Beauty-Fashion-Style – Page 8

02/22/2017

Best Nail Polish for Diabetes #3

I know that coping with diabetes on a daily basis can not only be stressful but it can also be more time consuming especially in the morning. Sometimes you need a little ‘pick me up’ to get you through the day.

Self-pampering is a great way to reward yourself for being proactive about managing your diabetes and there’s no better way to treat yourself than by giving yourself a safe manicure!

I want to help you ‘Makeover Your Diabetes’ by sharing the best products in beauty/fashion, diabetes self-care and exercise to help you “GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS” with less stress this year!

For people with diabetes, it is vitally important that they learn to care for their nails. Your nails protect your fingers and toes from injury and trauma.

Did you know people with diabetes are prone to developing a fungal infection known as onychomycosis? This fungal infection accounts for approximately 50% of all nail infections.

To avoid infections go ‘natural’ and don’t use artificial nails. Artificial nails trap water under the nails and this moisture will promote fungus growth. The good news is there are still plenty of safe, fun and colorful ways to flex your attitude with natural nails!

“Our nails are an expression of who you are, you should have the ability to have nail art that accentuates your personality, says Jennifer Dye, a licensed nail technician at Studio 26 in Santa Cruz, CA.

If you wear nail polish, you might be applying more than glossy color to your fingertips.

A study led by Duke University and the public health advocacy organization Environmental Working Group suggests that we absorb at least one potentially hormone-disrupting chemical every time we get a polish. While the impact of this chemical on our health is still unclear, the fact that our body can absorb chemicals through nail polish is cause for concern.

The chemical in question is triphenyl phosphate, or TPP. Companies add it to nail polishes to make the product stick more strongly to the nail.

The good news is that there are plenty of nontoxic nail polishes to choose from!

A few years ago, the ‘three-free’ polishes (meaning formulas that contain no formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate) used to be the gold standard. But then companies began offering polishes that free of other potentially harmful ingredients, like formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene.

Here’s a breakdown of what the terms ‘five -, seven-, eight- and nine-free’ mean and clarification on what toxic ingredients they’re missing:

Five- free (Free of: Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.)

Seven-free (Free of: Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene.)

Eight-free (Free of: Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, and triphenyl phosphate)

Nine-free (Free of: Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and acetone.

Our pick for the best Nail Polish for Diabetes is Acquarella Nail Polish (shown in Hot Chocolate shade above). Acquarella is water-based and doesn’t contain: Formaldehyde, formaldehyde-like derivatives, toluene, ketones, petrochemical solvents, DBP, phthalates, polyurethane, polyurethane film-formers, parabens, camphor, mercury, lead, FD&C, coal tar, gluten, wheat by-products, aromatic hydrocarbons. Retails: $18.

Keep in mind, water-based nail polishes have some drawbacks beside their steep price tags. According to the Fig + Sage blog, “water-based (nail polishes) don’t perform like regular nail polish; meaning they chip, flake & disappear.”

Why go natural?

“Your natural nails are easier, and more cost effective to maintain on a regular basis than artificial nail enhancements. No regular fills needed,” says Jennifer. “By focusing on enhancing your natural nails you minimize your exposure to the abrasive or harsh chemicals necessary in artificial nail treatments.”

If you choose to stick with your current brand and/or buy a nail polish without at least five- free then make sure to avoid products that contain toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate. And don’t inhale! That strong, recognizable nail polish smell can be a sign of airborne toxic chemicals. Apply polish in a well-ventilated room.

Research provided by Allure magazine

Enjoy Diabetes Late Nite inspired by George Michael featuring our first-ever Valentine’s Day Party with guests Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’, ‘Rich In Love‘ fashion blogger Doris Hobbs, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie This podcast is part of Diabetes Podcast Week in support of the ‘Spare A Rose, Save A Child’ campaign. Please join us! #Dpodcastweek

02/14/201702/14/2017

Fall in love with your Diabetes Health for Valentine’s Day

This year one of our goals at Divabetic is to encourage our divas to embrace the holidays like Valentine’s Day without compromising their diabetes health.

Celebrate your health and take some time to enjoy your own wellbeing and happiness. Here are some ways you can love yourself this Valentine’s Day:

Love your exercise. Spending some time outdoors, at the gym, or on your yoga mat is a perfect way to give back to you. Exercise will help boost your mood, leaving you feeling happier and more relaxed. Regular exercise will also help prevent or manage a wide range of illnesses.

Love your health. Without health we can’t have happiness, which is why it is so important to take time to look after ourselves. This Valentine’s Day, think about your heart and work on ways to reduce unnecessary stress in your life.

What if, when you make your list of valentines, you include yourself this time? Showing yourself and your diabetes health some love could be your sweetest decision yet….

If we don’t take the time to honor and appreciate ourselves, how can we expect that others will?

With this inspiration, we hope that you feel the love from everyone around you, including yourself – maybe not just today, but year round! Happy Valentine’s day!

‘Love to Me’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks

can I return my love to me

with stems of flowers by the sea

or maybe with a beating heart

that says our paths must never part… READ MORE

Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN, 2015 AADE Diabetes Educator of the Year and author of “The CompleteDiabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Diabetes Life” offers this advice for Valentine’s Day:

1 – Start the day with some love. Toast up a piece of whole grain bread and prepare a bulls eye egg in a non stick pan with a bit of olive oil. Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut out the middle of the toast, and place the toast on top of the egg, so the heart shape is visible. It will bring a smile to your lovers face!

2 – Use an empty heart shaped box, and small pieces of colorful plastic wrap. Use sliced bananas, melon, and strawberries and drizzle a small amount of dark chocolate on these sweet fruits. Place the chocolate drizzled fruit in the wrap and fill the box. Homemade, delicious and thoughtful. If you choose to dip the fruit in hot dark chocolate, consider adding a few nuts for extra crunch and texture.

You may chalk it up to another Hallmark holiday, but there’s no denying that Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to put on a cute outfit and hit the town. Whether you’re going out on a romantic night on the town. Why not ‘Go Red!’ and raise awareness for heart disease in honor of Valentine’s Day?

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S.

Type 2 diabetes independently increases the risk of heart disease in pre-menopausal women and those in the first years of menopause, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Research Scientific Sessions 2013.

What does the color red say about you?

The red dress effect is a putative phenomenon in which people wearing red clothing, such as a red dress, are perceived to be more sexually appealing than they are when wearing other colors.

Research has shown that wearing red clothes can make women more attractive to men. But do women take advantage of this fact by wearing red when they want to attract a man’s attention?

“A woman’s closet can foster strong relations by serving as a reminder to ones nostalgic roots and past, communicating an authenticity of its own,” says Rich In Love Fashion Blogger, Spokesmodel, Author and fabulous Diabetes Advocate, Doris Hobbs. READ MORE

From style to Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’, who is living with type 2 diabetes, is determined to show the world how to manage diabetes and still eat decadently. “A diagnosis of diabetes doesn’t have to mean the end of great eating!”, says the Decadent Diabetic.The Decadent Diabetic’s advice for home cooks for Valentine’s Day:

Make it simple and ahead: It is Tuesday and you probably had to work and will need to work tomorrow.

1- Make as much as you can ahead of time. You don’t want to slave over a hot stove and fall asleep in your food

2 – Keep it light. A heavy meal may keep you from “getting lucky”

3 – Make sure it is something the one you love… loves. Nothing can put a damper on a romantic meal like the other person saying : “I don’t eat that.”

4 – Finish with Chocolate. It is Valentine’s day…do I need to say more?

Enjoy Loveable Lamb Recipe by the Decadent Diabetic

Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND author of “Sex and Diabetes” and “The Secrets of Living and Loving with Diabetes” offers this advice to couples for Valentine’s Day:

1 – Hug! Every day, hug your partner until you both feel relaxed. It’s a non-sexual hug that nurtures your emotional needs while it enriches your relationship. When you feel more connected, romantic moments get even better!

2 – Do one romantic thing for your loved one each day – send a loving text, call to say you miss them, place a romantic note in their sink, buy their favorite food, etc. Show that you are thinking of them. Very romantic!

It’s difficult to love yourself and your diabetes health if you’re constantly feeling deprived of the foods you love. The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris, who is living with type 2 diabetes, wants you to have your cake and eat it, too, without sacrificing your diabetes self-care.

Stacey has created recipes for making breads, cakes and other desserts diabetic-friendly by swapping out the sugar, blending the flour and cutting the milk carbohydrates.

Enjoy Mini Rose Heart Cookies Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris

Songs have been written about every topic imaginable, but the best ones — from swooning ’50s ballads to contemporary club bangers — have been penned about the ups and downs of being in love. One of our favorite pop stars is George Michael.

Few songwriters from the 1980’s were as capable of writing both heart-wrenching torch ballads speaking to the essential isolation at the core of the human condition, and sugary pop trifles where the only word you needed to understand was “jitterbug.” And the best of his songs usually fell somewhere in between, bold and bubbly declarations of independence and deliverance that still admitted how scared and unsure he was about all of it, a too-rare combination of pro prowess and outsider insecurity that seemed to make him more relatable the more popular he became.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by George Michael podcast. Enjoy our first-ever Valentine’s Day Party featuring Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’, ‘Rich In Love’ fashion blogger Doris Hobbs, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

Learning to accept yourself for who you are is the most important step to self-love. Stop comparing yourself to others and learn to embrace the person you are.

Finally, Valentine’s Day offers the perfect excuse to get educated about Heart Health. Your heart isn’t only your most critical muscle — it’s what keeps you alive, after all — but also one of the hardest working. It ticks 24-7 and except for the times when you’re relaxing or sleeping, it rarely gets a break. Below, find fascinating facts about your heart that might inspire you to give it a little more TLC every day.

Want to know how big your heart is? Make a fist. Heart size depends on the size of the person as well as the condition of their heart. Generally speaking, a healthy heart is about the size of the person’s fist.

During the average human lifespan, the heart beats over 2.5 billion times. The human heart beats approximately 100,000 times per day and 35 million times each year of life.

Every minute, your heart pumps about five quarts of blood through a system of blood vessels that’s over 60,000 miles long, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That translates to about 2,000 gallons of blood every day.

02/02/201702/02/2017

Makeover Your Diabetes with Eugenia B.

Divabetic (divabetic.org) knows that coping with diabetes on a daily
basis can not only be more stressful but it can also be more time
consuming in our hectic, fast paced world. We want to help you make
your diabetes life more manageable so we’re sharing products
recommendations from our Divabetic community members to help you
‘Makeover Your Diabetes’!

“I love my Mary Kay( MK) beauty and skincare products because they
help make my skin look and feel wonderful., says, Eugenia B. who is an
independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay living with type 1
diabetes.

Somehow Eugenia manages to juggle living diabetes and selling Mary Kay
on the side with a full-time job working as the Environmental
Contact/Quality Clerk for Haworth in Bruce, MS.

How does this fabulous ‘divabetic’ do it?

“I admit it takes me some additional time every morning to get ready
for work because I am insulin dependent. But with MK everything is so
easy! Mary Kay has ‘put together’ color cards that help you to ‘put
together’ looks. I just buy and experiment with colors for each MK
‘put together’ look,” she adds.

Although Eugenia’s only been on insulin therapy since 2014 (after a
bad drug interaction sent her to the hospital), she’ll actually
celebrate her twelfth year living with diabetes in April. For her,
adjusting from living with type 2 diabetes to type 1 hasn’t’ been that
easy. There are times when Eugenia feels like she’s having to learn
about diabetes all over again. And there are days when she just sits
and has a good cry. Thankfully Eugenia’s family has been there every
step of the way to help her wipe away tears and encourage her put on
her ‘big girl panties’ and forged ahead.

“Diabetes has taken a lot from me but it hasn’t taken away my strength
to endure,” adds Eugenia. “Every day is a new struggle, but still I
remain. I have put on about 45 pounds since going on insulin and that
has taken a toll on me. I am trying very hard to lose this weight and
reduce my A1C. At my last doctor visit. My A1C was down from 8.2 to
6.7! So that is great!,” says Eugenia.

We agree!

The A1C test that Eugenia mentions measures the glucose (blood sugar)
in your blood by assessing the amount of what’s called glycated
hemoglobin. “Hemoglobin is a protein within red blood cells. As
glucose enters the bloodstream, it binds to hemoglobin, or glycates.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that you have the A1C
test two times each year. This simple blood draw can be done in your
doctor’s office. A1C test results provide insight into how your
treatment plan is working or might be modified to better manage your
blood sugars.

Understanding your A1C levels is an important part of your overall
diabetes management. If you have any questions about your A1C levels
or what they mean, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.

“I also suffer from dry skin because of my diabetes and the MK skin
care systems are the best.I use the Satin Hand set. It is the best and works great for your feet as well. I also use the TimeWise Repair set which is perfect for all of us “older” gals.

It’s important to treat dry skin if you’re living with diabetes. Skin that’s too dry can crack, itch, and get infected. Basic skin care can go far toward helping you prevent problems later on. If you have questions or if a cut, scrape, or bruise worries you, talk to your doctor or dermatologist right away.

Don’t miss Diabetes Late Nite inspired by George Michael on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, 6-7 PM, EST. Enjoy our first-ever Valentine’s Day Party featuring Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’, ‘Rich In Love’ fashion blogger Doris Hobbs, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

February’s podcast is part of Diabetes Podcast Week in support of the “Spare A Rose, Save A Child” campaign. “Spare A Rose, Save A Child” encourages people to buy one less rose this Valentine’s Day and donate the value of that flower to children with diabetes. Donations go to Life for a Child, an International Diabetes Federation program which provides life-saving diabetes supplies, medication, and education that children in developing countries need to stay alive.

Learning to accept yourself for who you are is the most important step to self-love. Stop comparing yourself to others and learn to embrace the person you are.

01/21/2017

Best Mascara for Diabetes #5

I know that coping with diabetes on a daily basis can not only be more stressful but it can also be more time consuming especially in the morning. It’s not easy to juggle checking your blood sugars, taking meds and logging your numbers in between your shower, blow dry and makeup application while getting dressed. Plus, you need to squeeze in time to coordinate an outfit while mentally planning out your snacks and meals for the day.

I want to help you ‘Makeover Your Diabetes’ by sharing the best products in beauty/fashion, diabetes self-care and exercise to help you “GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS” with less stress this year!

Did you know that people with diabetes are more likely to get bacterial infections, including bacterial pink eye and/or eyelid styes?

Diabetes affects the autoimmune system, lowering one’s resistance to infection. Unfortunately, this infection has to run its course because antibiotics cannot help speed recovery.

Keeping your A1c (marker of blood sugar levels) as low as possible and practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes can help.

Another great way to avoid eye infections is to invest in hypoallergenic eye makeup. Put simply, a hypoallergenic formula is one that doesn’t include ingredients that are common allergens and is free from fragrance, making it a safe bet for women with diabetes. Most hypoallergenic mascaras will be marked as such on the tube, or bear the label ‘suitable for sensitive eyes.’ Simple. And luckily there are hypoallergenic mascaras out there for sensitive eyes, so you can get long, luscious lashes without the irritation.

Your best bets are natural PH balanced formulas with soothing ingredients, which will care for lashes while lengthening and won’t flake or clump. It’s also worth looking out for ‘tubing’ mascara formulas, which form ‘tubes’ around the lashes. It’s waterproof, but slides off the lashes easily, without any need for over-scrubbing (cutting down the risk of irritation).

One of our best mascara picks for diabetes is Clinique, High Impact Volume Mascara. Although all Clinique mascaras are hypoallergenic, this one is our top pic for women with diabetes. It does everything you need – lengthens, thickens and defines in one stroke. Retail: $20

It’s also worth noting that good make-up hygiene becomes imperative if you suffer from dry, sensitive eyes. Make sure you throw away old make-up (mascara should only be kept for three months maximum) and never try to re-use dried out mascara by adding water.

Pump some fun into your workout a boost!

Don’t miss our “Workout with A Wow” fashion show hosted by Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP on Sunday, January 22, 2017, 1- 4 PM at the Novotel in NYC.

“Getting into activewear can launch you into exercise mode because clothing primes the brain to expect the forthcoming activity”, says Karen J. Pine, professor of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire and author of Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion. Click here for “Workout with Wow” Fashion Show details.

Don’t miss Diabetes Late Nite inspired by George Michael on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, 6-7 PM, EST. We will be hosting our first-ever Valentine’s Day Party featuring Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’, ‘Rich In Love‘ fashion blogger Doris Hobbs, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie This podcast is part of Diabetes Podcast Week in support of the ‘Spare A Rose, Save A Child’ campaign. Please join us! #Dpodcastweek

01/18/201701/18/2017

See Our ‘Workout with A Wow’ Fashion Show on Sunday

Come share your resolution to MOVE & GROOVE more this Sunday, January 22, 2017,

The news gets even better: Your workout wardrobe can do more than just motivate you to move—it can also physically lead you to be more aware of your body, says Joshua Ian Davis, Ph.D., Director of Research at The NeuroLeadership Institute.

“Formfitting workout clothes make you feel like your muscles are stronger,” he says. “If clothes are comfortable, you’ll have a greater sense of fluency about your movement.”

That means what you wear to the gym can actually affect your performance. In one study found that when people wore a Superman t-shirt, they estimated themselves to be physically stronger than people who wore normal clothing, showing that we internalize characteristics associated with our attire.

According to the American Diabetes Association the affect physical activity has on your blood glucose will vary depending on how long you are active and many other factors. Physical activity can lower your blood glucose up to 24 hours or more after your work out by making your body more sensitive to insulin.

You should become familiar with how your blood glucose responds to exercise. Checking your blood glucose level frequently before and after exercise can help you see the benefits of activity. You also can use the results of your blood glucose checks to see how your body to reacts to different activities. Understanding these patterns can help you prevent your blood glucose from going too high or too low.

Join us at our ‘Workout with a Wow’ fashion brunch hosted by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP. We’ll be spotlighting NEON colors to lift your spirits, brighten up your workout wardrobe to get you up and out!

Divabetic ‘Workout with a Wow’ Fashion Show
Novotel in the Supernova Restaurant
226 West 52nd Street, 7th floor, New York, NY, 1-4 PM

‘Workout with a Wow’ Fashion Show 2:30-3:30 pm

Guests include:
Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek
Marcus Isaac – Owner and instructor at Dance Studio in Brooklyn
Momz in Da Hood – these hip hop glamorous grannies are inspirational

True Citrus hydration helpers
Blink Fitness memberships – affordable and accessible workout facilities
Workout wear giveaways

12/29/2016

The Perfect Bubbles, Buffet & Blouse for a Divabetic New Year’s Day Brunch

Sure, it can be difficult at times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you’re deprived of your favorite foods. Why not take the opportunity on New Year’s Day to change your mindset as well as someone else’s about what healthy tastes like?

For the past eleven years we’ve been promoting a ‘New Attitude’ about living with well diabetes to prevent a diabetes health-related complication at our live events, on our podcasts and Divabetic blog! Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.

We asked our favorite experts, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, ‘The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Arpel, Wine & Spirits Expert Samantha Shaken Baker and certified diabetes educators, Patrica Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, to share advice on how you can kick off the New Year in style without compromising your diabetes health.

Here are our suggestions for the Perfect Bubbles, Blouse & Buffet for a “Divabetic New Year’s Day Brunch”:

First up, our good friend, the Decadent Diabetic, Chef Ward Alper to share some of his fabulous recipes to help you create a fantastic New Year’s Day Brunch. Chef Ward Alper retired to Albuquerque after being a professional chef in Boston and New York City. He blogs as “The Decadent Diabetic: Taking Back My Life and Table,” thedecadentdiabetic.com. Chef Ward is “famous” for his fantastic and festive New Year’s day buffet brunches. Chef Ward says, “the trick to entertaining with or without diabetes is to keep the food interesting and small enough for the guests not to have to fuss with balancing a drink and the food.”

Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or have been invited to one, don’t let Diabetes get in your way. It is too easy to create something over the top delicious and low in carbohydrates, NOT just for you but for ALL your guests to savor.

If you are hosting a holiday party and Diabetes is a consideration, there are a few things to consider (beyond “Am I nuts?”)

1-Cocktails or Mocktails?

Every person with Diabetes is different in respect to alcohol. Some of us have no problem with it lowering our blood sugars, others get too low, too fast.

I suggest having both. Just make it look festive. Even sparkling water (rather than higher sodium club soda) can look really festive with a slice of lime or pineapple balanced on the top. Try diet cranberry juice blend spritzers with a slice of fruit or a spritzer of TROP 50 spritzer garnished with pineapple. You might be surprised with people saying: “I’ll have what he is having.”

2–Think dishes you can do ahead

Nothing spoils a party than having to cram hours of work in just before your guests arrive. Plan on using the same ingredients in a couple of different ways. Make the stuffings for tomatoes or mushrooms a day ahead

3-Take Ina Garten’s advice and make some, buy some.

Your invitees might be thinking: “Oh dear, Debbie has Diabetes. We will be eating rabbit food all night.” Surprise them with a platter of chunks of oven roasted turkey from the deli and jumbo olives stuffed with almonds. Do a platter of smoked salmon with a flavored whipped cream cheese. Serve these with simple homemade crackers made from low carbohydrate tortillas or Joseph’s lavash, brushed with garlic and olive oil and your favorite herb.

4- Keep it at room temperature

Why worry if Maxine is going to lose her balance in her Jimmy Cho shoes and knock over the sterno burner. Enjoy your guests and your party instead of guarding the chafing dishes.

5-How much should I make?

Depending on how many items you have on your buffet table, consider having 9-11 pieces per person, 2-4 hours event, 13-16 pieces per person; 4+ hour event, dinner replacement.

And as always this season, ENJOY, be happy, be healthy and above all…BE DECADENT.

The MENU

Our “Divabetic New Year’s Day Brunch” starts with a sharp as a tack cocktail sauce with fresh vegetables

Homemade Cocktail Sauce by The Decadent Diabetic

Makes 1 ½ cup- serves 8

carbohydrates 2 grams per Tablespoon

Chef’s notes: Most cocktail sauces for seafood are made with ketchup or chili sauce. While delicious, they have 5 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon. This Homemade recipe is far lower with ONLY 2 grams per tablespoon. Tomato is the carbohydrate culprit here.

What you are doing with this recipe is basically making your own homemade ketchup.

6 oz. (approx. 2/3 cup) tomato paste

2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 Tablespoons sweetener of choice, or to taste

salt and pepper to tatse and your doctor’s recommendation

½ teaspoons garlic powder

¾ teaspoons onion powder

½ cup water

3- 4 tsp. prepared horse radish

How to prepare the recipe:

Place all ingredients in a bowl. Stir to blend completely.

Pistachio coated Feta and Cream Cheese Balls by The Decadent Diabetic

Makes 16 Balls

Net Carbohydrates 2 per ball

4 – ounces , shelled pistachio nuts

2- 8 0unce packages cream cheese

6- ounces Feta cheese

2- tsp. dry basil

1 -Tsp. dry oregano

1 -Tbsp. fresh parsley chopped

Note: While I usually like to use fresh herbs, this recipe gets too wet and it is hard to shape the balls and have them hold together.

I suspect that this recipe can also be made with goat cheese but my friend Peter ruined goat cheese for me by suggesting it” tasted like you were licking a goat”.

How I prepare this Recipe.

Bring cheeses to room temperature

Very simple: Chop the pistachios into very small bits and place on a dish. Combine all of the remaining ingredients. Refrigerate until firm. Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the cheese out and form into a ball. Roll the balls in the chopped pistachio nuts and chill until firm again. Serve with Lavash or tortilla chips.

Cucumber and Radish Crunches by The Decadent Diabetic

Serving size 6 pieces

Net Carbohydrates 5g.

Chef’s Note: The first time I entertained guests after my diagnosis, I went into a panic about what to make as an Hors d’ oeuvre. I came up with this very simple little bite that is so good that I never hesitate to serve it. It is a flash to prepare. I use the remaining cheese to spread on a low carbohydrate lavash or tortilla. Just roll it up and slice it to make pinwheels.

1 7-8 inch long cucumber, peeled and sliced into ½ inch thick pieces

1 8 ounce pkg.. cream cheese

1-2 Tbsp. minced shallot (or onion or scallion)

1 stalk of celery minced

5-6 radishes minced + 1-2 sliced thinly

1- Tbsp. fresh parsley, minced

Salt and pepper to taste.

How I prepare this Recipe:

Soften the cream cheese to room temperature

Mince the onion, celery radish, and parsley together and add to the softened cream cheese.

Spoon ½ tsp. of the mixture on each cucumber slice and top with ½ of a radish slice. Refrigerate until set.

Use remaining mixture on a sheet of lavash or on lavash chips or save for use on your morning toast.

There are as many variations on the filling as you have an imagination to create. Curry comes to mind as does spinach.

Divabetic Tip: Being active is your secret holiday weapon; it can help make up for eating more than usual and reduce stress during this most stressful time of year. Get moving with friends and family, such as taking a walk after a holiday meal or buffet.

Tortilla/ Lavash Baskets filled with Shrimp by The Decadent Diabetic

Makes 16 cups < 0g carbohydrate per cup

1 _ sheet JOSEPH’S lavash or low carbohydrate tortillas

2 – Tbsp. olive oil

1 – tsp. dry dill weed

1 – tsp. dry parsley flakes

½ – tsp. garlic powder

HOW I PREPARE THE RECIPE:

Pre heat oven to 375°F

Combine olive oil and spices. Brush the lavash. Pat off any excess oil from the lavash. Cut the lavash into 16 equal pieces (8 for a tortilla).

Push the pieces into a mini cupcake tin that has been sprayed with Pam.

Bake (WATCHING CAREFULLY) at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until the cups are LIGHTLY browned.

Invert cups onto a paper towel and let cool completely.

When completely cool, you can fill with recipe below, meatballs, salsa, or just use your imagination.

Roasted Shrimp with Cucumber and Dill Dressing by The Decadent Diabetic

Fills 16 cups < 0g carbohydrate per cup

2 – Tbsp. Mayonnaise

1- tsp. fresh lemon juice

zest from ½ lemon

¼ -tsp. Dijon mustard

1 – tsp. FRESH dill weed

¼ – tsp. ground black pepper

4 – ounces (after roasting) roasted shrimp

1 – medium cucumber

HOW I PREPARE THE RECIPE:

1-ROASTING SHRIMP:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Combine raw, peeled, shrimp, 1 clove grated garlic, 1- Tsp. chopped parsley, and 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Place in one layer on a baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes at 400. Let cool before adding to the rest of the recipe.

2-SAUCE:

Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, mustard, dill, and black pepper.

3-TO ASSEMBLE:

Peel cucumber. Using a teaspoon, remove any seeds. Chop cucumber into VERY small dice.

Cut shrimp into small pieces (just slightly larger than cucumber dice. Reserve any liquid in the baking sheet.

Combine Sauce, shrimp, and cucumber. Mix well and spoon into lavash cups.

No Cook Mediterranean Cheese Pate by The Decadent Diabetic

Serves 8

Net Carbohydrates 2g per serving

Chef’s Note: Don’t let the title fool you, this is a snap to make.

If you want it to look more Christmas –y, you can certainly use green olives

I suspect that this recipe can also be made with goat cheese but my friend Peter ruined goat cheese for me by suggesting it “tasted like you were licking a goat”.

3 TBSP. Chopped Sundried Tomatoes (about 6-8 pieces)

1 TBSP. olive oil

1- 8 0unce packages cream cheese

3- ounces Feta cheese

2- tsp. dry basil

1 -Tsp. dry oregano

1 -TBSP. fresh parsley chopped

½ cup pitted olives, cut in half

How I prepare this Recipe.

Combine olive oil and chopped sun dried tomatoes and set aside.

Bring cheeses to room temperature.

Using an electric beater, combine cheeses and spices. Stir in ½ of the sun dried tomatoes.

Line a 5-6 inch flat bottomed bowl (a ramekin works perfectly) with waxed paper or parchment paper.

Arrange the cut olives in a circular pattern over the bottom of the dish, rounded side down. Spoon the cheese mixture into the bowl and press down lightly to make good contact with the olives. Refrigerate at least 2 hours but over- night works as well Run a knife around the edge of the cheese and invert onto a dish. Place remaining chopped tomatoes in the center.

Plaque Assemble´e (Put it together platter) by The Decadent Diabetic

Don’t make it, assemble it. Go to the best deli/appetizer store and get meats or smoked fish or little bites like grape leaves and put it together piece by piece, bit by bit. Make it a centerpiece of beautiful food.

Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Crab Salad by The Decadent Diabetic

Makes 24 servings

Net Carbohydrates 2 per tomato half

Chef’s Notes: I like to do these with cocktail tomatoes. They are somewhere in size between a cherry tomato and a small tomato. If you use cherry tomatoes you will make about 36 servings.

The tomato is the thing. If crab is not in your budget, or you are allergic to shellfish, or simply don’t like crab, you can fill these with herbed or curried cheese or chicken or tuna salad and make “little” tomato surprises.

Tip: If you happen to have one of those old fashioned grapefruit spoons, it makes this a breeze. If not a sharp pointed paring knife works fine.

12 cocktail tomatoes

18 cherry tomatoes

8 oz. cream cheese

8 oz. crab meat

1 tsp. drained capers

1 small shallot, minced (you can use 3 scallions instead)

Salt and pepper to taste

4 dashes of Tabasco sauce (more if you like it hotter)

HOW TO PREPARE THE RECIPE:

Cut the tomatoes in half and scoop out the insides.

Combine the remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly.

Using either a star tipped pastry bag or a spoon, fill each tomato half. Chill so the mixture sets and the flavors meld.

Remove from the refrigerator about an hour before serving and stand back. The will disappear so fast you won’t believe your eyes.

Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN and 2015 AADE Diabetes Educator of the Year is an award-winning Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and published author. Susan offers this advice to all our ‘Divabetics’ who enjoy a buffet: Want to indulge in a few of your favorite hor d’oeuvres? Here’s a great strategy to help you stay within you calorie and carb budget: Select a few hor d’oeuvres and place them on a napkin or small plate. Stand or sit “away” from the bowl or appetizer table. Mindfully savor the flavor of your tasty appetizer while avoiding eating large quantities of these foods. Sit away from the hor d’oeuvres table and enjoy the celebration with friends and family.

Stuffed Mushrooms by The Decadent Diabetic

Net carbohydrates 3. per mushroom cap

This recipe calls for a spinach stuffing. I also use a well seasoned ground turkey (or turkey sausage) stuffing.

12 –mushroom caps (Button is fine but Baby Bella or crimini is better)

1 – pkg. chopped spinach (squeezed dry)

2 TBSP. lemon juice

¼ tsp. dry oregano or basil (or both if you like)

1 – large onion, sliced

2 tbsp. olive oil

¼ cup dried bread crumbs, divided (try panko)

¼ cup parmesan cheese, divided

salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley to taste ( using 1/2 for the caps, 1/2 for the spinach)

HOW TO PREPARE THE RECIPE:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Clean the mushroom caps and remove stems. Lightly salt and pepper the inside of the caps.

Sauté the sliced onion in the oil and combine with the squeezed spinach, lemon juice and half of the bread crumbs and half of the parmesan cheese, salt pepper and garlic and divide evenly among the mushroom caps. Top with remaining

bread crumbs and parmesan cheese Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.

Chocolate Silk Tart by The Decadent Diabetic

. 8 servings

Net carbohydrates 11g.

Chef’s note: Guests ALWAYS REMEMBER DESERT. Knock their sox off with this dark chocolate confection. As a regular desert this recipe serves 8 people with people sized slices. For a party buffet, I suggest slicing it into 12-16 smaller slices.

Crust:

Spray for the pan

(9-10 inch removable bottom fluted tart pan)

2/3. Cup flour

½ cup toasted nuts (either Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans)

¼ c. GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE

1 pinch salt

¼ tsp cinnamon

1/8 Tsp. ground ginger

½ tsp. baking powder

4 tbsp. butter 1 large egg

FILLING:

1 pkg. cream cheese

2/3 cup GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE

3 TBSP. coffee

2 TBP. Sour cream or heavy cream

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

4 TBSP. Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder

3 large eggs

HOW I PREPARE THE RECIPE:

In a food processor with a steel blade pulse all of the dry ingredients until very well combined and the nuts disappear into the mixture. Add cold butter and pulse until butter is well distributed in the flour mixture. Add the egg and pulse until mixture forms a ball on the blade. Remove the dough pat into a disc about 5-6’’. Wrap disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least ½ hour but overnight will also work.

Roll out the crust on flowered surface to about a 14 in circle. Using your fingers fit sections of the crust into tart pan. This dough is fragile and will break. Not to worry just piece it together with your fingers. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before filling.

Beat cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor or electric mixer until smooth. Add GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE and beat until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add the coffee, vanilla, and Sour cream. Beat until well mixed. Add the cocoa powder and mix well. Allow to sit for 20 minutes so some of the air from the beating is released (this will help keep the filling from cracking).

Pour into the crust and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Divabetic Tip: Get Organized in 2017! From ideas on how to best store, plan for, and label things, every chapter is a treasure chest to help your blood sugars through lessened stress and better diabetes management get the advice you need in The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Diabetes Life by Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN and Leslie Josel.

Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller thinks divas of all types and sizes can steal the spotlight at a New Year’s Day Brunch without breaking the bank Catherine is one of the plus size industry’s pioneers, Former Ford model, consumer advocate image consultant, author, and the creator of ‘Runway the Real Way’ fashion brunches in New York City.

Catherine’s pick for the perfect blouse for a “Divabetic New Year’s Day Brunch” is a chiffon bow tie blouse. The sheer sleeves are perfect for someone who might feel self-conscious about their upper arms. And the bow tie adds a touch of feminine ‘pizazz’ to daytime dressing. You can pair this blouse under a blazer or cardigan sweater with a tailored skirt or trousers and still look like you’re ready to walk the Red Carpet.

Divabetic Tip: If your eyes love stilettos but your feet don’t like wearing them then make sure to stash a pair of comfortable flats in your bag before heading out the door. According to DiabeTV.com wearing high heels can have a great toll on any woman’s feet regardless of if she is a divabetic or not. So the question is… can women with diabetes safely wear high heels? Since foot complications are very common in people with diabetes it is often stated that high heels are not recommended at all; however, there are a few exceptions to this rule. You’ll be surprised at how many stylish choices are available in flats today. After you make your grand entrance in high heels, you can quickly switch into your comfy shoes without missing a beat and stay on track with your diabetes self-care management.

Since bubbles make a New Year’s Day celebration sparkle we asked Samantha Shanken Baker, who helps presents memorable food and wine events like the Annual Harlem Eat Up!, for her recommendation. Samantha suggests you serve IRON HORSE Russian Cuvée Green Valley of Russian River Valley 2011 (retails for $45). This champagne’s brioche, baked apple and floral raspberry aromas lead to focused, rich flavors that linger with notes of cinnamon, orange zest and mineral.

Divabetic Tip: Aim to stay on top of your blood sugar. Check it more often during the holidays, and if you take medicine, ask your doctor if the amount needs to be adjusted.

My pick for a soundtrack for a “Divabetic New Year’s Day Brunch” is Maxwell’s fifth studio album, blackSUMMERSnight featuring the song, ‘Lake By The Ocean.’ Maxwell’s first offering in seven years forms the second installment of a trilogy of albums that are titled identically but for the position of the capital letters. The Grammy-winning soul man is a subeditor’s nightmare, but confusion seems a small price to pay for such a classy comeback collection of anguished R&B.

Pitchfork says, “the cool, shimmering blackSUMMERS’night is probably Maxwell’s most cohesive effort since Embrya.”

Divabetic Tip: Don’t skip meals to save up for a feast. It will be harder to keep your blood sugar in control, and you’ll be really hungry and more likely to overeat.

12/25/2016

The Perfect Cookies, Cuticles & Coverage for a Divabetic Christmas Day Celebration

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This holiday season Divabetic is championing a ‘sparkle not just survive’ attitude about living with diabetes.

We know for many newly diagnosed people that managing diabetes can feel complicated and overwhelming during the holiday season. The secret is to discover the little changes that make things just work for your diabetes self-care management.

Are you frustrated trying to figure out how not to feel deprived during the holidays?

We assembled an all-star team of beauty/fashion experts, diabetes educators and chefs to help empower you to enjoy a “Divabetic Christmas Day Celebration” on your terms.

Our chic “Divabetic Christmas Day Celebration” starts with licensed nail technician Jennifer Dye‘s perfect Christmas-themed cuticles. Jennifer says, “your nails are an expression of who you are, so make them count!”She focuses on enhancing your natural nails you minimize your exposure to the abrasive or harsh chemicals necessary in artificial nail treatments.

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Jennifer enjoys showing people how to care for their nails in the best way possible, and emphasizing your own natural nail beauty. She used all Essie Nail Polish shades to create this festive look. Essie is the ultimate color authority offering a line of superior nail polishes. The fashion-forward shades with an exclusive award winning formula are always classic, chic and elegant. Essie polish provides flawless coverage along with outstanding durability, a chip-resistant formula and whimsical names in the most up-to-the-minute colors. All Essie nail polishes are DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde free.

Divabetic Tip: Eat slowly, and really enjoy the foods that you may only have once a year. If the meal will be served near your usual meal time, try to eat the same amount of carbohydrate that you normally would for a meal. If you plan to have a portion of dessert, cut back on another carbohydrate food during the main course.

Next up, is the perfect cookie for a “Divabetic Christmas Day Celebration”!

Type 2 diabetes doesn’t stop The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris from celebrating the holidays. Stacey says, “those of us with special dietary restrictions can still treat ourselves to the bounty of the fall and winter holidays. We just need to be a bit more mindful of our preparation and consumption.”

From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, this pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be! Her flavor combinations and attention to detail make Stacey’s treats so craveable, while her soft voice and gentle smile make this pastry chef just so lovable reports Diabetic Living magazine.

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Oatmeal Cookies by the Diabetic Pastry Chef Stacey Harris

Ingredients

1 cup raisins

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 eggs, well beaten

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

2/3 cup white whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp baking soda

2 cups oats

¾ cup pecans, chopped

1 cup butter or canola butter

2 cups Whey Low D Granular, sifted

1 tbsp. molasses

Directions:

Combine and let stand the raisins, vanilla and eggs.

In separate bowl, sift together the flours, salt, cinnamon and baking soda. Add the oats and pecans.

In mixer bowl, cream together the Whey Low, butter and molasses. Alternately add the egg mixture and the flour mixture to the butter mixture, and beat until incorporated. Drop by tablespoons onto greased baking sheets and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Yield: 22 cookies. Glaze with powdered sugar glaze and pecan halves if desired.

The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris’s recipes are featured in this year’s Diabetes Mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” .

Divabetic Tip: Follow the simple ‘Rule of 15’ to properly treat a low blood sugars. Eat 15 grams of carbohydrate and wait 15 minutes, repeat if necessary. The following foods will provide about 15 grams of carbohydrate: 3 glucose tablets.

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Divabetic Image & Style advisor, Catherine Schuller’s motto is to “get up, dress up, show up and never give up!” Her “Divabetic Christmas Day Celebration” fashion choice for women concerned about their bare upper arms is Sleevey Wonder’s Bandeau 1/2 Sleeve White Jersey Sleevey Wonders – Plus Size (retail $51). Sleevey Wonders’ reversible slip-on sleeves are made to wear under all your sleeveless strapless tops and dresses, magically transforming your outfits into something new! Sleevey Wonders offers under sleeves in a variety of different styles to pair perfectly with any top or dress. From long sleeved mesh, to 3/4 sleeve jersey, you can find a style to perfectly match your fashionable choices.

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Why not dress up your diabetes self-care? The Clearance Prestige Medical Compact Carrying Case is only $5.00 and makes the perfect Divabetic fashion statement. 6″ x 9″ nylon carrying case is a colorful, inexpensive way to store and safely transport your sphygmomanometer. Features include a hook and loop closure side pocket, nylon carrying strap, water resistant lining. Many colors and prints to choose from with themes including Pink Ribbon, florals, paisleys and Betty Boop.

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My pick for the perfect soundtrack for a “Divabetic Christmas Day Celebration” is Leona Lewis’s “Christmas, with Love” album. I’ve been playing all month long and I can’t get enough! “Christmas, with Love” offers seasonal classics and 3 brand new original holiday songs including ‘One More Sleep’ and ‘Mr. Right’. Packed full of fun and festivity interpreted by the multi-platinum singer and songwriter Leona Lewis. She took the music world by storm with her 2008 debut album Spirit, which featured the best-selling #1 “Bleeding Love” and was nominated for three Grammy Awards. Leona has sold over 20 million albums and singles combined worldwide.

Divabetic Tip: Soluble fiber (the kind found in oatmeal, beans, and apples, among other foods) helps to slow your body’s breakdown of carbohydrates and the absorption of sugar, helping with blood sugar control. Insoluble fiber, found in foods like dark green leafy vegetables, green beans, celery, and carrots, does not dissolve at all and helps add bulk to your stool.

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Finally, what’s Christmas without a fabulous special offer?PEAK 10 SKIN® founder, Connie Elder offers discounts to our Divabetic community on her skincare line.Simply use coupon code: friendsandfamily (no spaces, lowercase) at CHECKOUT to receive 30% off. www.PEAK10SKIN.com

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Connie says, “winter skincare is so important, especially to people with diabetes. Healthy, hydrated skin is stronger skin! Skin integrity is so important to keep from having open wounds.”

On Christmas Day if you eat more carbs than you planned for, don’t think you have failed. Get back on track with your usual eating habits the next day and include extra exercise and don’t forget to monitor your blood glucose levels. GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS!

12/22/201612/22/2016

The Perfect Dress, Dishes & Drink for A Divabetic New Year’s Eve Party for 2

Ring in the New Year in a sexy, stylish and healthy way with some help from Divabetic.

We know many people in our Divabetic community don’t like to celebrate the holidays because they feel they may disrupt their diabetes care. But with a little pre-planning and guidance from your healthcare entourage you can still enjoy the festivities without failing your diabetes.

According to Tom Volkar from Core U Coaching, celebration helps us stay in the present where our power is. By celebrating the completion of every small step, we leverage the powerful energies of gratitude and momentum. Thomas Edison taught us that even each mistake along the way is cause for celebration. Life is all about the journey, and that means that every step, as well as reaching our destination, is part of our journey. Celebrating at every juncture is recognition of a life well lived and well worked.

Don’t let diabetes dim your dazzle!

We asked four of our of our favorite experts, Cahterine Schuller AICI, CIP, Cookbook Author, Holly Clegg, Wine & Spirits Expert Samantha Shaken Baker and Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN to share advice on how you can celebrate an intimate Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2 in style without compromising your diabetes health.

Let’s start with what to wear at our fabulous “Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2”. When it comes to dressing for the occasion there’s no better sytle icon to turn to than our vey own Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller. Catherine is one of the plus size industry’s pioneers, Former Ford model, consumer advocate image consultant, author, and the creator of ‘Runway the Real Way’ fashion brunches in New York City.

Catherine’s top pick for a dress to wrap up the holiday season is the wrap dress!

This style is flattering on every figure type because it hides a tummy, cinches in a waist, covers a jiggly upper arm, emphasizes decolletage (cleavage). Plus a wrap dress won’t break your bank. It can be worn with different styles of pumps, tights and boots and lots of jewelry in either stones, or silver or gold so you don’t have to spend more money on purchasing new accessories. If your someone special wants to take you out on the town after your “Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2” dinner, then grab a shoulder duster, a big bangle, and a great clutch and/or fabulous evening bag. “The possibilities are limitless and this is a dress that will serve you well for all those special occasions throughout the year!,” says Catherine.

BLING IN THE NEW YEAR: Why not pamper yourself to a safe manicure before your the big night? Professional pedicures can help your nails look their best, but too often poor sanitation practices, shared tools, and the work of overzealous nail technicians can result in skin injuries or infections. Why not invest in your own nail kit and bring it with you? Though it’s unlikely that you will get an infection from shared nail polish, play it safe and bring your own. Our top nail polish pick for a ‘Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2’is blue glitter nails with a festive blue (a nod to World Diabetes Day) polish. This nail art is great for short nails that want to sparkle on New Year’s Eve!

DIVABETIC TIP: Make your diabetes health dazzle and match your nails to your blood glucose monitor!

The OneTouch® UltraMini® Blood Glucose Monitoring System is sleek, compact glucose meter easily fits into your purse or pocket for added convenience so it won’t cramp your style! Offers alternate site testing on your finger or forearm with a 1-microliter blood sample and quick results in five seconds on a large, easy-to-read display. Stores 500 blood sugar test results, which can be downloaded to your computer. Available in several fun colors including pink glow, silver moon, limelight and jet black

DIVABETIC TIP: Don’t focus on what you shouldn’t eat but rather on what you can eat!

Next up on our list for celebrating a “Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2” is ‘the dish.’

With over 1 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy, healthy and practical recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim&TERRIFIC® and her more health focused Eating Well cookbook series, including newly released 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY edition of Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Clegg who attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School has appeared on Fox & Friends, NBC Weekend Today, QVC, The 700 Club, USA Today, Cooking Light Magazine, Web MD, and Huff Post. She has consulted for Walmart, Teflon, The Coca-Cola Company, and hospitals throughout the country. Here’s Holly’s suggestion on to make a simple, impressive menu for someone special on New Year’s Eve:

Our dazzling “Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2” menu starts with Potato Soup
This snazzy soup starts with hash browns, so no time-consuming potato peeling; almost faster than opening a can. I top with cheese and green onions.

Makes 2 (1-cup) servings

2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, partially thawed
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can fat-free chicken or vegetable broth
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/3 cup skim milk

1. In medium nonstick pot, heat hash browns, broth, and onion to a boil, reduce heat, and cook, covered, about 8-10 minutes.
2. In small bowl, whisk together flour with milk. Add to potato mixture and bring to boil. Reduce heat, and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until thickened. For thinner soup, add more milk.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 215 Calories from fat 0% Fat 1g Saturated Fat 0g Cholesterol 1mg Sodium 390mg Carbohydrate 46g Dietary Fiber 4g Sugars 3g Protein 8g Dietary Exchanges: 3 starch

Next, serve a delicious Kale Salad with Fruity Vinaigrette
You must give kale a try, this intriguing salad with an extraordinary tasty flavor combination. You will love the Fruity Vinaigrette for it’s perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Did you know that 1 cup of kale provides a whopping 5 grams of fiber, 15% of your daily calcium recommended intake, 180% of vitamin A, and 200% of vitamin C!

Makes 8 servings

8 cups chopped kale, center ribs and stems removed
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 apple, nectarine or fruit of choice, chopped
1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Fruity Vinaigrette (recipe follows)

1. In large salad, toss together kale, cabbage, fruit and pecans. Toss with Fruity Vinaigrette (see recipe).

Fruity Vinaigrette

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1. In bowl, whisk together all ingredients.

Nutrition information per serving: Calories 145 kcal, Calories from Fat 52%, Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 44 mg, Carbohydrates 16 g, Dietary Fiber 2 g, Total Sugars 7 g, Protein 3 g, Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 2 vegetable, 2 fat

Our entrée for “Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2” is an Easy Roasted Salmon
Love salmon or never cooked it? You must try this incredible recipe—season salmon, pop in the oven and you have a terrific meal ready in minutes.

Makes 2 servings

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1. Preheat oven 400° F. Line baking sheet with foil.
2. In resalable plastic bag, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and season to taste. Add salmon, coating all over and pat in seasoning.
3. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 12-15 minutes or until fish flakes easily.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 252 Calories from fat 25% Fat 7g Saturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 97mg Sodium 153mg Carbohydrate 9g Dietary Fiber 1g Protein 37g Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 other carbohydrate, 1/2 lean meat

Serve your entrée with Roasted Garlic Broccoli
By the time the broccoli is done, your dinner will be ready. Roasting broccoli is a simple way to intensify the natural flavor. Sometimes I toss in artichokes or some extra veggies I have hanging around.

Makes 2 servings

4 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven 450°F. Line baking sheet with foil.
2. Toss broccoli with olive oil and garlic on prepared pan. Roast 20 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes. Remove from oven season to taste.

Spicy Advice: Roasting is cooking at a high temperature that browns, caramelizes and crisps.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 104, Calories from fat 56%, Fat 7 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 39 mg, Carbohydrate 8 g, Dietary Fiber 4 g, Sugars 2 g, Protein 4 g
Dietary Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 1/2 fat

A finally, indulge in dessert with Holly Clegg’s Berry Parfait (I would cut in fourths so you have extra the next day) and make four)
Light and delightful, strawberries or your favorite berries layered with a luscious cream cheese layer and ladyfingers.

Makes 16 (1/2-cup) servings

2/3 cup seedless sugar-free raspberry preserves
1/4 cup orange juice
6 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) container fat-free whipped topping, thawed, divided
2 (3-ounce) packages ladyfingers, split in half (24)
1 1/2 cups strawberries, stemmed and sliced

1. In small bowl, mix together preserves and orange juice.
2. In mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until light. Mix in whipped topping reserving, 1/2 cup for topping.
3. Line bottom of an oblong small dish with split ladyfingers. Layer with preserves mixture, cream cheese layer, and top with strawberries. Repeat layers with remaining ladyfingers, preserves and cream cheese layer.
4. Carefully top with thin layer of remaining whipped topping. Top with remaining strawberries. Cover, refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 128, Calories from fat (%) 24, Fat (g) 3, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 9, Sodium (mg) 79, Carbohydrate (g) 23, Dietary Fiber (g) 1, Sugars (g) 11, Protein (g) 2, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 carbohydrate, 1/2 fat

Tip: Use raspberries so you don’t have to even cut the strawberries. This recipe works well in individual servings.

Nutrition Nugget: You will hardly believe this luscious treat is diabetic-friendly so there is always room for dessert!

DIVABETIC TIP: While alcohol can make blood sugar drop too low, certain beverages (such as beer or sugary mixers) can cause a blood sugar spike. What’s more, consuming more than one or two drinks can cloud your thinking and affect other food choices you make that day, which can also affect glucose levels.

Since no “Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2” celebration is complete without a little bubbly we asked Samantha Shanken Baker, who helps presents memorable food and wine events like the Annual Harlem Eat Up! to suggest a great tasting champagne for under $50. Samantha’s pick is G.H. Mumm Brut Champagne Cordon (retail $45) featuring a delightful notes of flavor—dried apricot, candied orange peel, nut and smoke. This very harmonious dry Champagne is still elegant and light-weight. The rich, toasty note lingers on the vibrant finish. Oh la-la!

Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN and 2015 AADE Diabetes Educator of the Year is an award-winning Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and published author. Susan offers this advice to all our ‘Divabetics’ who enjoy a cocktail: Before New Year’s Eve, take a wine glass out of your cabinet. Take out a liquid measuring cup and pour in 5 ounces of water. Pour the water into the wine glass. That’s a serving of wine! Now you know what a serving of wine looks like and “when to say when” during your holiday gathering.

My pick for the perfect soundtrack to set the mood for a “Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2” is the Essential Gladys Knight & The Pips album on SONY Music. This album is packed with slow jams ‘You’re Number One (In My Book)’, ‘Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me’ and ‘The Way We Were/Try To Remember’ and uptempo favorites including ‘I’ve Got To Use My Imagination’ and ‘Save The Overtime (For Me)’ along with the classic ‘Midnight Train To Georgia.’

Finally, don’t let diabetes kill romance at “Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2”. Bring the fireworks into the bedroom with a high-quality lubricant. Lubricants improve sex by making genital tissues moist, which decreases friction and makes intimate contact more pleasurable. If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, which is common among women living with diabetes, a lubricant can be very helpful. A lubricant is often used with condoms to decrease irritation from latex, but can also be used on its own. Women who often have vaginal yeast infections may wish to avoid glycerin lubes, as the sugar can encourage yeast growth. Wet® Naturals™ Beautifully Bare™ is glycerin-free, paraben-free and enriched for your sensual well-being. This formula is both long lasting and luxurious and designed to enhance a woman’s natural moisture.

Live, love, laugh and learn. If you didn’t feel good about your diabetes management after celebrating your “Divabetic New Year’s Eve for 2” then talk to your doctor about how to do things differently next time. The most important thing is to not let diabetes dim your dazzle!

Happy New Year!

11/10/2016

Glam More Fear Less Fashion Show hosted by Catherine Schuller

The fabulous Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP shows that ‘beauty has no size’ with our annual ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS’ fashion show at the upcoming ‘Victory Over Diabetes’ outreach event scheduled for Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11 AM – 3 PM.

Catherine Schuller has been at the center of plus size fashion industry for decades. She was a plus size model for Ford, and an editor at plus size magazine Mode.

I met Catherine at the Ms. Full Figured Beauty pageant in New York City ten years ago and we have been working together ever since to change attitudes to help women live well with diabetes.

Catherine’s not only an incredible pioneer in fashion industry she’s also making strides in women’s health advocacy.

Catherine Schuller had a stroke in November 201o right before our “Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes” outreach event at Riverside Church in New York City.

“I was left immobile on my right side but only for a few weeks (long enough!) and I had an extended month long stay in the hospital recuperating and had to learn to use my right side again,” says Catherine. “The reason it happened was congenital…seems I was a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. I had a hole in my heart, a flap that didn’t close at birth and a clotting gene factor which all functioned to do me in on that fateful day. Between the hole, the flap and the clot…geez, it was like I won the clottery!!! But, hey, its not what happens to you, its your attitude towards it. I cut my losses and got myself to the emergency room that morning a.s.a.p.”

“I have made it my life’s work to give back to the cause of women’s heart issues,” she adds. “Women are 30% more likely to not pay attention to their symptoms could this be a function of them not appreciating their own worth or putting themselves second or, thinking that symptoms will pass, that they aren’t important. I say, Denial’s Not My Style!”

Divabetic – Victory Over Diabetes is our biggest diabetes outreach event of the year on Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11 AM – 3 PM at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA . The annual event hosted by Mr. Divabetic celebrates the fellowship of the Divabetic Club – Philadelphia, PA during National Diabetes Awareness month. Our goal is to comfort, connect and cheer on the members of the Divabetic Club and their loved ones for having a take charge attitude about their diabetes. Come enjoy a keynote address from Author Carol B. Polis (The first Woman Professional Boxing Judge), a live cooking demonstration with Katie Carvuto RD and a GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS Fashion show hosted by Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, free lunch, games and prizes. FREE ADMISSION. Register Now: 1-800-JEFF-NOW

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Game Show podcast with great prize giveaways courtesy of Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetic Foot, Hand & Body Creams. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic

09/28/201610/09/2016

Doris Hobbs Guests on October’s Diabetes Late Nite

Vintage Style blogger, Doris Hobbs shares her ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS’ attitude about living with type 1 diabetes on October’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, October 11, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Doris says the first thing she remembered after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes was that she had two options: she could allow it to control her life or find the unbinding courage from within the tragedy; she chose courage.

“The next few days were consumed with perplexed emotions, mostly of denial pooled from the self-belief that I could be a rare case and mysteriously cured,” says Doris. “I was given a new role and lifestyle of living with type 1 diabetes. I immediately chose to not wear it as a sympathy garment; instead I’d rather refashion how others perceive such a life-altering disorder. Aside from a select group of family and friends that knew of my health struggles, I somehow managed, two days after the news was confirmed, to conduct an on-location photo-shoot for my vintage-inspired style blog, Rich in Love Fashion. I knew without a doubt at that moment that I had a purpose on earth and found myself more determined to not allow diabetes to hinder my little girl dreams.”

Doris continues “we, as a society, have a tendency of suppressing our fears, as mastering those can be difficult and takes large amounts of will and courage to look in the mirror and say, “I will succeed; I can do this!” The relationship between one’s journey of self-growth and courage tends to evoke feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, but allowing such emotions to take center stage is moral injustice. At birth each and every one of us is embedded with a purpose or talent which provides us the blueprints of our life’s story, which must be written and shared. From all of my lessons and blessings in the last two years, I’ve formed an organic sense of how to live an authentic life that channels pure gratitude and glamour.”

COMING SOON: October’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Meghan Trainor scheduled for Tuesday, October 11, 2016 6-7 PM, EST. Guests include Doris Hobbs, Emmy Award winning Producer Linda Bracero Morel, Chef Robert Lewis, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic. Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected cuts from Meghan Trainor’s ‘Thank You’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

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