white bread crumbs (1-1/3 slices bread)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a covered saucepan, cook green beans in a small amount of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, for white sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, dry dressing mix, and white pepper until combined. Stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly; remove from heat.
3. Coat an unheated medium nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Remove half of the onion mixture; set aside.
4. Add mushrooms to skillet and cook about 5 minutes or until tender. In a 1-1/2-quart casserole, combine mushroom mixture, beans, and white sauce.
5. In a small bowl, stir together reserved onion mixture and bread crumbs. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over bean mixture in casserole. Bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Makes 10 (1/2 cup) side-dish servings.

So You Think You Have the Fat Virus

So You Think You Have the Fat Virus

Understanding Portion Control

Gaining an understanding of portion control is one of the most important things you will learn about changing your eating habits. It is also one of the most difficlt things you will do and will be an ongoing challenge. I found a nice slide show that will be helpful in your quest to get your diabetes under control. Click the link below the image to see the slide show.

Food serving sizes: A Visual Guide

Diabetes and You

Managing Your Active Lifestyle and Diabetes

Managing your diabetes is an ongoing battle. Perhaps it would be better to view this not so much as a battle, or a struggle, but as a lifestyle change. It is hard to make changes at any time of life and not only for the seniors who find themselves juggling the need for exercise, weight management, and carb counting.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the number of changes in your life, step back and set manageable goals that you know you can keep. You will be surprised how much even a little change will help. If you cannot walk for exercise, how about finding some chair exercises. Even your fingers need exercise to maintain dexterity. Every little bit of movement you add to your life will assist your in your long term goal of making your life as well rounded and healthy as possible.

The most important things you can do for yourself are simple changes.

1. Move... exercise

2. Use portion control in your diet.

3. Drink water throughout the day.

If you follow these three tips your health will improve.

Channel 8 Public Television has a really good exercise program called Sit and Be Fit for people who cannot do more strenuous forms of exercise. This is a very low key program that is perfect for seniors and other home bound people.

Sit And Be Fit

Spend Less On Groceries

Image Credit: Diabetic Living

Spend Less On Groceries

Diabetic Living has a good slide show about saving money and eating eathly. Take a look at these tips. You may pick up something new that will help you in your quest for eating well and cheap.

Healthy Portion Sizes



Take the time to watch this video. It will help you understand the correct portion size for a healthy diet.

Understanding Diabetes

Hello friends,
I have an educational video series to offer as a learning tool about diabetes. I will be including one or two weekly. Today you will receive #1 and #2 What is Diabetes, and Symptoms of diabetes. I hope you learn and are able to make safe changes to your lifestyle.

What is Diabetes?




Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes Menus

Some of you have asked about Diabetes Meal Plans. Today I have something for you. Diabetes Living send out a series of slides on diabetes menus. Check it out today!

Hope Warshaw Author of Real Life Guide to Diabetes

Emotional Eating

What Are Your Comfort Foods?

Emotional triggers are all round you. With the best will in the world you try your best to follow your eating plan and suddenly you find yourself in line at your favorite fast food joint thinking about those curly fries or tacos. What gives?




Professionals came up with a diagnosis for this problem. It is known as emotional eating. This is eating that may be brought on by stress in your life. Think about it in terms of the ABC's.
A - Antecedent...or anxiety that causes emotional eating
B - Behavior that occurs after the emotional trigger...I will eat french fries or chocolate and feel better.
C - Consequence...Now I feel guilty...and may be sick if I ate the wrong food for my diabetes.

Most of us are guilty of emotional eating. I never realized that I had been doing this for years until I became aware of the condition. Next time, think ABC and with a little self control you will be able to avoid the consequences of guilt and sickness that always follows.




Perhaps you might consider replacing food with a little prayer that gets you in touch with God who is the Great Comforter! BWD

Sweet Treats From Heart Healthy Living

Sweet Treats From Heart Healthy Living
Image Credit: Heart Healthy Living

So many of us are plagued by a taste for sweets. Here are some sweet choice as low as 50 calories. From chocolate to rasberries, sugar free jelly bellies to strawberries there is something for every one. Take a look and enjoy!

Diabetes Today

Get answers to the top 20 questions people are asking about Diabetes. Click on this link.

How many grams of carbs should I eat each day?

Answer: The general starting point for a moderate-size, normal-weight woman is 45-60 grams of carbohydrates at each meal; for a moderate-size, normal-weight man is 60-75 grams of carbs per meal. Most people with diabetes don't need to eat snacks. However, if you enjoy eating a snack, use some of your daily allotted carb grams-15-30 grams.per snack.

I know it gets boring and hard to stay with the program every day. However, if you learn as much about eating the right way, you will soon begin making healthy choices by habit. This will change your life so get started learning today! You will also be happy knowing you are living a life that is pleasing to God! Let go and Let God!

Low-Sodium Rub Recipes

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons snipped fresh chives
• 2 teaspoons snipped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon snipped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions

In a small bowl combine chives, thyme, oregano, chili powder, cumin, red pepper, and salt. Use the mixture as a rub on 1 pound raw meat. Cook meat as desired.

Makes: about 2 tablespoons mixture

Start to Finish: 5 minutes

This recipe came from Heart Healthy Living. If you are interested in finding more low sodium rubs click here.

May God bless you as you do your best to honor him by managing your diet in a way that will be pleasing to him.

Word of The Day

Temperance: moderation or self-restraint; especially in eating or drinking.

Lime Chiffon Pie

Prep Time:

10 min

Total Time:

4 hr 30 min

Makes:

8 servings

What You Need!

2/3 cup boiling water

1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Lime Flavor Sugar Free Gelatin

ice cubes

1/2 cup cold water

2 cups thawed COOL WHIP FREE Whipped Topping

1-1/2 tsp. lime zest

2 Tbsp. lime juice

1 ready-to-use reduced-fat graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz.)

Make It!

ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in large bowl; stir with whisk 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add enough ice to cold water to make 1 cup. Add to gelatin; stir until ice is melted.

STIR in COOL WHIP, zest and juice. Refrigerate 15 to 20 min. or until mixture is very thick and will mound. Spoon into crust.

REFRIGERATE 4 hours.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Makeover - How We Did It

We've taken a classic pie and given it a makeover. We omitted the eggs and condensed milk to give this pie a fluffier texture. The tart lime filling is made with JELL-O Lime Flavor Sugar Free Gelatin, COOL WHIP FREE Whipped Topping and fresh lime juice and zest. These small changes result in a savings of 170 calories and 7.5 grams of fat per serving!

Special Extra

Garnish with thin lime wedges and/or additional lime zest.

Lemon Chiffon Pie

Prepare as directed, using JELL-O Lemon Flavor Sugar Free Gelatin, lemon zest and lemon juice.

Nutrition Information

Calories

140

Total fat

4.5 g

Saturated fat

2 g

Cholesterol

0 mg

Sodium

140 mg

Carbohydrate

22 g

Dietary fiber

0 g

Sugars

9 g

Protein

2 g

Vitamin A

0 %DV

Vitamin C

0 %DV

Calcium

0 %DV

Iron

2 %DV

Healthy Living Information

Generally Nutritious

Diet Exchange

1-1/2 Starch + 1 Fat

Nutrition Bonus

This melt-in-your-mouth chiffon pie can fit into your healthful meal plan! Carb Choices: 1-1/2

This is a Kraft Foods recipe and I thought you might enjoy it!

Making the Best Choice at the Grocery Store

Meal planning is a chore. When you have special dietary requirements it is even more of a chore. Making the best choice can make a difference to your diabetes health and cuts down on your overall carbohydrate and sugar intake. Stop bad choices at the grocery store and you will be ahead of the game in planning your dietary health. Here are some images that will make yourfood choices easier.

Choose the light version rather than the no sugar added. There is about 2/3 less sugar in the light version Ocean Spray Cranberry juice.










Choose the light version of yogurt rather than original. The strawberry banana has half the sugar that is in the original 27/14. Amazing difference!









If you like flavors such as cinnamon with your waffles add it yourself to the syrup or directly on the waffles. You will not have the added sugar.






















Barbecue sauce is a big problem and if you choose original versions you will get too much sugar. Choose the light version.





Take the time to compare products when you shop. A little planning at the grocery store will make the difference in your meal planning. You will avoid the confusion that goes alone with meal planning for the special diet.


If you have any special requests please let me know I will find out as much as I can for you.

Tips and Tidbits for Healthy Diabetes Living

Fruit...The Original Fast Food!



Before the days of MacDonald's and Jack-in-the-Box fruit was the favorite snack food. It was easily accessible and available whenever you needed a snack.

Dieticians recommend fruit as a healthy choice for a diabetic diet. In fact, a healthy target should be about 3-4 servings daily. The question becomes...what is a healthy portion?

Serving sizes:

• Tennis ball sized apple, orange, peach
• 16 grapes
• 1/2 large banana
• 1 cup fruit pieces
• 1 cup berries
• 1 cup melon
• 1/2 mango
• 1/2 cup juice

Tips For Daily Living

Don't smoke
Maintain Healthy weight and Blood Pressure
Monitor Blood Glucose

4 Times Year

• A1C
• Foot Exam

2 Times a Year

• Dental Cleanings

1 Time a Year

• Cholesterol, HDL/LDL, Microalbumin
• Dilated Eye Exam
• Flu shot

Diabetes and Sugar

A very common belief is that diabetics should not eat sugar. This was true in the past before clinical research revealed that sugar does not impact the body any more than other food. This is a big change from previously held beliefs.

Current information offers a new perspective on eating healthy. Included in a balanced diet sugar is a good food choice when offered in appropriate serving sizes. As always on any healthy eating plan PORTION CONTROL is necessary to keep a good food balance.

Jeannette Jordan, M.S., R.D., CDE, is the American Dietetic Association's national spokesperson for African-American nutrition issues and oversees nutrition education at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Smoky Catfish

1 pound catfish fillets
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
1 clove garlic, finely shopped

Spray rectangular baking dish, 11 x 7 x 1 1/2 inches, with nonstick cooking spray. If fish fillets are large cut into 4 serving pieces. Arrange fish in baking dish. Mix remaining ingredients; brush over fish. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes, brushing twice. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.

4 servings

1 serving
Calories 110
Protein 19
Carbohydrate 1
Fat 3
Cholesterol 35
Sodium 360

Hope you enjoy this recipe. The image is an example of what I think this recipe should look like. You could use a different fish such as trout or flounder if you do not eat catfish.

Blessings!

Healthcare Lady

Review Your Health Habits

Make Healthy Habits

It is just as easy to make healthy habits as to make bad habits. It is better to start forming habits in childhood, but it is never too late to change. As a diabetic it is important to understand what foods and habits work against you and list them so you have a working plan.

Do not try to change everything at one time. This is overwhelming and will set you up for failure. Every week make a goal and stick to it. One such goal might be to drink 5 bottles of water or the equivalent every day. If you find that you cannot drink five bottles of water pull back to 4. Learn to negotiate your way through your food and drink until you discover what works for you and your lifestyle.

Fruits and vegetables are a part of a healthy lifestyle. Do not give up fruit because it causes your glucose levels to spike. Rather have a smaller portion. This is part of the balancing act you must do to keep your levels on track. If you want to have an orange for a snack have half now and half later. This works, is healthy, and will satisfy your needs as well. You can make healthy changes if you try.

EVERYTHING I EAT TODAY AFFECTS MY HEALTH TODAY!

Healthcare Lady

Image Credits
Creative Commons Google Images

Healthy Sweets For the Diabetic

I found a healthy dessert recipe I thought you might enjoy.

Strawberry Pie with Meringue Crust

Ingredients

2 egg whites
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 cup sugar
1 package (1.1 oz) sugar-free vanilla instant pudding and pie filling
1 cup skim milk
1 cup frozen (thawed) whipped topping
1 pint strawberries, sliced

Heat oven to 275 degrees. Spray pie plate 9 x 1 1/4 inches with nonstick cooking spray. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in medium bowl until foamy. Beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until stiff and glossy. Do not underbeat. Spread mixture evenly on bottom and halfway up side of pie plate. Bake 40 minutes. Turn off oven; leave meringue in oven with door closed 1 hour. Finish cooling meringue at room temperature.

Beat pudding and pie filling (dry) and milk about 45 seconds. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Layer half of the pudding mixture and half of the strawberries in crust; repeat. Cover loosely and refrigerate at least 1 hour but no longer than 8 hours or until firm. Run knife around edge to loosen crust. Refrigerate any remaining pie. Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition Information
1 serving
Calories 65
Protein g 2
Carbohydrate 14
Fat g 0
Cholesterol mg 0
Sodium mg 210
Potassium mg 130

This is a vintage recipe found in an old Betty Crocker UNDER 300 calories cook book I bought off the counter in 1991

Eat Healthy/Stay Healthy
Betty Crocker Creative Recipes No. 53 February 1991

Exercise, Diet, and Counting Carbs

Understanding Your Diabetes

Today we are going to revisit some of the topics we recently covered in my previous posts. Whether you are a type I or type II diabetic these things must become part of your life.
Memorize this motto and do not forget it:

EVERYTHING I EAT TODAY AFFECTS MY HEALTH TODAY!

Most of us love to eat. Food is part of our social structure and every day life. Dinner engagements, eating out with friends, hotdogs at the ball park, pizza; every where you turn there are enticing and tempting fast foods that beckon you to your doom.

You need to get a firm grasp in your mind that every bite of food you eat either benefits your health or destroys your health. We like to think of food as one part of our social activity. It is NOT! If you are diabetic you must learn to think of food as part of your over all plan to take care of your body. That does not mean that you must give up your enjoyment of food. It means that you must have a plan that covers every eventuality. You must also realize that even one slip up makes a difference! I am trying to make you face the fact that your life has changed and you must make changes that will keep you healthy. Do it now!

1. Portion control
2. Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. You should drink more water according to your weight.
   
3. Learn to count your carbohydrates.
   
4. Exercise is a factor in your diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle will only make things worse.
   
5. You need to take control of your life now!
6. Refined flour, refined sugar, and processed high fat foods are your enemy! This means you should especially not eat foods fried and battered, pastries such as donuts that have been fried, or anything at all that has been fried in any type of oil!
7. Eat 5-6 small meals and snacks every day. Your goal is to keep your glucose levels within a range of 120-180 per day. This is a normal glucose range after meals. Ideally your glucose should be below 100 fasting. However, if your levels are higher at present you should follow the guidelines given you by your physician. No matter what range your glucose levels fall into your goal is to avoid the spikes and lows. You do this by eating snacks with 15-20 carbs and meals with 45-65 carbs. It is difficult to give a generic number because if you need to lose weight your calorie and carb levels will be different from a person who is on a maintenance diet.
8. Get a glucose meter and use it regularly. If your doctor has not put you on a schedule, you should start by checking your levels before you eat and 1 hour and two hours after you eat. Keep a food journal along with these metered glucose measurements for several days to find out which foods make the most impact on your glucose levels.

Using a food journal in combination with the glucose level journal is the best way to find our what you body is telling you. It is also very revealing as to which foods and the amount of foods are to be avoided. Most likely you will find that you do not have to give up any foods other than the previously mentioned foods in the list. There are many food choices and you may discover them all.

Tips:

1. If you cannot resist eating pie, then eat the filling and leave the crust. This will reduce the calories as well as the carbs.
2. If you must have rice or potatoes keep the portion to 1/4 cup
3. Use whole grain rice or pasta.
4. Use Splenda for baking when possible.
   

How to Understand Your Diabetes
How to Make Quick and Healthy Chicken Main Dish Entrees
How to Manage Your Diabetes Every Day
Healthcare Lady

Image Credit
Creative Commons Google Images

Biscuit Recipe

Buttermilk Biscuits
Exchanges: 1 starch; 1 Fat

This recipe came from the Diabetic Cookbook.





Serving Size 1 biscuit
Carbohydrate: 15 gm
Protein: 2 gm
Fat: 6 gm
Calories: 125
Fiber: 1 gm
Sodium: 129 mg
Cholesterol: 1 mg



INGREDIENTS
1 package dry yeast
2 T warm water (105-115 degrees)
2 cups nonfat buttermilk
5 cups all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Sugar Substitute to equal 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup vegetable shortening

STEPS IN PREPARATION
1. Combine yeast and warm water; let stand five minutes or until bubbly
2. Add buttermilk to yeast mixture, and set aside
3. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients in bowl; cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal.
4. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened.
5. Turn dough out on a floured surface, and knead lightly 3 or 4 times. Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness;cut into 36 rounds with a 2-inch biscuit cutter, and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. May freeze in airtight bag.

Bake frozen biscuits at 400 degrees for five minutes. Preheat oven before putting biscuits in oven.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the bark of a tree within a family group of trees. True cinnamon originates in Sri Lanka but another variety of cinnamon called cassia is widely available in China where it has been used in Chinese medicine for several thousand years. Other species of cinnaman come mainly from Asia and Madagascar.

Studies have shown that cinnamon may have the benefit of lowering cholesterol as well as assisting in blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. While there may be no benefit for type 1 diabetes, cinnamon is still valuable in lowering LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides.

HOW MUCH CINNAMON IS ENOUGH?

Traditional amounts of cinnamon used in cooking are considered safe. Up to 1/2 teaspoon used at one time is also considered safe. Cinnamon is commonly used in baked goods and this is the use with which most Americans are familiar.
However, you can sprinkle cinnamon on low-carb toast, put it in your coffee, or top yogurt, cottage cheese, or ricotta with it. Follow these links to check out more low carb options with cinnamon.

• Cincinnati Chili
  
• Flax Meal Peanut Butter Cereal
  
• TVP “Oatmeal”
  
• Chelsie’s Cinnamon Flax Cranberry Muffins
  
• ”Doughnut” Muffins
  
• Apple Flax Muffins
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
  
• Five Minute Sweet Spiced Pecans
  
• Microwave Apple Almond Dessert
  
• Cranberry Walnut Cookies

Tomorrow I will include savory dishes that include cinnamon.

A Sample Meal Plan for Diabetes

A Sample Meal Plan for Diabetes

If you have diabetes you should follow a diabetes diet. Here’s a sample diabetic meal plan that is about 1,600 calories and 220 grams of carbohydrate. Remember to drink two 8-ounce glasses of water with each meal.

Breakfast

(360 calories, 52.5 grams carbohydrate)

1 slice toasted whole wheat bread with 1 teaspoon margarine
1/4 cup egg substitute or cottage cheese
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 small banana

Lunch

(535 calories, 75 grams carbohydrate)

1 cup vegetable soup with 4-6 crackers
1 turkey sandwich (2 slices whole wheat bread, 1 ounce turkey and 1 ounce low-fat cheese, 1 teaspoon mayonnaise)
1 small apple

Dinner

(635 calories, 65 grams carbohydrate)

4 ounces broiled chicken breast with basil and oregano sprinkled on top
2/3 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup cooked carrots
1 small whole grain dinner roll with 1 teaspoon margarine
Tossed salad with 2 tablespoons low-fat salad dressing
4 unsweetened canned apricot halves or 1 small slice of angel food cake

Snacks

(Each has 60 calories or 15 grams carbohydrate. Pick two per day.)

16 fat-free tortilla chips with salsa
1/2 cup artificially sweetened chocolate pudding
1 ounce string cheese plus one small piece of fruit
3 cups "lite" popcorn

Syndicated from WebMD

Reviewed by Certified Diabetes Educators in the Department of Patient Education and Health Information and by physicians in the Department of Endocrinology at The Cleveland Clinic.

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

While I am presenting this diabetic meal plan I am not exactly happy with it. There is a lot of discussion about the proper portion of rice or brown rice. If you have difficulty with starches you should NOT eat 2/3 cup of rice. A better choice would be NONE or 1/4 cup portion.

Any sample meal plan is merely a guideline for your eating habits. If your doctor has asked you not to eat 2 slices of bread at one time...that means no sandwiches. If wheat flour does not work well with your diabetes, do not eat it no matter what the authorities say! Or if you want to eat it make sure you count your carbs and keep well within guidelines (45-65 for meals; 15 for snacks).

Time your meals and snacks well. Let your body process your meal before getting that snack. If you are used to a desert after a meal...drink a glass of water, take a walk and wait at least an hour before getting the desert. It will make a difference.

EGGS

This meal plan offers egg substitute. Eggs are a low carb protein choice and can be a part of your diet. It is important to manage your cholesterol and try to keep it below 300 mg daily. However, only you can be the judge of your dietary needs. You may be able to use egg substitute in baking and lower cholesterol in that manner.

NOTE:

I will look for another sample meal plan that offers different choices. Still looking for healthy foods using Cinnamon.

I am not a doctor or registered dietician. This blog is for informational purposes and in no way is to take the place of your doctor's advice.

Type I Diabetes

EAT THESE FOODS IN SMALL PORTIONS!







Carbohydrates, Blood Glucose and Insulin

Carbohydrate foods have the greatest effect on blood glucose levels and it is the starchy foods - bread, cereals, potatoes, pasta, rice etc. - that you will need to pay most attention to you.

Carbohydrate foods are mostly broken down into glucose by digestive enzymes. The glucose is then absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream (usually 1 - 2 hours after eating) and this causes the blood glucose level to rise. Insulin is needed so that the body's cells can take this glucose from the bloodstream and either use it for energy or store it for later. People who do not have diabetes will produce just the right amount of insulin to cope with the rise in blood glucose that occurs after a meal. Insulin on demand allows the person without diabetes to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range, even after a meal rich in carbohydrates.

Getting The Balance Right

If you have Type 1 diabetes then your body no longer produces insulin; you have to inject it yourself. In order to keep the blood glucose level close to normal after eating, you need to inject just the right amount of insulin to deal with the food that you eat. It is also important that the injection is timed right, so that the insulin is arriving in the bloodstream at the same time that the glucose from the digested food is being absorbed from the gut.

If there is too little insulin (for the amount of glucose coming from the digested food) then the blood glucose level will rise too high (hyperglycaemia). If there is too much insulin (or not enough glucose coming from the digested food) then the blood glucose level will fall too low (hypoglycaemia).

So, your food intake needs to be closely matched by your insulin injections. This is why you will need to consider not only what you eat, but how much you eat, and when.
(From www.diabetes-insight.info)

This article retrieved from http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/diabetes-type-1-diet.html please click the link to read more. All contents copyright ? Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center
This article has been syndicated from Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center and is not used for personal gain but for information and help for Believers With Diabetes.

Carb Smart Foods for a Diabetic Diet

Healthy Snacks

Monounsaturated Fats...the healthy choice!



Examples of good and healthy snacks.

• Almonds (22) Cals 164 Fats 14.4 Carbs 5.6 Protein 6
  
• Peanut butter ( 1 T ) Cals 94.8 Fats 8.1 Carbs 3.1 Protein 4.0
  
• Macadamias(10-12) Cals 204 Fats 21.5 Carbs 3.9 Protein 2.2
  
• Avocado -Black (1/2) Cals 138 Fats 12.7 Carbs 7.4 Protein 1.7
  
• Canola oil (1T) Cals 124 Fats 14 Carbs 0 Protein 0
  
• Olive Oil (1T) Cals 119 Fats 13.5 Carbs 0 Protein 0

***************************************************************************************
This breakfast is for a person with no cholesterol problems or heart disease and does not need to lose weight. The key is to choose lower cholesterol foods later in the day. Be willing to compromise on your food choices. You may adjust the breakfast according to your food preference and the way your personal sugar (glucose) levels respond (check your levels before and after eating). Keep a journal.

Breakfast
1-2 eggs fried in iron skillet. 1 drop canola oil in iron skillet. Rub skillet with paper towel to spread oil over bottom of pan. Wipe away residue. Heat skillet and fry egg as normal.
1 slice bacon cut into two pieces. Your fool your brain into thinking it is more. Drain well and use paper towel to remove as much excess fat as possible.
1 slice wheat bread or other dark bread
Nutrition Information
1 Egg 77 cal, 5.3 fats, 0.6 carbs, 6.3 protein cholesterol 201
1 slice bacon 65 cals, 5.0 fats, 0.2 carbs, 4.4 protein
1 slice whole wheat bread (large slice) 79 cals, 1.1 fats, 13.2 Carbs, 4.1 Protein
Total
Cals 231 Fats 12.8 Carbs 13.8 Proteins 14.8

Optional
Gravy made with browned flower and no oil with 2% milk.

Flour ( 1/4 c. ) Cals 124 Fats 0.3 Carbs 23.8 Protein 3.2
Milk 2% (1 cup) Cals 122 Fats 4.8 Carbs 11.4 Protein 8.1
Total Cals 266 Fats 5.1 Carbs 45.2 Protein 11.3

Regular canned biscuits small
Check your can label for nutrition information. I could not find anything on the internet. I will get this information soon.
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Snack
1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter Cals. 94.8 Fats 8.1 Carbs 3.1 Protein 4.0
1/2 Banana Sm. (6- 6 7/8") Cals 45 Fats .15 Carbs 11.55 Protein 1.1

Total Snack Nutrition Cals 139.8 Fats 8.25 Carbs 14.65 Protein 5.1

Hope this is helpful. Tomorrow I will focus on Cinnamon in the diet and offer recipe and menu choices for adding Cinnamon to your over all meal plan.

What is Portion Control?

Managing your diabetes appropriately means that you have to make sure you eat your foods in the proper portions. One means of managing your portions is to divide your plate into four sections. Make an imaginary X over your plate and in each section place a serving from each food group (Protein, Grain, Vegetable, Fruit).

Generally a serving is as follows:
Protein: 3 ounce slice of meat , fish, or poultry. (This is about the size of a deck of cards)
Vegetable: 1/2 cup
Fruit: 1/2 cup
Grain: 1 ounce or 1 slice bread, 1 tortilla, 1 small dinner roll
Starches: 1/4 cup potatoes or rice

EVERYTHING I EAT TODAY AFFECTS MY HEALTH TODAY!

Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid

Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid


http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/foodpyramid.jsp

New Diabetes Blog

I realized today that there is a need in our church for good information about Diabetes. This is the first post in my new blog devoted strictly to information about Diabetes, that will include meal plans, foods to eat, and answer questions. I will be sending out regular updates to help us all get this disease under control and keep it that way.

Diabetes is a terrible disease, and I know that God is able and willing to heal us of this disease. However, the problem with diabetes is that it is directly impacted by the foods we eat. God can heal you today but the underlying cause of the problem will not go away if the diet is not controlled. There is no getting around that fact.

There are two types of diabetes:
Type I
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Your body may produce little or no insulin. Only your doctor can tell you this for sure.
Type II
Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are 57 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 23.6 million with diabetes.

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Basic rules to get started controlling your diet and your diabetes.
1. Drink at a minimum 64 ounces of water every day on top of any other liquids you may drink. The amount of water you should drink depends on your actual weight. I will find out this information and get it to you.
2. Exercise will help bring down high sugar levels in your blood. However, you should exercise AFTER EATING and not before.
3. PORTION CONTROL is the only way to balance the carbohydrate levels in your blood and keep them balanced. Learn the proper portion and eat 5-6 small meals instead of eating 3 meals per day. Three meals 45 gms carbs and three snacks 15 gms carbs.
4. Keep a diary of the foods that cause your blood glucose levels to spike or drop. You may discover that your pre-conceived ideas about what is bad for you is not really bad at all. Comparing your foods to your glucose levels will help you to find out what is going on in your body.
5. Try to balance your carbohydrate intake throughout the day. You do not have to give up eating your favorite foods, you merely have to limit the amount you eat at one time. Of course if you need to lose weight that will influence the food choices. However, if you do not need to lose weight you can take in more calories as long as you keep the carbs at the right level.

I will work on the new Diabetes blog and get it up and running asap. I believe that God has laid this on my heart to help all of us...including myself. Check out the links I have added below. It will not be easy to change our ways but with the help of the Lord we can do it! Remember:

EVERYTHING I EAT TODAY AFFECTS MY HEALTH TODAY!

Sandra Mireles
http://www.diabetes.org/
http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/