Former member of the iconic funk soul band Chic (“Le Freak”,” Good Times”, “I Want Your Love”),Alfa Anderson joins us on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 2017, ^ PM, EST.
For years, Alfa was an integral member of Luther Vandross‘ touring band and performed at Wembley Stadium, among many other prestigious venues around the world. Her vocals can be heard on popular Luther Vandross albums such as ‘Give Me the Reason’ and ‘The Night I Fell in Love’, which Rolling Stone Magazine voted as one of the 100 Best Albums of the Eighties.
Alfa will share the inspiration behind her heartfelt tribute to her friend, Luther Vandross, the single, “When Luther Sings.”
SoulTracks said of “When Luther Sings”, “The feeling is at once nostalgic and modern, providing a summery vibe that is sure to make listeners groove both in the car and on the dance floor.”
Alfa will soon release her long-awaited debut solo album, ‘Music From My Heart‘ in July.
A celebrated R&B and dance music icon, Anderson first starred in Julian “Canonnball” Adderley’s “Big Man” at Carnegie Hall before defining a whole new era in music as one of the original lead vocalists in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-nominated group CHIC. Her voice powered classics like “I Want Your Love” and the #1 pop hits “Good Times” and “Le Freak,” which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. During her years as a New York session singer and touring vocalist, she sang background for music icons like Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, Valerie Simpson, Bryan Ferry, and Teddy Pendergrass. She recently guested on the first CHIC single in 23 years “I’ll Be There” (2015) and scored a Top 10 Billboard Dance hit as a featured vocalist on Next Step’s single with Kathy Sledge and Aristofreeks, “Get On Up” (2016).
“Music From My Heart” is my first solo album. The only vision I had when I started this project was to write from the stillness of my mind and heart. As melodies and lyrics began to flow, I realized that I had plenty to say about life, about love, about friendship, about struggle, about coming to terms with who I am. Kudos to Producer/Arranger Bert Price who collaborated with me to complete ‘Music From My Heart’. I share it with you with love and big hugs.”
Alfa Anderson also will celebrate the release of her album with an unforgettable night of music at Joe’s Pub on July 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at Joe’s Pub located at 425 Lafayette St (bet. E. 4th St & Astor Pl).
Our favorite “Divabetic” Patti LaBelle is living proof that diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle!
Her diagnosis of type 2 diabetes hasn’t stop two-time Grammy-winning legend Patti from taking on new challenges in her career. She just released a new album, “Bel Hommage,” a jazz covers album executive produced by her ex-husband Armstead Edwards (“he’s known me and my voice for over 30 years, so why not?” she says of the musical marriage) on a new label (GPE Records) she co-owns with their son and her manager, Zuri Edwards of Edwards Entertainment.
“Now you know that’s just how I roll,” Patti told Variety in a recent interview.
It’s been 55 years since her debut single and she’s still going strong even though she admits it took awhile for her to get in tune with her diabetes self-care. Patti now eats right, exercises daily, and takes her medicine regularly and is riding high on the success of her Good Life foods imprint with Walmart, starting with the famed “Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie,”and her show for the Cooking Channel’s “Patti LaBelle’s Place”.
However, we happy to hear that music, jazz in particular, remains the godmother of the ‘Divabetic’ movement’s first and truest love. When her ex-husband, Armstead Edwards, suggested that she record her jazz favorites, she jumped at the process, even though — at the time — she wasn’t completely confident in her vocal abilities. “I just didn’t like how I sounded. My voice wasn’t being kind to me. I knew I could be better. I didn’t think I could do it, but Armstead said ‘Blanche’ — that’s his nick name for me and my drama — ‘I know you have it in you.’ So I did it, and was in it to win it. Now, it sounds more beautiful than I ever imagined.”
LaBelle told Variety she fought with Edwards throughout the entire “Bel Hommage” recording process, “even when I knew he was right, just to stir thing up. There’s a lot of laughs, joy, and pain in that album.”
Several years ago, the rhythm-and-blues diva passed out on stage during a singing performance. That night, the doctor asked if she knew she had diabetes. “I didn’t have a clue,” Patti told Diabetic Living magazine. “I hadn’t gone to the doctor because nothing was hurting me.”
Our May Divabetic inspiration, Della Reese also experienced a situation similar to Patti Labelle’s when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She passed out on the set of her hit TV show, ‘Touched by An Angel”. Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE shares ways to help you overcome the initial shock related to a diabetes diagnosis on May’sDiabetes Late Nite podcast s with musical inspiration from Della Reese.
Patti’s diagnosis made her angry, even though she knew diabetes ran in her family.
Anger frequently contributes to diabetes burnout, a person’s anger may encourage them to seek ‘freedom’ from the condition and neglect their self-management.
According to Diabetes UK ‘mindfulness based approaches’ are recognized as an effective and lasting means of aiding the management of anger. Research has shown that by becoming aware of the triggers as well as the emotional, mental and physical impact of anger, an individual is able to recognize and respond rather than react to triggers which may have initiated an automatic reaction.
Eventually, Patti, like Della, decided she needed a ‘new attitude’, just like the title of her 1985 chart-topper. “I realized my blood glucose levels weren’t getting any better,” she says. “So I knew I had to stop playing around and get serious about this disease.”
https://youtu.be/vnDuExwDaxU
That’s good news because we just learned that Patti LaBelle has several albums ‘in the works’ including a gospel album, a dance-music album, and an album featuring the new first songs penned by fellow Philadelphians Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff .
“This is like a new beginning for me,” says LaBelle of “Bel Hommage,” “new, but still an old friend.”
I’m working on my newest tantalizing tale of culinary mystery and suspense, ‘Mister Divabetic Mystery – ‘One Murder Tutu Many’ which takes place in New York City’s vibrant ballet community.
When my character, Mr. Divabetic heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to fix a mix up with his tickets he’s faced with a even bigger problem – a murder. To make matters worse, one of his cheesecakes seems to be covering the victim’s face. Even more shocking are the numerous scandals swirling around the Gotham City Ballet and it’s members that have everyone walking around on tip toes. Could our happy healthcare host’s questionable culinary skills make him an accessory to the crime or even a possible side dish? Now Mr. Divabetic with the help of his team of whip smart Diabetes Educators must whip up his own crime-solving recipe, and fast–before a hearty dose of intrigue and a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all.
Cheesecake has been touted as the #1 American dessert so with cheesecake on my mind, I reached out to my friend, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg for one of her recipes, White Chocolate Cheesecake.
“White chocolate and cheesecake are outrageously delicious and especially when they are combined in one dazzling dessert. You will be begging for a second piece,” Holly said. “I like to top my cheesecake with raspberries because it gives it such a decorative touch.”
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 (8-ounce) packages reduced fat cream cheese
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1/4 cup all purpose flour
3 ounces white chocolate, melted
1 cup fat free sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
1. Preheat oven 325°F.
2. In bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, oatmeal, 2 tablespoons sugar, almond extract, and butter. Press onto the bottom and sides of spring-form pan.
3. In mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until light. Add eggs and egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Nex, add flour and white chocolate, mixing well. Add sour cream and vanilla: mix well.
4. Pour into prepared crust and bake for 55 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until well chilled and then remove from the pan.
16 servings
Nutritional information per serving Calories 217 | Calories from fat 44% | Fat 11 g Saturated Fat 6 g | Cholesterol 55 mg | Sodium 197 mg Carbohydrate 23 g | Dietary Fiber 0 g | Sugars 16 g | Protein 7 g Diabetic Exchanges 1 1/2 carbohydrate | 1 lean meat | 2 fat
I asked Holly why is this cheesecake is considered to be ‘trim & terrific’?
“If you order this cheesecake out it probably has 30 g sat fat and my recipe has 6 g sat fat,” says Holly. “Not all my recipes fit into the diabetic guidelines, however, this cheesecake is so much better for you! Cheesecake is usually high calorie and high fat. What did I do?”
“I used reduced- fat cream cheese with a combination of eggs and egg whites. I also used fat free sour cream to make the recipe creamy but not add extra fat. I include white chocolate to give it the flavor but probably another recipe would have double or triple the amount of white chocolate. Also, typically a crust would have a stick of butter in it and I use only 2 tablespoons. I pride myself on finding the balance of flavor and fat. It is important that this cheesecake tastes like an indulgence but I also want it to be better for you”
“I make this easy white chocolate cheesecake recipe ahead of time. Then, I let it cool and freeze to pull out whenever I need it. When your cheesecake is frozen, it is also so much easier to remove from the spring form pan to put on your desired serving plate. I took my White Chocolate Cheesecake out the day before and I put in the refrigerator for it to defrost.”
“This is my favorite recipe,” Holly said. “It is funny as once I made it for Thanksgiving and didn’t put the raspberries on top and it wasn’t as popular. We eat with our eyes!”
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: 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’
We all know high carbohydrate foods can raise blood sugars but did you know that they’re also raising eyebrows in the art world?
Chloe Wise’s viral “Bread Bag” series, in which she affixed luxury logos to carbohydrates and gave them names like Pancakes No. 5 and her videos, in which she and her friends recite things she’s overheard such as: “ I realized I eat quinoa all the time, and I don’t know what it is,” have caught the attention of the art world.
She spends about eight to 12 hours a day in her Brooklyn studio working on food projects depicting the sensual promises of chain restaurants including ‘Olive Garden of Eden’.
What’s the idea behind her carb heavy and highly caloric work?
“Part of it is how women are addressed in the media, like ‘You want to lose weight, you want to be healthy, you want to be the best you.’ For men, it’s like ‘Enjoy yourself’. For women, it’s like, ‘Cut Back’. And it truly affects us,” said Wise in New York magazine.
I think her approach to capturing the millions of contradictory messages being shot at us daily is necessary and so needed especially in the wake ofMick Mulvaney, President Trump’s budget chief’s recent comments.
In response to Senator Bill Cassidy’s position that any health insurance should pass the “Jimmy Kimmel test” (providing coverage for conditions like the heart issues suffered by TV comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s infant son that Kimmel described on his late night show), Mulvaney said that, while there should be coverage for diseases like cancer, coverage does not need to include “ordinary health care.” According to the Washington Examiner, Mick Mulvaney, President Trump’s budget chief, , diabetics have only themselves to blame for their illness:
“That doesn’t mean we should take care of the person who sits at home, eats poorly and gets diabetes.” said Mulvaney. “Is that the same thing as Jimmy Kimmel’s kid? I don’t think that it is.”
It’s shocking to me that anyone, let alone, a government official would make such an absurd and offensive comment. I’m not living under a rock. I know many people still blame people with diabetes for their health but I just didn’t expect to hear in this forum.
For the past 12 years, I’ve been fighting the shame and blame associated with a diabetes diagnosis the best way I know how; with a feather boa!
My diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic promotes a glamorous approach to managing diabetes to encourage someone at risk, affected by and living with diabetes ‘to keep their house’ a home and prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. I saw how destructive mismanaged diabetes can be when I found my former boss, Luther Vandross on the floor of his 5th Avenue apartment after suffering a stroke related to type 2 diabetes. These memories still haunt me to this day and motivate me to keep fighting!
I really like artist Chloe Wise and her ‘Bread Bags’ artwork. I thinks she’s helping us change conversations around food, food consumption and the shame and blame associated with it. She’s pointing out the subversive ways the food industry operates and how they like to play with our minds to get us to consume more and more food. Several of her works focus on thesubliminal sexual connotations of phrases like “luscious cream sauce” and dripping, oozing and naughty images used in chain restaurant advertisements. When you really stop and think about it, it’s pretty gross.
Unfortunately, a lot of people with diabetes don’t get the opportunity to think about these types of things because they’re too busy beating themselves up about their food choices and/or lack of ‘willpower.’
I say, ‘Don’t get down, get DIVA’. The best way to fight back is to embrace yourself, and your diabetes health. Once you truly accept your diagnosis you can strive to learn more, do more and live more!
Divabetic’s Diabetes Plate Poetry “What’ s on Your Plate?” video describes the emotional experience of living with diabetes. An important component of diabetes self-management, but often unaddressed, is the topic of emotional well being.
Are you afraid of eating Carbohydrates?
“Every day, people with diabetes are bombarded with messages to limit, restrict, avoid, and feel guilty for eating carbohydrates. Not surprisingly, my clients with diabetes often tell me they are afraid of eating carbs.” says Megrette Fletcher, M. Ed, RD, CDE.
So how does someone with diabetes stop being afraid of eating carbohydrates?
Restriction breeds fear and fear breeds restriction
If you are trying to be “good,” it’s a red flag that you may be stuck in a restrictive mindset. The idea of being “good” often start as an intention to make more informed choices, but when the reason you’re trying to “be good” is out of fear, something shifts. Fear can make any choice not good enough because fear moves the goal of eating a balanced meal to a meal that is better. “Better” of course means eating fewer and fewer carbohydrates until you have nearly eliminated carbohydrates from your diet, hoping that the fear of eating would end. But it doesn’t, does it?
Pause and ask yourself, “Do I think all foods can fit in your diet when you have diabetes?” Fear and being afraid, makes it hard to think, read a label, consider your options, or make a decision. In Megrette’s book Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes, she tackle how to resolve some of these difficult thoughts about food and eating. READ MORE
CLICK to LISTEN NOW: The State of Women’s Health on the Diabetes Late Nite. We’re talking about the state of women’s equality and diabetes and sexual health post-election. Guests include: Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Peak 10 Skincare founder and Domestic Violence Advocate Connie Elder, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, CDE, Asha Brown, and the President of Women in Government Relations, Kathryn Schubert.
Netflix’s Latino reboot of the popular sitcom ‘One Day at A Time’ from the 1970’s takes on mental health issues facing women and the stigma associated with it.
The new series centers on three generations of a Cuban American family. Justina Machado (“Six Feet Under”) stars as Penelope, a war veteran and recently single mother of two children, 14-year-old Elena (Isabella Gomez) and younger brother Alex (Marcel Ruiz). Rita Moreno stars as Penelope’s ‘diva-ish’, meddling mother who moves in to help.
After being prescribed medication for mental health, Penelope admits that most Cubans don’t follow their doctor’s orders when it comes to taking medication.
At the end of the episode, Penelope tells her mother that she started taking her medication.
https://youtu.be/wNFFleycS8k
Why is this important?
As a community, Latinos are less likely to seek mental health treatment. A 2001 Surgeon General’s report found that only 20% of Latinos with symptoms of a psychological disorder talk to a doctor about their concerns. Only 10% contact a mental health specialist. Yet, without treatment, certain mental health conditions can worsen and become disabling.
Many Latinos do not seek treatment because they don’t recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions or know where to find help. This lack of information also increases the stigma associated with mental health issues. Many Latinos do not seek treatment for fear of being labeled as “locos” (crazy) or as having a mental health condition because this may cause shame.
Common mental health disorders among Latinos are generalized anxiety disorder, major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcoholism. Additionally, Latina high school girls have high rates of suicide attempts.
Most people think of diabetes as a physical condition and have never really thought about the mental aspects with living with the condition according to Mark Heyman PhD, CDE. Even some people with diabetes are surprised that there are organizations like CDMH that focus on diabetes and mental health. They know that living with diabetes is hard for them, but often they are surprised to hear that their concerns are actually (and unfortunately) quite common.
Can a TV comedy help fight the stigma of mental health in the Latino community?
Although the answer remains to be seen, it’s important to note that twenty years ago another TV sitcom had a tremendous impact on different community facing a stigma.
Ellen DeGeneres’s Groundbreaking Coming Out on her sitcom Ellen. “The Puppy Episode” was watched by an estimated 44 million people, nearly three times the show’s usual ratings.
Ellen DeGeneres told the Associated Press during an interview reflecting on the episode’s 20th anniversary. “I suddenly said, ‘Why am I being, you know, ashamed of who I am just to be successful and famous in society’s eyes?’”
Many in the LGBT community have credited Ellen DeGeneres for making them feel comfortable with themselves and their sexuality, including Eric Marcus, creator and host of the podcast “Making Gay History.”
“For everyday people,” Marcus told the AP, “Ellen made gay okay.”
Ellen DeGeneres spoke to Diane Sawyer on 20/20and said, “I decided this was not going to be something that I was going to live the rest of my life being ashamed of.”
Believe it or not, Gloria Estefan’s take on the original theme song and gives it a flavorful update.
The original ‘One Day At A Time’, developed by Lear and created by Whitney Blake and Allan Manings, ran on CBS for nine seasons. It starred Bonnie Franklin as the divorced mother and co-starring Valerie Bertinelli and Pat Harrington.
In May, we’re shining the spotlight on singer, actress Della Reese who is living with type 2 diabetes. Della is best known for her gospel talents and long career in television, including her role on the show ‘Touched by an Angel.’
On Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 6 – 7 PM, EST we will discuss ways to help you overcome the shock of being diagnosed with diabetes, especially if it occurs after a traumatic health crisis.
“Every 25 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with diabetes,” said Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General. “It’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, costing thousands of lives and billions of dollars every year.”
Della Reese was officially diagnosed with diabetes after collapsing on the set of ‘Touched By An Angel.’
“I was feeling great. so I don’t even know how long I had had type 2 diabetes. I have no family history of diabetes whatsoever,” says Della Reese.
The diagnosis of a major disease truly shakes a person to their very core. It can changed your picture-perfect life completely.
Our lives certainly doesn’t stop once we’re diagnosed with a diabetes. There are many ways to get through the initial shock including:
Surrounding yourself with people you love: You need to connect with people who can be your rock/anchor, encouragement, or support, and most importantly, make you feel loved.
Don’t make rash decisions: Relax. Breathe. Take a time out. Do some research and get a second opinion (if necessary). These make all the difference in getting the best doctor and treatment.
Focus on your health: Stick to your self-care routine and your doctor’s appointments. If you need to let go of unnecessary things at the moment, do so.
Don’t let your emotions get the best of you: Trust that the intensity of your anger, sadness and/or frustration will subside with time.
Make some adjustments to your lifestyle: Taking good care of yourself is a start. Remember to reward yourself for getting enough rest, exercise, and choosing healthier options like brown rice, whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Join a diabetes support group: You will discover new ways of coping through the advice of others living with diabetes. Be sure that everything is kept confidential within the group.
According to a Health Guide online resource, bottling up your emotions increases your stress even more, and could lead to many more health problems.
In 2002, Reese announced on Larry King Live that she had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but didn’t come as a surprise considering what she ate and what her diet consisted of, as well as her weight. She loved cake, especially chocolate. She became a spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association, traveling around the United States to raise awareness about this disorder.
Della felt she could to control her disease when she did the best, “With diet, exercise and medication, I took control of my diabetes,” she stated. “I lost 20 pounds and lowered my blood sugar from between 275 and 300 to between 67 and 110.”
More recently, Della admitted to suffering from diabetes, “My life is at stake,” she said. “I don’t have type 2 diabetes — type 2 diabetes has me.”She contributed her declining diabetes health to years of eating her old, nightly snacks of fried chicken, potato chips, ice cream, candy bars and cola, who was very frustrated because she didn’t do anything to prevent herself.
How different is Della Reese’s diabetes health story from others living with type 2 diabetes?
Despite the national epidemic of type 2 diabetes, two out of three Americans with the disease don’t meet the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists’ target for blood sugar goals.
“People with diabetes face many daunting obstacles, but in my over 20 years of working as a certified diabetes educators, I think the biggest struggle is figuring out how to fit diabetes management into your life, so that diabetes doesn’t take over your life. Learning how to combine regular blood glucose testing, exercise, healthy eating, medications, regular eye exams, and daily foot care can seem overwhelming and seemingly impossible, says Lynn Grieger from Sharecare.“Taking a proactive approach, where diabetes self-care becomes a part of your life without taking over your life, is key for both a happy and fulfilling life, as well as a healthy life.”
According to the results of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists’ survey, 98 percent of people with type 2 diabetes believe blood sugar control is important. However, 61 percent weren’t aware of the A1C test. Even after they were told what it is, 51 percent didn’t know their last A1C result.
How well do you manage your diabetes?
According to the world health organization, diabetes affects 347 million people worldwide. However, the majority of people with diabetes are originally diagnosed with pre-diabetes, which presents the opportunity to alter unhealthy dietary habits and prevent full diabetes. Additionally, those with diabetes can prevent negative complications by heeding the advice of their healthcare professional, engaging in regular physical activity, and accurately managing glucose levels. In other words, diabetes health-related complications are largely preventable.
There is a distinction between living with diabetes and dying from it. The difference is YOU! Take action and take action early.
“The biggest struggle for people with diabetes is how to balance management of diabetes in one’s lifestyle. It is essential to seek emotional and medical support from family, friends and your health care team to feel your best. Be honest and positive, control your diabetes and do not let it control you,” says Laura Motosko, MSEd, RD.
TUNE IN: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Della Reese. Guests include Diabetes Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author from Chilbrook Kennels, Debby Kay, Central Farm Markets Co-Founder, Debra Moser, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Master Hairstylist Karline Ricketts, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from Della Reese’s albums including ‘Swing Slow & Cha Cha Cha’ courtesy of SONY Music.
For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promotinga ‘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 and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.
Our Cinco de Mayo Day Fiesta Celebration embraces the colorful fun of a fiesta to encourage you to entertain like a diva!
We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! Add a splash of color!
Color is a must but it can either fill the space or play off of white or neutrals. The colors one sees in Mexico are traditionally vibrant, but because they were originally produced from natural pigments they have a slightly muted or chalky quality that tones them down just a bit.
Decorate your fiesta with these festive tissue-paper streamers, bowl bands, and flags. Tissue paper flowers made great decorations. We put them in flower pots, use them as streamers, and wear them as accessories. READ MORE
While the basics of Mexican restaurant entrees — rice, corn, beans, tomatoes, and chiles — are packed with nutrients, beware of entrees loaded with fatty cheeses, refried beans, and sour cream. Follow these tips to enjoy flavorful Mexican food without derailing your ‘divabetic’ diet:
Platter-size entrees with all the fixings can total 1,500 calories. Take half home or order a la carte to get only what you want. Cheese and sour cream top many entrees. Ask for reduced-fat sour cream (or skip it altogether) and lower-fat sauces, such as a red sauce rather than cream sauce. Crispy entrees usually mean the dish has been deep-fried. Opt for corn or whole wheat tortillas instead.
Sure, 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 Cinco de Mayo to try a new recipe?
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease muffin tin or use paper liners.
Combine dry ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer mixing at low speed just until combined. Add butter and mix until the butter coats the flour.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla. Turn on the mixer and add the egg mixture to the dry mixture in 3 parts until combined. Do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly among the muffin tins. filling each 1/2 full. This should make about 16 cupcakes. Let sit 10 minutes before baking. Bake about 17 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool completely.
Hollow out the center of the cupcakes. Fill with lime curd, pipe frosting, and garnish with lime slices, mint and lime zest.
Lime Curd Ingredients
3 eggs
1 cup Whey Low D Granular or equivalent dry sugar substitute
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 Tbsp lime zest
Beat together the eggs and sugar substitute in the top of a double boiler. Stir in juice, butter and zest. Cook over simmering water 15 minutes or until thickened. Cool.
Whipped Cream Frosting Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream
6 Tbsp powdered sugar or powdered sugar substitute
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Add ingredients to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until soft peaks form. Pipe onto cupcakes. This whipped cream recipe is not stabilized, so frost and garnish right before serving.
Did you know that ‘Mexico’s soda tax will save 18,900 lives and more than $983 million over 10 years?
Mexico’s soda tax has continued to help reduce Mexico’s consumption of unhealthy beverages reported by Reuters. Purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages were down nearly 10 percent in the second year of the tax, a new study shows.
Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force described the new study as “encouraging for many cities and countries around the world which are exploring ways to shift the rising tide of diabetes.”
Similar taxes have been levied in countries around the globe – from Colombia to France and South Africa, and in American cities, from Berkeley, California, to Philadelphia. READ MORE
The LA Times reports that if Mexicans sustain this pattern of consuming fewer sweetened beverages, the model developed by researchers predicts that over 10 years, the 10% excise tax could prevent 189,300 new cases of Type 2 diabetes, 20,400 strokes and heart attacks, and 18,900 deaths among adults 35 to 94 years old.
From 2013 to 2022, the reductions in diabetes alone could yield savings in projected healthcare costs of $983 million dollars, the researchers concluded.
Margaritas may be a tasty accompaniment to your tacos or enchiladas, but these are among the highest-calorie alcoholic beverages you can choose. Laced with sugar and sweet liqueur, just one margarita may contain as many calories as your meal. The actual count will vary by recipe, and you can create a much lighter version with some key ingredient substitutions.
Eight ounces of a standard margarita on the rocks will set you back about 455 calories, while a 12-ounce margarita has about 680 calories. You can lighten up your drink by limiting the Cointreau — or triple-sec, which is sometimes used instead — and by using fresh lime juice instead of a sweetened version. Omit sweet-and-sour syrup and sugar, and use just one ounce of tequila to further reduce calories. If your drink seems too small, add come zero-calorie soda water.
Or why not treat yourself to a alcohol-free sparkler, made fast with a tangy blend of frozen juice concentrates?
1 can (6 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)
1 can (6 oz) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 cups crushed ice
2 cups club soda, chilled
Mocktail Margarita Directions
Rub rims of glasses with lime wedges; dip in salt to coat.
In blender, place lemonade and limeade concentrates, powdered sugar and ice. Cover; blend until slushy. Add club soda; stir gently. Pour mixture carefully into glasses. Garnish with lime wedges.
Four years ago,Actress and Diabetes Advocate, Salma Hayek launched Nuance, an expansive collection of lipsticks, blushes, bronzers, face serums, shampoos, and conditioners inspired by her grandmother. These days, it’s safe to say that she’s got the art of looking good down to a science.
“This is embarrassing to say but I wear makeup a lot,” says Selma. “Not every day, I try to let my skin rest, but when I do, I shade my face to give it more depth and to slim my jaw. People think you contour only to get cheekbones, but if you study your face and realize that dark colors will diminish features and lighter colors will bring out features, you can design the face you want.”
Salma Hayek developed diabetes while she was pregnant. “I got gestational diabetes, which I didn’t realize at first. It occurs in women who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy,” says Salma. “I didn’t know whether I was feeling bad because I was pregnant or whether something was seriously wrong. I was nauseated for nine months, which can be one of the symptoms.”
All pregnant women are at some level of risk for gestational diabetes. Since it affects as many as 18% of all pregnant women, it is one of the most common conditions associated with pregnancy. Learn more about gestational diabetes
Our Divabetic ‘Cinco de Mayo Fiesta’ Playlist contains a fabulous mix of Selena’s greatest hits. Selena was an American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, model, actress, and fashion designer. Called the Queen of Tejano music, her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century
https://youtu.be/SQqehP4YaRQ
LISTEN NOW: Drinking & Diabetes? on Diabetes Late Nite podcast with inspiration from Kathie Lee and Hoda. Find out how alcohol effects your blood sugars. While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels. If you are in doubt about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you, check with your doctor.
SAVE THE DATE: Don’t miss our first-ever Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show on Sunday, June 4, 2017, 11 AM – 1 PM at Mosaic Central Farm Markets in Mosaic, VA. Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author Debby Kay from Chilbrook Kennels, and certified diabetes educator Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE will on hand to answer your questions.
For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promotinga ‘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 and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.
Our Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration embraces an Old Hollywood aesthetic to encourage you to shine the spotlight on you and your diabetes health!
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 Mother’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?
One of our favorite experts,‘The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alpershares this Oscar worthy menu for a Diabetic Mother’s Day Celebration.The Decadent Diabetic’s menu includes Cucumber Soup, Smoked Salmon & Brie Omelet, Roasted Asparagus and Tart A Citron. Below is Chef’s Ward Alper’s recipe for Catalina Cucumber Soup. (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).
(4 8 ounce servings, Net carbohydrates: 6 per serving)
Ingredients:
1 medium to large sweet onion Sliced (thick or thin, your choice)
2-3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2-4 cloves crushed and chopped garlic (depends on how much you love garlic)
1 – big stalk of celery, roughly chopped
Black pepper to taste
Salt to taste
2 Tablespoons flour
1 ½ quarts Low sodium chicken broth
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons fresh dill (1 if you use dried)
3-large Cucumbers
3-4 heaping tablespoons sour cream
Chef Ward Alper’s Preparation:
Note: No need to finely chop any of the vegetables in this recipe. They will all be blended smooth at the end.
Peel the cucumbers and using the tip of a teaspoon, remove all of the seeds from the cucumbers Chop roughly.
In a good sized soup pot sauté onion in olive oil or butter until soft but not brown. Add salt and pepper about one minute into the process.
Add garlic and flour. Cook for one minute or so. Slowly add the chicken broth stirring so as not to have lumps. Add the juice and zest of the lemon.
Add ½ of the cucumbers to the broth. Simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat.Remove from heat, let cool, and then add the remaining portions of the cucumbers, reserving some if you wish for garnish. Using an immersion blender, whip the soup until smooth.
Add the sour cream. Blend to combine.
Note: Quickest if you have an immersion blender stick, but it works in a processor. Just do it in small batches.
Let cool in the refrigerator overnight!
While your soup’s cooling why not turn up the heat with a touch of Old Hollywood glamour?
Spokesmodel, Author and Diabetes Advocate Doris Hobbs (‘Rich In Love’) beautifully captures the essence of Old Hollywood in this vintage ensemble.
“A type 1 diabetic since 2014, I follow the strength of my father who has been living with type 1 diabetes since the age of two. His determination to take control of the illness has shaped my mission,” says Doris.
Doris is living proof that living with type 1 diabetes doesn’t have dim your dazzle!
She adds, “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!”
You don’t need to be a red carpet Old Hollywood bombshell to harness the power of black clothing because it matches everything! It’s great for mixing and matching, for layering or for helping your ‘Revenge’ red lips standout.
MAKE UP TIP: Grab a lipstick brush and your favorite shade of red to apply a gorgeous red lip, completing the Old Hollywood glam look. To clean up the edges and define your lips, dip a concealer brush into just a pinch of concealer and outline your lips, paying particular attention to the corners and the cupid’s bow for extra crisp definition.
The key to achieving a classic, glamorous Old Hollywood look and style of entertaining lies in the details. We all know that the little details that make the ordinary become extraordinary can be daunting! But the first detail to achieving the glamorous life of your favorite Old Hollywood actress, Loretta Young, Grace Kelly or Norma Shear is focusing on you and your diabetes health!
Prioritize means “to put in order of importance”.And as a busy mom, grandmother and/or daughter with diabetes you must continually do this over and over again, making choices based on the priorities you have built. If you aren’t clear on your priorities I believe you will continually run into trouble trying to balance everything. Do you know what your priorities are for yourself and your diabetes health? Are you living your daily life with those in mind? I think a great way to get an handle on what those priorities are is to take a walk outside alone without your iPhone. Take a minute to smell the Spring flowers and when you get back from your walk, sit down and make a list.
“ If you’re not organized, you can’t find what you need to cook anything, says Susan. “A for meal preparation. That means instead of stuffing certain items in your cupboard or fridge just because you found a space where it fits, organize by use instead. Group similar items together and keep healthy snacks in plain view.”
Do you have a few empty make-up bags from a give-away or promotion?
Susan suggests “to stay organized, use a medium-size makeup bag for blood glucose-checking supplies and a different one for fast-acting sources of carbs, such as glucose tablets. Keep your supplies close to you in style!”
Speaking of giveaways, pampering gifts like products from PEAK 10 SKIN®are always a great treat to any Mom…at any age! Whether it’s your daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, wife or your Mother, women love things that make them feel pampered and special. PEAK 10 SKIN® have a couple different gift sets that we put together with Mom’s in mind, but they will also custom design a gift for the Mom’s in your life. For custom gifts, simply call or email us. Beautiful gift wrap available , too! Remember, all of products are professional spa quality and are paraben FREE, gluten FREE, cruelty FREE!
PEAK 10 SKIN® is offering this Special 30% Discount Offer to our Divabetic community (use the Divabetic coupon code: divabetic (all lowercase))
Don’t forget to use your coupon code: B2B(40% off)
PEAK 10 SKIN® recently repackaged the new SOOTHE hand cream in a pot for ease of use. The product was too thick to come out of the tube with ease. It comes in 2 sizes; 2oz/$18 and 4oz/$28. These could be perfect gifts as well. These prices are BEFORE your discount is applied.
Making a Mani/Pedi kit of SAVE MY SOLE & SOOTHE hand cream would be fabulous! If you get the 2oz of each, that would be a $36 retail/$21.60 for you!
Chronically high blood sugar (glucose) levels can be associated with serious complications in people who have diabetes. The feet are especially at risk.
Dr. Michele Summers Colon known as ‘The Holistic Podiatrist’ discusses two common foot issues for people with diabetes, on April’s Diabetes Late Nitepodcast.
A bunion is a common condition that involves an abnormal, bony bump at the base of the big toe, causing the joint to swell outward and become painful. The big toe may also turn inward toward the second toe as a result of the enlarged joint, which can then lead to difficulty walking, ingrown toenails and corns and calluses.
Although bunions are not usually a serious condition, they can be painful and embarrassing. If left untreated, they will usually grow larger and more painful over time. It is important to seek medical attention and discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Dr. Michele says, “bunions and hammertoes are genetic. Certain shoes can make the problem worse if you already have them but shoes won’t cause them.”
Bunions can form when there is an improper balance of forces exerted on the joints of the foot, causing instability in the joint of the big toe.
Surgery is only thing that will put the toes back in place.
Some people have a bunion but they don’t have a pain at all and they don’t need surgery,” says Dr. Michele. She adds, “You have to think about your pain level, are you getting pressure points and/or can you even wear shoes. When you answer those questions you can determine if you need surgery.”
Several diabetes foot-related problems can be prevented by taking careful steps to observe and care for your feet. Keeping tight management of yourblood sugar levels (in the ranges advised by your doctor), and following your recommended diet and exercise program are the best way to prevent all complications of diabetes, including foot problems.
LISTEN: April’s Diabetes Late Nite featuring music by Lang Lang. Guests include Dr. Michele Summer Colon, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
Tune in to our Diabetes Mystery podcast, “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas” in September to learn more about Diabetes Foot Health.
In honor of our Divabetic inspiration, Luther Vandross’ upcoming birthday on Thursday, April 20th we’re raising awareness for stroke, a common diabetes health-related complication.
I’ll never forget the day I found my former boss, Luther, laying on the floor of his 5th Avenue after suffering a stroke due to mismanaging his type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately his ability to make a full recovery was greatly inhibited because too much time elapsed between his initial stroke symptoms and receiving the proper treatment. Luther’s stroke was given the power to rob him of one of the greatest joys in his life; performing on stage. And we, the fans, also suffered from not hearing his voice.
My experience taught me just how important it is to act ‘FAST’ when you or someone you love experiences a stroke.
FAST is an acronym used as a mnemonic to help detect and enhance responsiveness to stroke victim needs. The acronym stands for Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency services. Facial drooping: A section of the face, usually only on one side, that is drooping and hard to move.
Stroke is a condition in which blood supply to be the brain is affected. A stroke can sometimes lead to permanent damage including communication problems, paralysis and visual problems.
Statistically, people with diabetes have a higher risk of dying from heart disease and stroke than the general population.
Overall, African-Americans suffer more strokes than any other group of people. “There are statistics showing that [they] have about twice the mortality of stroke than Caucasians,” explains Ralph L. Sacco, MD, neurologist-in-chief at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Fla., and spokesperson for the American Stroke Association. These statistics show just how high the stroke risk is:
For men between the ages of 45 and 54, which was the case for Luther, the risk of ischemic stroke — the most prevalent type of stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks an artery — is three times higher in African-Americans than in Caucasians.
Awareness of your personal risk factors is the first step toward lowering your chance of stroke. Then, with a combination of medical treatment for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes coupled with a heart-healthy diet and exercise plan, you can help keep yourself from becoming one of those statistics.
By maintaining stable blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, people with diabetes can increase their chances of preventing a stroke
I hope you will learn from my experience and use the letters in “fast” to spot stroke signs and know when to call 9-1-1. If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and say, “I think this is a stroke” to help get the person to the hospital immediately. Time is important! Don’t delay, and also note the time when the first symptoms appeared. Emergency responders will want to know.
LISTEN:Luther Vandross Tribute podcast featuring fans, friends and former bandmates with hits from the 1990’s. Guests include Paulette McWilliams, Pat Lacy, Tawatha Agee, Cindy Mizelle and Kevin Owens, band member Bryon Miller, Vandross family member, Seveda Williams, friends Darren Margo and David Jones, the Luther Vandross historian, Leon Petrossian and Luther super fan, Jane Goodman from Great Britain
LISTEN:Luther Vandross Tribute podcast featuring fans, friends and former bandmates with hits from the 1980’s. Guests include former band members Alfa Anderson and Ivan Hampton, Jr., SONY Music executive Jeff James, Seveda Williams, Dave Jones and Darren Margo.
Divabetic (divabetic.org), the organization inspired by Luther’s diabetes journey revisits the late singer’s career in the decade of sparkle, divas and big hair to celebrate the artistry of the prolific singer-songwriter and record producer. This Luther tribute podcast remembers the moments, the music, the man and the motivation to ensure that no one has to struggle with diabetes alone or in silence.
In honor to Luther, keep ‘your house a home’ and learn how to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. Help us spread the POWER of LOVE!
“Music From My Heart” is my first solo album. The only vision I had when I started this project was to write from the stillness of my mind and heart. As melodies and lyrics began to flow, I realized that I had plenty to say about life, about love, about friendship, about struggle, about coming to terms with who I am. Kudos to Producer/Arranger Bert Price who collaborated with me to complete ‘Music From My Heart’. I share it with you with love and big hugs.”
Color is a must but it can either fill the space or play off of white or neutrals. The colors one sees in Mexico are traditionally vibrant, but because they were originally produced from natural pigments they have a slightly muted or chalky quality that tones them down just a bit.
