Best Nachos Recipe – Ever Tried Holly Clegg’s Incredible Crab Appetizer Nachos?

Who doesn’t love nachos?   Especially seafood nachos that are easy to make?

Since great food makes for a great party I asked several of my friends to share their favorite recipes on this blog.  It’s all part of the preparations for our biggest  podcast event of the year, Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST.  Since this year’s zany adventure takes place in New York City’s historic seashore, Coney Island we’re spotlighting seafood dishes. 

Don’t let diabetes dim your DAZZLE! Get in the spirt and enjoy my good friend, Best-Selling Cookbook Author, Holly Clegg’s healthy Crab Nacho Recipe. It’s sure to win over your family and friends at your next party!

“Every time I make these baked nachos I have to sneak a few before I set them out because they will be all polished off before I know it!,” says Holly.

Crispy tortilla chips baked with a splendid southwestern-seasoned crab mixture and smothered with cheese is quick to prepare and quicker to disappear.

How can Holly’s delicious crabmeat nachos possibly be healthy?

“By using reduced-fat ingredients and baked tortilla chips, you get a wonderful crab southwestern topping for a baked nachos recipe,” says Holly. “! I have the best 

Crab Nachos from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Gulf Coast Favorites

6 dozen baked tortilla flour chips
1/2 cup nonfat sour cream
3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pound lump, white, or canned crabmeat, picked through for shells
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded, reduced-fat, sharp cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
Paprika

1.  Preheat oven to broil. Arrange tortilla chips in single layer on baking sheet.

2.  In bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, green onions, green chilies, cumin. Fold in crabmeat, salt and pepper to taste.

3.  Divide mixture on chips. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika. Bake 6-8 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Makes 3 dozen nachos. Nutritional information per serving: Calories 57, Calories from fat (%) 29, Fat (g) 2, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 14, Sodium (mg) 143, Carbohydrate (g) 5, Dietary Fiber (g) 0, Sugars (g) 0, Protein (g) 5, Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 lean meat

Holly Clegg’s Cooking Tip:  If you don’t have fresh crabmeat available, my second choice is the pasteurized crabmeat you find in a can.  Of course, you can always use snow crab, king crab or imitation crabmeat for this crab nachos recipe.  

Crab Nachos from Holly Clegg’s Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook is packed with Louisiana Cajun recipes. Superbowl party or just a Friday night game night with friend, set these melt in your mouth healthy crab nachos out and you will be the ‘divabetic’ hostess with the mostest!

With over 1 MILLION COOKBOOKS sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim&TERRIFIC® and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the ADA. Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London and has appeared on Fox & Friends, NBC Weekend Today, QVC, The 700 Club, USA Today, Cooking Light Magazine, Web MD, and Huff Post. She consulted and did spokesperson work for Walmart, Teflon, DuPont, The Coca-Cola Company, and hospitals throughout the country. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Spotlight podcast with guest Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg

Join us for the broadcast of our newest Mister Divabetic Mister entitled “Gypsies, Tramps and Peas”.
 
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?
 
Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
 
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure. Healthy delicious recipes provided by Chef Robert Lewis and Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’.
 
This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
 
Join the show! Get the full script for ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ and read along as our cast performs. Please e-mail: mrdvabetic@gmail.com 

Start a ‘SUGAR LIPS’ Log to Help You Manage Your Diabetes

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but lipstick runs a close second. Why not incorporate your diabetes self-care into your daily beauty routine?

Don’t let diabetes dim your dazzle!

I truly believe that you have to love yourself enough to want to improve your diabetes health. Since 90% of women feel that wearing lipstick makes them feel better about themselves, why not reward yourself before you check your blood sugars by adding some color to your lips? The little boost of confidence you gain from your favorite shade  can help you to cope with those unexpected readings too.

15 MINUTE Beauty‘s Best Splurge Red Lipsticks: Mac’s Ruby Woo is one their best selling reds for a good reason!  It’s a classic bright red that works for almost everyone. BUY IT

If you’ve struggled in the past with adding your diabetes self-care into your daily routine then a SUGAR LIPS log  just might be the answer. Experts agree that linking my new habit with a current behavior make it much easier to change. No need to be motivated. No need to remember.

One good example of this concept is creating a new habit of flossing by always doing it after brushing your teeth. The act of brushing your teeth is something that you already do and that acts as the reminder to do your new behavior. READ MORE

When you stop and think that most women apply their lipstick 4 or more times in one day the resulting SUGAR LIPS log data could prove to extremely beneficial to you and your doctor. If you try it, I bet you will both be smiling! And guess what? A new tube of lipstick is a healthy way to reward yourself for lowering your A1C.

15 MINUTE Beauty‘s Best Splurge Red Lipsticks: Chanel Rouge Allure in Pirate is a classic red shade with a lot of blue mixed in, and the red isn’t too bright. It’s a go to for many women! BUY IT 

How to Keep A SUGAR LIPS Log

Write down your blood sugar values after each application of lipstick throughout your day.  Jot down the time of day, your medication, and any changes in food, activity, illness and/or stress related to your blood sugars.  Keep in mind when checking your blood sugar that the important thing is to know how to interpret the numbers and take the necessary action. For example, if you take insulin and your blood sugar is high, you may need to bolus, or take more rapid-acting insulin, to bring your levels down into range. If you manage your Type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise, you might treat high blood sugar with a walk around the block.

Now imagine how good you’ll feel at your next doctor’s visit when you take out your SUGAR LIPS logbook filled with pages of blood sugar readings!

BEAUTY TIP: Extend the life of your lipstick application by setting your lips reports Bustle. Blotting helps press color into the lips, but if you really want your lipstick to stay put, hold a single ply of tissue over your lips, and dust a setting powder on top.

Face Your Diagnosis Like A Diva!

Unlike some other diseases that rely primarily on professional medical treatment, diabetes treatment requires active participation by the person who has it. You have to have ATTITUDE!! Monitoring your blood sugar level on a regular basis and analyzing the results is believed by many to be a crucial part of the treatment equation.

Self-monitoring is an integral part of diabetes management because it puts you in charge. Regardless of how you manage your diabetes — through diet and exercise alone or combined with oral medicines or insulin — regular blood sugar monitoring provides immediate feedback on how your program is working.

“Checking your blood glucose gives you the freedom to make choices without worry, the confidence to learn from your actions, and the motivation to keep striving to do better,” says Linda Dale, RN, BA, CDE, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Outpatient Diabetes Education Program at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Diabetes Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan as reported by Diabetes Self-Management. “Monitoring tells you that what you’re doing either is working or isn’t, and it serves as motivation to keep up actions that are working or to make changes.” READ MORE 

15 MINUTE Beauty‘s Best Splurge Red Lipsticks: Tom Ford’s Lip Color in Cheery Lush  is on the pinker end of the red spectrum and is fairly bright.  It’s a statement lip color best paired with minimal makeup.  BUY IT

DIVABETIC TIP: You should wait to check your blood sugars if you usually reapply your lipstick after eating or drinking. Most of the food you consume will be digested and raises blood glucose in one to two hours. To capture the peak level of your blood glucose, it is best to test one to two hours after you start eating. The American Diabetes Association recommends a target of below 180 mg/dl two hours after a meal.

Do you feel like you self-sabotage your best efforts? Use “But” – According to LIfeHac, when you start to think negative thoughts, you should use the word “but” to interrupt bad thought patterns. “I’m no good at this, but, if I work at it I might get better later.” READ MORE

BEAUTY TIP: Lip liner can be a game-changer for a few reasons reports Bustle. The first is that it keeps lipstick from bleeding outside the lines of your lips. By applying it all over the lips, it can also help make your lipstick last longer by giving it something to stick to. Lastly, if you want to up your lip game, using a liner that is slightly (and I mean slightly) darker than your lipstick can give flattering dimension to the lips.

 

GOLDEN RULES OF STYLE Podcast: Healthcare host Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek presents the golden rules of style with celebrity style and image expert Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, LISTEN

GOLDEN RULES OF A DIABETES DIET Podcast: Healthcare host Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek presents the golden rules of a diabetes diet  with Jessica Issler, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator LISTEN

 

Divabetic Summertime Favorites & Diabetes Advice

‘Walking on Sunshine’ during the dog days of Summer for people living with diabetes may require a few special precautions  for you to shine.

Extreme heat is a stress on the body, and any stress can release hormones that will raise blood sugar levels, says Deena Adimoolam, MD, assistant professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

If you find it’s too hot and your blood sugar is fluctuating, stay inside where it’s cool. That may mean a trip to the spa, mall or the movie theater if your home isn’t air-conditioned.

“People with chronic diseases like diabetes as well as people taking certain medications, including heart disease medications and diuretics, which are often used to treat complications of diabetes, are at increased risk of experiencing difficulties in the heat, even though they may not be aware of it,” says Catherine Carver, M.S., A.N.P., C.D.E, Director of Educational Services at Joslin Clinic. 

Come summer, you may be tempted to don flip-flops or sandals or even walk barefoot. But it’s important that you protect your feet when you have diabetes. “My suggestion is to find some really comfortable footwear that is breathable,”said Joanne Rinker, MS, RD, CDE, LDN, senior director for community health improvement for Population Health Improvement Partners in North Carolina and a spokesperson for the American Association of Diabetes Educators as reported in Everyday Health. READ MORE. 

What goes better with sun-kissed skin than an impossibly gorgeous glow? Make the most of your summer beauty and get a lit-from-within air with the best bronzers, shimmery shadows, hair highlighters and last, but not least, the perfect lip gloss.

Here are some of our Summertime Favorites to help you ‘GLAM MORE FEAR LESS’ during the steamy summer days:

My good friend an fabulous broadcast journalist, Arthel Neville‘s new accessories line will speak to you and allow you to send a message about yourself to others. Arthel Neville Design™ – an accessories collection features her original quotes intended to encourage and inspire ‘girls’ of all stripes.
Did you know that Arthel was the first African American female in the national entertainment space?  Before the ubiquitous celebrity interview, producing and hosting her own show on E! – Arthel interviewed Hollywood’s A-list  and became the nation’s first high profile African American female entertainment reporter. BUY NOW

UV Atmospheric Light Meter: This UV meter detects both atmospheric UV-A and UV-B light (ranging from 400 nm to 280 nm) and displays the current atmospheric UV index.

Students then can relate this numerical index to our color changing beads or nail polish: how dark the color or how quick the change. Note: the meter is not sensitive to the rather narrow frequency of UV light emitted from artificial sources such as a UV flashlight or UV lamp. $35.18 BUY NOW

DIVABETIC SUMMERTIME TIP: Store your blood glucose meter, strips and insulin in a cool, dry place. Do not store insulin in extreme temperatures. Never store insulin in the freezer, in direct sunlight, in the car or the car’s glove compartment. GET ADVICE

Watermelon Shark Decorative Server: Add some jaw-dropping, focus-grabbing fun to your buffet table with this whimsical ceramic shark server. Crafted of Dolomite with the look of carved watermelon, it’s perfect for melon balls, other fruit and veggies. Hand wash. 8 3/4″L x 6 1/4W” x 7 3/4″H. $14.99 BUY NOW

DIVABETIC SUMMMERTIME TIP: Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, especially if you are working or exercising outdoors. People with diabetes and other chronic diseases like heart disease are more susceptible to overheating. Symptoms include: feeling dizzy or fainting; sweating excessively; muscle cramps; skin that is cold or clammy; headaches; rapid heartbeat and/or nausea. GET ADVICE

Did you know that the pineapple is recognized as a traditional expression of “welcome” throughout the South and in areas along the Eastern Seaboard?

Appearing on all sorts of décor – from door knockers to quilts and including the lapel of my (Mr. Divabetic’s)  World Famous Fruit Suit  – the fruit symbolizes those intangible assets we appreciate in a home: warmth, welcome, friendship and hospitality.Bigmouth Pineapple Pool Float  $14.99 BUY NOW

DIVABETIC SUMMERTIME TIP: Know the signs of low blood sugar. If you’re in the heat and feel lightheaded or are having muscle aches or general fatigue, it’s time to come indoors and get out of the heat.

Does it hurt to check your blood sugars? Are your fingers sore? Well, then you might want to check out the Genteel® Lancing Device Painless which basically guarantees to draw blood without pain … but at a rather steep price: $129.00
The Genteel® Lancing Device uses it’s Butterfly Touch Technology® to get the perfect drop of test blood with reduced pain and discomfort.  The lancet only reaches blood capillaries and avoids hitting pain nerves altogether. It will produce a painless sample from just about anywhere, the vacuum pump makes this possible. Inside of arm from armpit to the wrist or backs of hands, even the palm is not off limits. There’s no guarantee that moving around on the body is going to give consistent results so make sure to do some retesting on fingers to compare results. BUY NOW

DIVABETIC SUMMERTIME TIP: Keep hydrated. Dehydration, or the loss of body fluids, can happen on these very hot summer days whether you have diabetes or not. If you have diabetes, dehydration also can occur when blood glucose is not under control. GET ADVICE 

Fashion Designers Dolce&Gabbana teamed up with Smeg to design a eye catching line of toasters, citrus juicers, coffee machines, kettles, blenders, stand mixers and slow juicers. All these products are decorated with reflective interpretations of Sicilian folklore. Lemons, prickly pears, and bright red cherries are just a selection of Sicilian decorations that are framed in triangular motifs known as crocchi, that decorate these small appliances. Together with crocchi, the appliances are covered in delicate floral motifs and images of the enthralling Mount Etna, surrounded by ornamental friezes, and decorative acanthus leaves. All these themes and decorative symbols are intrinsically tied to Sicily and the important aspects of the aesthetic of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

DIVABETIC SUMMERTIME TIP: Exercise early or late. The hottest and sunniest part of the day is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule your outdoor exercise before or after these hours when it’s not so hot.

Busy USA Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes somehow manages to squeeze in time to co-star in the upcoming Mister Divabetic Mystery entitled Gypsies, Tramps  & Peas in September between writing her own popular mysteries. Check out two of Tonya’s newest books: A Ghostly Secret: Book 7 in A Ghostly Southern Mystery Series ( Emma Lee learns real fast that someone doesn’t want her to snoop around the cold case. Can she help Betsy cross over and get Mr. Whiskers cross the Rainbow Bridge before someone helps Emma Lee check out from the living?) and  Ax To Grind: Book Three in the Kenni Lowry Mystery Series (Southerners keep their secrets swept under the rug, but what happens when that rug goes up for sale?) On sale September 19, 2017

DIVABETIC SUMMERTIME TIP: Keeping your hair healthy and gorgeous all summer long, despite the heat and humidity, can be challenging. Beauty blogger Maria Barillaro shares her favorite product picks with us so you can have gorgeous hair no matter how high the mercury soars READ MORE

If you have diabetes and have any questions about coping with heat or other extreme weather conditions, consult with your medical team.

Join us for the broadcast of our newest Mister Divabetic Mister entitled “Gypsies, Tramps and Peas” on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, 6 -7 PM, EST.

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure. Healthy delicious recipes provided by Chef Robert Lewis and Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’.

This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Join the show! Get the full script for ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ and read along as our cast performs. Please e-mail: mrdvabetic@gmail.com

https://youtu.be/9ePIZugahFc

Do You Have A Pet Name for Your Diabetes or Insulin Pump?

Photo credit: Stephen B. Thornton

Broadway Diva, singer, actress, Soara-Joye Ross, who is living with type 1 diabetes admits that she named her diabetes ‘Sasha’ and her new insulin pump ‘Black Panther’ … how about you?

Do you think giving a pet name to your diabetes and/or your device(s) could help you manage your diabetes?

Personally, I think giving your diabetes, your pump and/or your continuous glucose monitor a pet name is a great idea for helping you to cope with diabetes.  A healthy sense of humor could certainly come in handy when you consider that the emotional dimensions of diabetes are often overlooked by healthcare professionals as well as patients.

“Laughter is the best medicine . . . unless you have type 1 diabetes, then insulin is probably better,” writes Dr. Beverly S. Adler, aka “Dr. Bev,”, who is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator in an article for Diabetes Connect.

“I named my diabetes “Sasha” because she’s like a person to me. She was like a two-year-old for the first several years. Now she acts like a teenager by always wanting to do her own thing and not what I always want her to do!,” says Soara-Joye on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Photo credit: Stephen B. Thornton

Soara-Joye has performed abroad and all over the country. Named, “A True Musical Theatre Diva!” by BroadwayBox.com, this native New Yorker has performed in NY from Broadway (Les Misérables & The Dance of the Vampires) & Carnegie Hall (Jerry Springer the Opera) to the Winspear Opera House in Dallas (The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess) all the way to the Alter Oper in Frankfurt, Germany (Smokey Joe’s Cafe)! She has performed at highly acclaimed regional theaters, Off-Broadway, in Film, (Garden State)and just guest starred on HBO’s new comedy, Crashing, directed by Judd Apatow.

Our favorite Broadway DIVAbetic’s 10 year diaversary approaches in September and she  recently started wearing an insulin pump that she named “Black Panther”. Soara-Joye says her insulin delivery device aka ‘the pump’ has been a godsend for her managing her ‘Sasha’ especially with such a rigorous performance schedule.

“With the insulin pump I can suspend my insulin delivery which is extremely helpful if I’m constantly on stage like I was when I was performing as Deloris Van Cartier ( in the musical, ‘Sister Act’),” she adds.

Photo credit: Stephen B. Thornton

This Broadway DIVAbetic Has An Entourage Supporting Her with Her Diabetes Self-Care

Soara-Joye admits that on ‘day one’ of rehearsals for a show, she tells her stage manager and all involved on the creative team that she has type 1 diabetes. She also shares that her diabetes has a name: “Sasha” and that she’s pretty much another character in the show, that they need to know about.

Soara-Joye with five of her dressers

One of her six dressers on ‘Sister Act’ was standing by in the wings with glucose tablets, insulin and juice boxes just in case Soara-Joye needed any of them. She also helped monitored Soara-Joye’s numbers on her continuous glucose monitor to watch out for trends in her blood sugar during the show. “My main dresser, Alison Clifton and the rest of my fabulous team of dressers were a godsend!,” says Soara-Joye.

Let Soara-Joye Ross Inspire You to Manage Your Diabetes like a Diva!

When you stop to consider that many people with chronic conditions such as diabetes often have to adjust their aspirations, lifestyle, and employment I feel Soara-Joye is truly a diva inspiration. Let Soara-Joye’s openness and creative coping skills as well as her ability to empower her co-workers to be part of her health entourage motivate you to not let diabetes dim your dazzle!

Photo credit: Stephen B. Thornton

Soara-Joye appears in Judd Apatow’s HBO series ‘Crashing’ and will soon be starring as (Delores) LaVern Baker, the popular American Rhythm & Blues Singer from 50’s and 60’s, in the musical, ‘Rock and Roll Man’.

“Managing diabetes is a full time job, but with a little bit of humor we can take it all in stride,” writes Dr. Bev for Diabetic Connect. “Look for humor in a bad situation, and uncover the irony and absurdity of life. This will help improve your mood and the mood of those around you. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.”

Everything’s Coming Up Roses! We’re going behind the scenes on our upcoming Mr. Diabetic Mystery podcast. ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ (scheduled for September 12, 2017) with music from the Original Broadway cast of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Our annual diabetes mystery podcast hopes to encourage you to become a Diabetes Detective. Look for clues, search for patterns, investigate the reasons behind your blood sugar high’s and low’s and report to the authorities (your healthcare team) about medical information found on the internet.

On August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re discussing tips for Summertime Diabetes Management, the Best in Swimsuit Coverups, Body Image Issues, Health Hazards of Professional Eating Contests, Safe Pedicures and Broadway’s Biggest Divas.

LISTEN: August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from the musical, ‘Gypsy’ features guests Actress, Singer Soara-Joye Ross, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Maryann Nicolay BA, DTR, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Founder & Executive Director of the We Are Diabetes organization Asha Brown, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie.

Lorraine Brooks: “Four Freedoms We Should Always Fight For” Art Exhibition

We’re excited to announce that our Diabetes Late Nite’s Poet in Residence, Lorraine Brooks will be displaying her artwork in her first Solo Art Exhibition starting this weekend in Brooklyn, NY.

She’s not only an amazing poet, she’s also an amazing artist!

Having been trained at New York City’s prestigious High School of Art and Design, Lorraine has always been interested in the graphic arts. Her photography has been featured in Gold Dust Magazine, and Odyssey Journal, and in her own book of poetry, Riding the Wave.

The stippling method (also known as pointillism), in which a series of dots is placed strategically in patterns to form an image, is currently Lorraine’s technique of choice for the pen-and-ink portraits she has recently produced. When viewed from close up, the dots appear random – however when viewed at a distance they form a distinct pattern of lights and shadows, creating the details of the subject.

“Lorraine’s one of the most talented people I know. Her poems featured monthly on our podcasts have inspired so many people living with, affected by and at risk of diabetes,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. ” I have no doubt that her first art exhibition will showcase another side of her amazing talent. I’m looking forward to celebrating her and her accomplishments!”

Currently Lorraine is working on a series of “freedom portraits”, illustrating her interpretation of the concepts of The Four Freedoms, as articulated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. These will be part of her Solo Exhibition here in the Island to Island Brewery taproom.

Opening Ceremony

Date: July 8th 2017
Time: 6PM – 8PM
Location: Island to Island Brewery, 642 Rogers Ave Brooklyn Ny 11226 between Clarkson and Parkside Avenues

Free Tasting

We share monthly tastings of local craft distilled spirits made here in Brooklyn or greater New York.
Join us for this month’s art opening and tasting.
Event RSVP Here ⇢

Then come taste and learn about New York distilled spirits made with organic grains from upstate New York and 11 different botanicals, made entirely in house from fermentation to bottle, can be enjoyed simply over ice or in any of the various traditional cocktails.

While enjoying the tasting browse the taproom’s latest Solo Art Exhibition by Lorraine Brooks entitled: “Four Freedoms We Should Always Fight For”. Lorraine will be available during the night for questions comments and sales of art work.

Tasting and Art Show are free and open to the public!

Check out #galleryat642rogers in IG to see past shows.

LISTEN: Enjoy this episode of Diabetes Late Nite featuring music from Maxwell courtesy of SONY Music. Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

Star Spangled Divabetic Fourth of July Celebration

For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promoting  a ‘New Attitude’ about living with diabetes to help you ‘Keep Your House A Home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring.  Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice, games and entertaining ideas with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays like the Fourth of July in order to take charge of our diabetes.

For people with diabetes, the heat and humidity of summer can be particularly hazardous, reports Anahad O’Connor for the New York Times.

One of the complications of diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, is an impaired ability to adjust to rises in temperature, which can cause dangerous increases in body temperature during the summer. The underlying problem, nerve damage, occurs in 60 to 70 percent of Americans with diabetes; it can affect nearly every organ in the body, including sweat glands. When nerve damage keeps the sweat glands from working properly, the body fails to cool down as the mercury rises. READ MORE

What’s more ‘American’ than football? Well, how would you tackle type 2 diabetes is if you’re a professional player?  You might start seeing red (and not white and blue!) if your team’s management decided to let you go because of your diagnosis.

The New England Patriots released Kyle Love two months after he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes — despite the fact he’d made 24 starts at defensive tackle the previous two seasons. Three teams later, Love has found a new home on the Carolina Panthers’ strong front seven, but New England’s decision still provides some motivation.

“Every day I think about it. It eats me up,” Love told Sporting News. “You do so much and you put so much work on the field. That somebody could just release you based off a physical problem that’s not going to stop you from playing football, it really grinds my gears.”

Staying ‘big’ in order to play his position may have contributed to some bad eating habits admits Love. For example, even now, there’s still the occasional trip to Burger King, and not always the “perfect meal.” More often, he tries to use the wisdom he has gained while dealing with the illness.

“My thought process was, ‘I’m an athlete, I work out every day, there’s no way I can get diabetes or high blood pressure because I sweat so much and burn so many calories.’ But if it’s determined to happen, it can happen.

When it comes to reducing your risk for diabetes, knowledge is key. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about type 2 diabetes! (Answer at bottom of post) 

DIVABETIC QUICK TIP: During the hot summer months, you want to make sure you protect your diabetes supplies and equipment.  Heat can have negative impacts on your oral medication, insulin, blood glucose meter, and test strips. For example,  you don’t want to keep your meter in your car since cars can get extremely hot.  Always keep it in a cool dry place. READ MORE

Fresh ideas for Fourth of July Entertaining

ENTERTAINING TIP #1: Put together a flag-inspired cheese plate featuring red raspberries, strawberry and blueberries.

ENTERTAINING TIP #2: Quench your thirst with Fruit Water! Just put frozen blueberries, ice cubes, and fresh strawberries in glass beverage. Avoid any fruit that’s bruised or overly ripe, or herbs that don’t look fresh.Use thin slices or small cubes because the flavor will infuse more quickly.Add the fruit, herbs, spices or whatever you want to use into a bottle of cool water.  

ENTERTAINING TIP #3: Star Spangled Fruit Salad with cookie cutter watermelon stars – Simple to make and perfect for a Summer night!

Check out these ‘Hotter than July’ Topics in Diabetes 

HOT TOPIC #1: A small but growing group of people without diabetes are wearing Continuous Glucose Monitors to track what goes on in their own bodies.

“I’ve been trying to learn why some days I feel fantastic, and other days I don’t. I had a cinnamon roll recently and my blood glucose doubled in 60 minutes,” says Tabb Firchau, an entrepreneur living in Seattle, who bought his CGM off eBay for about $300. “The monitor helps you understand the costs of the decisions you are making.” READ MORE

HOT TOPIC #2:Broccoli compound could be helpful to diabetes according to a new study published in  Science Translational Medicine.   Apparently a compound called “sulforaphane,” that occurs in broccoli and other vegetables, has the ability to lower the liver’s production of glucose. “There are strong indications that this can become a valuable supplement to existing medication,” Dr Rosengren predicted. “Sulforaphane can reach the patients faster than a medication, and it is also an interesting concept from a diabetes perspective where diet is central.” READ MORE   

HOT TOPIC #3:U.S. Air Pollution still kills thousands every year, even at the levels allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to a new study. “We are now providing bullet-proof evidence that we are breathing harmful air,” says Francesca Dominici, a professor of biostatistics at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who led the study. “Our air is contaminated.”

Dominici and her colleagues set out to do the most comprehensive study to date assessing the toll that air pollution takes on American lives. READ MORE

HOT TOPIC #4:Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) have introduced the Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2017 to help curb America’s diabetes epidemic. This bill will allow Medicare coverage of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services for people with prediabetes and other risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes.

“People at risk of Type 2 diabetes, including the many with prediabetes, need support to avoid developing this disease,” Congresswoman DeGette said.  “Older adults served by Medicare are disproportionately affected by prediabetes and diabetes itself. It just makes sense to ensure that seniors on Medicare who face these risks have coverage for MNT services.” READ MORE

HOT TOPIC #5 : Flip Flops or Not! The type of shoes you wear when you have diabetes is important! “There are shoes which can help prevent or delay the onset of foot ulceration in diabetes. There are also shoes which can cause or help accelerate the development of foot ulceration,” says  Stephen Ogedengbe, MD, a researcher at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin City, Nigeria for WebMD. What to do? Wear shoes you can easily adjust. They should have laces, Velcro, or buckles. Do not wear shoes with pointed or open toes, such as high heels, flip-flops, or sandals. READ MORE

Diabetes Roundtable ‘Super Stars & Stripes’ themed podcast featuring the Divabetic Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes Outreach, Mama Rose Marie, celebrity makeup artist Turner Harte and real diva, Morelia of Nashville, TN.  Plus, we’re dining out with a dietitian at Subway in a menu review of healthy food choices and gather ringside for a Food Aisle Face-off between watermelon and corn-on-the-cob.  Tune in and call in to get inspired, to give a shout-out or to play Divabetic’s Diabetes Numerology game.  LISTEN NOW

ANSWER: True. If you’ve ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure, this could contribute to your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Make sure to talk to your doctor about your risk level if you have high blood pressure.

‘I Woke Up This Morning’ by Lorraine Brooks

I woke up this morning, as always,

And while walking through my hallway,

I looked in the mirror, reflecting,

And thought, why am I so rejecting?

There’s food in my pantry and clothes on my back

And 2 cars in my garage.

I’ve plenty of colleagues and friends, I don’t lack,

I’m blessed with a fine entourage.

There’s heat in the winter and cool when its hot,

There’s no way I’m doubting the blessings I’ve got.

So what if I need to count calories now,

I still can consume that dessert anyhow.

My kidneys are fine and my eyesight’s okay,

And I can still sleep at the end of the day.

I have a few dollars and I can have fun

And not have to justify to anyone.

I make my decisions and live with my fears

And thankful for 65 wonderful years.

This life here on earth can be tragic enough

Without adding to it irrelevant stuff.

The gift is in living, and doing our best.

And then letting go of all of the rest.

So have a good time and be of good cheer.

And you will enjoy the time you have here.

Positive vibes and a will to stand tall

And living won’t be any trouble at all.

LISTEN NOW: Lorraine Brooks reads ‘I Woke Up This Morning’ on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.

Enjoy Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg‘s healthy delicious recipes for our Divabetic ‘Spaghetti Western’ Father’s  Day Celebration. Holly’s menu includes Southwestern Roasted Vegetables, Asparagus with Zucchini Rings., Vodka Pasta, Beer Bread , Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Feta Enchiladas with Salsa Verde,  Southwestern Pasta. READ

Find out how our Divabetic ‘Spaghetti Western’ themed Father’s Day Celebration is shedding new light on ‘Great Silence’ aka Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in this guest blog by Janis Roszler MSFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND READ

 

Southwestern Pasta Recipe by Holly Clegg (Divabetic’s Father’s Day Celebration)

Our Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration takes on a Spaghetti Western theme to encourage you to embrace your ‘inner cowboy’ and keep riding high with diabetes health!

Cowboys, like today’s miners and farmers, symbolize courage, optimism, and plain hard work. They also remind you that success isn’t only measured with materials, but by where you find satisfaction.

One of our favorite experts, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg shares this Southwestern menu for a Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration.  Holly’s menu includes Southwestern Roasted Vegetables, Asparagus with Zucchini Rings., Vodka Pasta, Beer Bread , Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Feta Enchiladas with Salsa Verde,  Southwestern Pasta (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).

Southwestern Pasta by Holly Clegg

“Quick to make and the outcome is one of the best southwestern pastas with corn and black beans in a perfectly southwestern infused tomato sauce,” says Holly. 

Makes 8 (1 1/4 cup servings) 

1 onion, chopped

1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch Sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 (16-ounce) package rotini

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 1/3 cups frozen corn

1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese, optional

1. In large nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté onion few minutes.  Add cans tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic, cinnamon and sugar.  Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer, covered, about 10 minutes.  

2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. 

3. Stir black beans and corn into tomato sauce until heated. Add pasta to skillet and mix together.  Sprinkle cheese when serving, if desired.

Nutritional information per servingCalories 321, Protein (g) 13, Carbohydrate (g) 64, Fat (g) 2, Cal. from Fat (%) 5, Saturated Fat (g) 0, Dietary Fiber (g) 8, Cholesterol (mg) 0, Sodium (mg) 254, Diabetic Exchanges: 4 starch, 1 vegetable

You don’t need to live in a barn to embrace country western charm — get the rustic look with these ideas for farmhouse decor.

A Dazzling Array of Condiments: Go beyond basic ketchup and mustard by offering more unique options for hot dog and hamburger toppings, then display them in individual labeled buckets. We love Hot Sauce, Chipotle Mustard and more!

Infused Water (Zero Calories + Amazing Taste): For your guests who don’t want booze, this rose, lemon, and strawberry water makes a great drink option.

Use coffee filters as hot-dog holders: Eliminate the risk of ketchup and mustard spills by wrapping hot dogs in coffee filters — they’re durable, lightweight, and more flexible than paper plates.

Divabetic ‘Spaghetti Western’ Father’s Day Playlist:

  1. Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes  – KD Lang
  2. Sangria – Blake Shelton
  3. Patsy Cline
  4. A Lesson in Leavin’ –  Dottie West
  5.  Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Crow Up to Be Cowboys – Willie Nelson
  6. Stand by Your Man – Tammy Wynette
  7.  Hold On – KT Oslin
  8. Rhinestone Cowboy – Glen Campbell
  9. Here You Come Again – Dolly Parton
  10. Speak to Girl – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Artistic Dad Raises Awareness for Diabetic Macular Edema 

Nevada artist Arthur Bryce Chisolm developed this mixed media painting after meeting with Maryanne, who lives with Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and has experienced vision loss due to the disease. The work of art brings to life the things Maryanne cherishes seeing despite her condition.

Set at a particularly beloved beach in San Diego, the painting shows Maryanne’s grandchildren, who she loves spending time with and who make up an important part of her life. The painting also illustrates Maryanne’s eyes, which represent the importance of the steps she took to help protect against vision loss. Don’t miss Bryce Chisolm on tonight’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Maxwell, 6 PM, EST. 

Spaghetti Westerns Trivia: Clint Eastwood 

Younger film fans may find it hard to believe, but Clint Eastwood wasn’t always a badass. Prior to his iconic performance in “A Fistful of Dollars” (1964), Eastwood was best known to American audiences as Rowdy Yates, a kind-hearted supporting character on the popular “Rawhide” TV show. In fact, it was the opportunity to leave Rowdy’s friendly persona behind that most intrigued Eastwood about going to Spain to work for director Sergio Leone. “I decided,” Eastwood said, “it was time to be an anti-hero.”

No one could have predicted that “A Fistful Of Dollars,” released in Italy 50 years ago this September, would simultaneously launch Eastwood to international stardom and set the guidelines for one of the most unique and unexpectedly durable sub-genres in cinema history: the “Spaghetti Western.”

Ways to Save ‘A Fistful Of Dollars’ on Diabetes Drugs and Supplies

The average person with diabetes runs up almost $8,000 a year in medical expenses directly related to the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Check out Diabetic Lifestyle’s Tips on how you can cut your out-of-pocket costs:

1. Shop online.
You can save money filling prescriptions and shopping online for diabetic supplies, but there are many illegitimate and illegal pharmacies online, so be sure to choose one that is reputable. Use PharmacyChecker.com to check the credentials of online pharmacies and compare prices. You can also verify the legitimacy of an online company that fills prescriptions or sells healthcare products at LegitScript.com.

2. Ask for samples.
Most medical supply companies and drug manufacturers supply healthcare providers with free samples of their products. Ask about samples whenever you visit your physician or diabetes educator. Check out the ADA’s site for the dates and locations of upcoming Diabetes Expos, where free health screenings, classes, and samples are available. You can also contact supply companies directly and ask for samples.

3. Look for sales and coupons.
In addition to flyers and other announcements from your local drug store or pharmacy, check to see if the store publishes a free monthly or seasonal health magazine that may also contain discount coupons. Shop around at different stores, including the big-box department stores, for the best prices on generic and store-brand products. But always compare products to be sure you’re getting a deal. Not all generic and store brands are cheaper in the long run. GET MORE TIPS

With over 1 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim&TERRIFIC® and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Holly Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.

LISTEN NOW: The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on author and chef, Holly Clegg, in this half-hour special edition of Diva Talk Radio. This fun-filled food frenzy will feature expert advice on quick, flavorful and healthy eating from Holly’s latest book, ‘Too Hot in the Kitchen:  Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age’

Asparagus with Zucchini Rings by Holly Clegg (Father’s Day Celebration) Pt. 2

Our Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration takes on a ‘Spaghetti Western’ theme to encourage you to embrace your ‘inner cowboy’ and keep riding high with diabetes health!

Cowboys, like today’s miners and farmers, symbolize courage, optimism, and plain hard work. They also remind you that success isn’t only measured with materials, but by where you find satisfaction.

One of our favorite experts, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg shares this Southwestern menu for a Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration.  Holly’s menu includes Southwestern Roasted Vegetables, Asparagus with Zucchini Rings., Vodka Pasta, Beer Bread , Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Feta Enchiladas with Salsa Verde,  Southwestern Pasta (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).

Asparagus with Zucchini Rings by Holly Clegg

This veggie captivated my attention at a dinner for 300 people so I went home to make them. Simple ingredients, eye-catching and unbelievably delicious- they add flair and flavor to any plate. Make ahead, refrigerate, and cook when ready to serve.

Makes 10 bundles

Ingredients:

1 medium zucchini

1 pound asparagus, trimmed discarding ends

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 400°F. Coat foil lined baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch diagonal slices and hollow out hole in center of each slice, leaving an edge (like napkin ring). Place about 3 asparagus, depending on size through hole, and lay on baking sheet.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste. Roast 25-30 minutes or until tender and browned.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 50 Calories from fat 45% Fat 3g Saturated Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 4mg Carbohydrate 5g Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 3g Protein 2g Dietary Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat

With over 1 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim&TERRIFIC® and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Holly Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.

LISTEN NOW: The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on author and chef, Holly Clegg, in this half-hour special edition of Diva Talk Radio. This fun-filled food frenzy will feature expert advice on quick, flavorful and healthy eating from Holly’s latest book, ‘Too Hot in the Kitchen:  Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age’

Health Headlines: Santa Fe, N.M. residents are considering a new tax on sugary sodas and other sweetened beverages to boost access to pre-kindergarten

The 2 cents-per-ounce tax would apply not only to traditional sugary sodas but also sweetened sport drinks such as Gatorade, many caffeinated energy drinks, sweetened teas, lemonade and some coffee drinks that contain sweetened syrups.

Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales, a key proponent of the tax, says that the proposal includes an incentive for the beverage industry to come up with healthier products by exempting lightly sweetened beverages. That exemption applies to drinks with 10 grams of sugar or less per eight fluid ounces.

San Francisco, Oakland and Albany, California, Boulder, Colorado, Chicago, Illinois, and Philadelphia, PA stunned the industry by approving ballot measures in favor of soda taxes.

With that public momentum, a soda tax may be coming to a city near you. READ MORE

In 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proposed a special revenue tax on soft drinks, beer and patent medicine after the outbreak of World War I caused a decline in imports and a corresponding decline in credit created by import tariffs. This proposed taxation measure was not however linked to the anticipated health outcomes of reduced sugar sweetened beverage consumption.

Divabetic Spaghetti Western Father’s Day Celebration with Holly Clegg

Sure, it can be difficult at times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Father’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?

Did you know the idea to celebrate Father’s Day originated in the USA and has been officially celebrated there on the third Sunday in June since 1966?

Many people credit Grace Golden Clayton, from Fairmont, West Virginia for the concept of Father’s Day, after she suggested a day celebrating fatherhood in 1908.

She put forward the idea following a mine explosion in a nearby town which killed more than 360 men – arguing that children in the town needed a time to remember their fathers.

Mrs Clayton may have been inspired by Anna Jarvis’ work to establish Mother’s Day; two months prior.

Now, the day exists simply to remind everyone that dads are great.

Our Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration takes on a Spaghetti Western theme to encourage you to embrace your ‘inner cowboy’ to stay on track with your diabetes health and keep on riding!

Cowboys, like today’s miners and farmers, symbolize courage, optimism, and plain hard work. They also remind you that success isn’t only measured with materials, but by where you find satisfaction.

One of our favorite experts, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg shares this Southwestern menu for a Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration.  Holly’s menu includes Southwestern Roasted Vegetables, Asparagus with Zucchini Rings, Vodka Pasta, Beer Bread , Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Feta Enchiladas with Salsa Verde,  Southwestern Pasta (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).

Southwestern Roasted Vegetables by Holly Clegg

“A fantastic satisfying vegetable entrée as the spicy taco seasoning perfectly contrasts the naturally sweet yams,” says Holly. “Throw on a steak if someone desires a more substantial meal to serve with the vegetables.  Goes great with pork tenderloin.”

Ingredients:

4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes (yams), cut in 1-inch cubes 

1 1/2 cups zucchini, cut into small chunks

1 small red onion, cut into small chunks

1 (6-ounce) package portabella mushroom slices, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix (about half of a 1.25-oz packet)

Salt to taste 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425˚F. Coat baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line with foil.

2. In large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, zucchini, onion, and mushrooms. Toss with olive oil to coat vegetables. Sprinkle with taco seasoning, toss and spread vegetables on baking sheet.

3. Bake 40 minutes, shaking pan every 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender and roasted.

Makes 8 servings/ serving size: 1/2 cup

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 110, Protein (g) 2, Carbohydrate (g) 17, Fat (g) 4, Calories from Fat (%)31, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Dietary Fiber (g) 3, Cholesterol (mg) 0, Sodium (mg) 209 Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 0.5 fat

Holly Clegg’s Terrific Tidbit: Pop any leftovers into a soup pot with some chicken broth for a terrific Southwestern vegetable soup.  Lining the pan with foil makes quick clean up!

With over 1 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim&TERRIFIC® and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Holly Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.

Spaghetti Western, also known as Italian Western or Macaroni Western (primarily in Japan), is a broad subgenre of Western films that emerged in the mid-1960s in the wake of Sergio Leone‘s film-making style and international box-office success. The term was used by American critics and other countries because most of these Westerns were produced and directed by Italians.

The film, A Fistful of Dollars was at first intended by Leone to reinvent the western genre in Italy. In his opinion, the American westerns of the mid- to late-1950s had become stagnant, overly preachy and not believable.

Clint Eastwood was not the first actor approached to play the main character. Originally, Sergio Leone intended Henry Fonda to play the “Man with No Name.” However, the production company could not afford to employ a major Hollywood star. Next, Leone offered Charles Bronson the part. He, too, declined, arguing that the script was bad. Both Fonda and Bronson would later star in Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

The Code of the West 

Cowboy Ethics – What it Takes to Win at Life is worth the quick read. James P. Owen’s Code of the West rings true for cowboys, farmers, miners, and folks behind the scenes in our industry.

Owen sees his four elements of character and ‘The Code of the West’ as a tool for self-discovery and personal success, “Whenever someone chooses to do the right thing, to tackle the tough job, or to stand up for what he or she truly believes in, that person quietly becomes a force of good.”

The Code of the West by James P. Owen 

  1. Live each day with courage.
  2. Take pride in your work.
  3. Always finish what you start.
  4. Do what has to be done.
  5. Be tough, but fair.
  6. When you make a promise, keep it.
  7. Ride for the brand.
  8. Talk less and say more.
  9. Remember that some things aren’t for sale.
  10. Know where to draw the line.

Divabetic Father’s Day: Celebrity Dads & Diabetes 

It’s been a few years since Tom Hanks shared that he was living  with type 2 diabetes during an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Tom revealed that he blames himself for not having followed a healthier diet when he was younger, explaining that it has led to his health struggles today.

“I’m part of the lazy American generation that has blindly kept dancing through the party and now finds ourselves with a malady,” the Saving Private Ryan star told the Radio Times. “I was heavy. You’ve seen me in movies, you know what I looked like. I was a total idiot.”

Tom Hanks admitted that he had been struggling with high blood sugar for years during his sit down interview with Dave.

“I went to the doctor and he said, ‘You know those high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you’ve graduated! You’ve got Type 2 diabetes young man,'” Tom Hanks told David, before adding that “it’s controllable.”

Tom’s wife, actress and producer Rita Wilson opened up about how the diagnosis has forced them to make some lifestyle changes

“We’ve really cut back a lot on sugar, and we find time in every day to exercise,” Wilson told People at the movie premiere of Fed Up, a documentary that explores the country’s current obesity epidemic. “We actually walk and hike together. We’re not going to be doing duo, tantric yoga, or whatever.”

In addition to revamping the couple’s diet and exercise routine, the health scare also gave Wilson a fresh mindset. “When [you] were younger, you used to watch what you eat and exercise because you wanted to look really awesome,” explained the actress. “And now it’s because you want to feel really awesome.”

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Spotlight podcast featuring Holly CleggThe happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on author and chef, Holly Clegg, in this half-hour special edition of Diva Talk Radio. This fun-filled food frenzy will feature expert advice on quick, flavorful and healthy eating from Holly’s latest book, ‘Too Hot in the Kitchen:  Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age’