Food and Nutrition – Page 23

06/03/201706/03/2017

Is Zac Pozen the first Foodie Fashionista?

“Fashion people are supposed to be scared of food!” joked fashion designer, Zac Posen while promoting his new cookbook, ‘Cooking with Zac’ on a panel discussion at the Book Expo in New York, NY.

But apparently he’s not!

Somehow Zac Posen manages to find enough time to cook between designing his Zac Posen and ZAC Zac Posen lines, acting as the creative director of Brooks Brothers, and serving as a judge on Project Runway!

For this fashion designer entrepreneur it seems ‘branzino’ is the new black as he puts designs on becoming a full-fledged lifestyle brand.

‘Fashion and food’ have always had a fatal, fabulous attraction—but Zac says “I don’t feel guilty about eating, as long as you do it in moderation.”

What are some other similarities Zac Posen sees between cooking and creating a garment?

“You have to start with good ingredients: good fabrics and good materials, a clear concept and the flow of it. A composition-flavor and taste, it’s like how a garment feels and wears. Then your dessert is your evening wear,” he says.

Honestly just thinking about Zac’s hectic lifestyle makes me want to order dinner from Seamless – so exactly how does he manage to do it?!!!

“Basically, that’s how I de-fashion,” he tells Vogue.com over the phone from his studio, where he has taken a reprieve from tailoring a black wool dress.

While most of us might be surprised to find he’s written a cookbook his 1 million followers on Instagram, where he documents many of his culinary experiments. are not.

“If it had not been for the response from the followers on social media, I never would have taken the plunge and put a cookbook together,” says Posen. His hashtag, for those who are interested, is #CookingWithZac.

When did he start to cook?

“When I was growing up, my dad cooked for the family every day, and on special weekends, my mom would bake with me. I had trouble relating to my middle-school classmates, so baking became my escape. I made elaborate cakes,” says Zac.

His dishes run the gamut from the well-known (strawberry rhubarb pie) to the elaborate and experimental (Kenchinjiru, a Japanese Buddhist vegetable soup). Whether you’re planning a meal or a fashion line, the goal is to create a masterpiece.

Finally, what cookbooks does Zac Posen love?

“Two cookbooks changed my life: La Varenne Pratique, which taught me techniques, and Martha Stewart’s first book, Entertaining. Now that I have the basics down, I don’t really use cookbooks—I can whip up dinner in an hour!,” says Zac.

Zac Posen’s Molasses-and-Sesame-Seed Cookies

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup almond flour
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup salted butter
1 cup caster sugar
1 large egg
1/4 tsp. water
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup sesame seeds

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift all the dry ingredients together in a bowl. In a larger bowl, beat the sugar and the butter until fluffy. Stir in the egg, water and molasses. Then mix in the dry ingredients to form a dough. Using about a tablespoon-and-a-half of the dough each time, roll the dough into balls with sesame seeds. Slightly flatten the balls with the palm of your hand and place on a tray. Bake for 10–15 minutes and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Zac Posen (Cooking With Zac – Rodale), Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani (Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World – Penguin Young Readers), and Veronica Roth (Divergent series) appeared on a panel to discuss their views on creativity while sharing insights into their newest books. Ben Dreyfuss, Senior Editor, Growth and Engagement of Mother Jones, will be the moderator.

More Divabetic Book Expo Buzz

Three additional buzz-worthy books that caught my eye at Book Expo in New York were ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid and ‘Single But Dating’ by Sexologist, Relationship Expert, Dr. Nikki Goldstein and the American Diabetes Association’s ‘The Diabetes Carbohydrate & Fat Gram Guide’ by Lea Ann Holzmeister, RD, CDE.

Pop Sugar calls ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is a wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet and her tumultuous Tinseltown journey comes with unexpected twists and the most satisfying of drama.”

Although the book’s cover boasts “a spellbinding novel about love, glamour, and the price of fame, what grabbed my attention was the storyline’s similarity to last year’s Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast: ‘Suspect Boulevard’!

Don’t let diabetes kill Romance (in a digital age!)

Diabetes takes an often unspoken toll on a woman’s sex life. Close to a third of women with diabetes report low sexual satisfaction, according to a recent study in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, and women who take insulin for managing diabetes are nearly twice as likely to say they aren’t satisfied sexually as their peers who aren’t living with diabetes.

Improving diabetes management can help improve intimacy, but still single women diabetes may find they need some ‘extra’ help besides a good lubricant and blood glucose monitor to navigate the dating scene in this age of smartphones. If that’s the case, Australia’s most popular sex therapist, Dr. Nikki Goldstein has an array of practical steps to regain a vibrant sex life!

Dr. Nikki Goldstein says, “t’s important to challenge the ideals that surround you to become the most dateable version of you and to make the best decision for yourself, enjoying this single but dating life along the way.”

Dr. Nikki Goldstein dispenses advice on how to tackle a broad variety of relevant topics like how to let go of outdated beliefs around what it means to be single, how to become technosexually savvy, how to know if you are overtexting, when to enact a man-ban and how to deal with new dating phenomena like ghosting.

Finally, I stopped by the American Diabetes Association(ADA)’s booth to find out what new offerings there are for ‘Divabetics’ from the publishing world. I hate to admit it but the ADA’s marketing geniuses think the best way to package invaluable diabetes education and advice is to put it in a brown paper bag. There’s no glitz, no glamour to spark your interest! Maybe they should consider publishing a Divabetic-style book for people with diabetes with a ‘glam more, fear less’ attitude?!

If you don’t judge a book by it’s cover then the pocket size, user-friendly ‘The Diabetes Carbohydrate & Fat Gram Guide’ is a great addition to any Divabetic’s bookshelf. The guide describes how to use many generic and brand-name foods in meal planning and teaches you to convert carbohydrate grams into carbohydrate exchanges. Nutrient counts for food planning, how to understand grocery store food labels, and how to incorporate different sources of food-count information into meal planning are also covered. Lea Ann Holzmeister, R.D., C.D.E., is a nutrition consultant and a certified diabetes educator, and is widely published in diabetes education.

TUNE IN: May’s episode of Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 6 PM, EST. 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 several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music

05/28/201705/28/2017

Divabetic Memorial Day Celebration with Dessert by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

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

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.

One of my favorite memories of our diva-style outreach came the day after I presented our ‘Divabetic- Makeover Your Diabetes’ outreach event in Washington, DC. I took my parents to see Arlington National Cemetery. My father, who is a veteran of the Korean War, enjoyed seeing the Changing Of the Guard Ritual. The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are “Known But to God.”

Did you know Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.

Having friends and family over for a get-together over the long weekend can be stressful of anyone, especially when you’re living with diabetes. Stacey ‘The Diabetic Pastry’ Chef shares a sugar free dessert recipe to make your Memorial Day memorable.

Type 2 diabetes doesn’t stop Stacey Harris. From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, This pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be as well as … sugar free!

Berry tartlets with blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, strawberries, almond flakes in icing sugar

Sugar- Free Fruit Tartlets by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Cookie Crust (Ingredients):

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup Whey Low D Granular, or equivalent dry sugar substitute

2 large eggs

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

3/4 cup white whole wheat flour

Directions: In the bowl of a mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth. Add the sugar substitute and mix until incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time beating until combined after each. Add the flour all at once and mix on low just until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Roll out and use fluted 3″ cookie cutter to cut and place in 24 mini muffin cups. Bake in 350 degree preheated oven until golden brown approximately 10 minutes.

Custard:

1/3 cup Whey Low D Granular, or equivalent dry sugar substitute

3 Tbsp cornstarch

1/8 tsp salt

2 cups milk

2 egg yolks, slightly beaten

1 Tbsp butter

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions: In medium saucepan, combine the dry ingredients. Gradually stir in the milk, and cook over medium heat until the mixture boils and thickens while stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. In small bowl, blend approximately 1/3 of the hot mixture into the egg yolks. Return the yolk mixture to the hot mixture and blend well. Cook the mixture until it bubbles, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla. Cool. Fill each muffin cup about half way with the cooled custard and add topping. Fruits can be brushed with a little heated currant jelly if you would like them to appear glossy. Refrigerate until serving time.

Topping: Various fruits and berries such as: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, sliced almonds, confectioners sugar or substitute for dusting and/or mint leaves for garnishing

Divabetic Fact: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that nearly one in four men and women (24 percent) who served their country have diabetes.

Set the table for a whole season of festive cookouts by giving it a new summer coat. The wooden slats of a classic picnic table provide a ready-made outline for stripes. Red and white are very versatile — with blue napkins and flag “bouquets,” the table’s ready for patriotic gatherings; adorned with bright red, orange, or yellow tableware, it would have “casual barbecue” painted all over it. READ MORE

Divabetic Playlist: “Soldier Boy” is a song written by Luther Dixon and Florence Greenberg. The song was released as a single by The Shirelles in 1962 and met with great success, topping the US Billboard Hot 100. The song’s lyrics are a profession of the singer’s love for the titular soldier boy in which she promises to remain true to him while he’s away.

How to enjoy Memorial Day foods without packing on pounds

Plenty of us will be heading to Memorial Day picnics and barbecues this weekend, but is it possible to enjoy the food without ruining your diet? NBC health and nutrition editor Madelyn Fernstrom is here to help you make smart food choices with a game she calls “Pick It or Nix It?” with Hoda and Kathie Lee. WATCH NOW

The first step to a successful ‘DIVABETIC’ manicure and pedicure is to know where to go. Inexpensive salons often have unlicensed technicians who are not educated about proper hygiene and cleanliness. Inspect the spa before you make an appointment. Ask about their cleaning and sterilization procedures. READ MORE

Break out the red, white and blue nail polish, ladies, because Memorial Day weekend is here! As with most holidays (read: every holiday ever), nail art should pay tribute to what’s being celebrated, and what better what to celebrate Memorial day than with some patriotic nail art to match your flag-inspired bathing suit?

Do you ever feel ‘guilty’ about living with diabetes?

Unfortunately a heavy dose of guilt is a frequent companion to diabetes.

“I spend a lot of time talking to my clients about guilty feelings. Usually related to not being compliant,” said Dr. Gary McClain, a therapist specializing in helping clients with the emotional impact of chronic illness, catted with members of the diabetes community about coping with diabetes guilt for Diabetes Connect’s website.

“Actions aren’t the only cause of guilt. My clients tell me they also feel guilty when they think of ways to avoid being compliant. I have had clients tell me that just thinking about a Hershey bar can make them feel guilty in anticipation of cheating. Interaction with the doctor is a big source of guilt. Clients often talk about not being quite honest with their doctors. Some of my clients are so focused that just a minor slip-up on their diet will result in lots of guilty feelings and self-criticism,” he added. READ MORE

Divabetic Fact: Veterans who develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their diabetes and service to be eligible to receive VA health care and disability compensation. READ MORE

Join us when we celebrate Service Dogs at Mosaic Central Farm Markets in Fairfax, VA on Sunday, June 4, 2017, PM.With their superior sense of smell, diabetes alert dogs have the ability to sniff out low blood glucose levels. Dog Expert Debby Kay and Kathy Gold RN, CDE help me host the Red Tomato Carpet at our first-ever Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show. READ MORE

Divabetic Playlist: “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” was a major hit for The Andrews Sisters and an iconic World War II tune. It can be considered an early jump blues recording. The song is ranked No. 6 on Songs of the Century. Bette Midler‘s 1972 recording of the song reached the top ten on the U.S. pop singles chart.

Don’t miss June’s episode of Diabetes Late Nite with music by Maxwell on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We’re talking about Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) which is an accumulation of fluid in the macula-part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. In order to develop DME, you must first have diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.

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 several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.

05/24/201705/24/2017

Deep Fried Cozy Mystery ‘A Frying Shame’ Is Half Baked

At the midway point of the mystery, ‘A Frying Shame,’ by author Linda Reilly the story began to lose it’s taste faster than deep fried food after it gets cold.

“The town of Wrensdale is abuzz with excitement when Steeltop Foods sponsors a cooking contest to promote its new product, the Flavor Dial. With a $25,000 prize at stake, all the contestants are on edge, including Talia Marby, owner of Fry Me A Sliver. She hopes her mini deep-fried apple pies will win her the money to pay off the renovations on her restaurant. But when Norma Ferguson wins with her flaky-top chicken stew, the tensions dial up even more.

After Norma is found dead at her cooking station, the police suspect a losing contestant got a little too hot under the collar. Now it’s crunch time as Talia works to catch the killer and clear her name before another cook gets burned. Includes delicious recipes!”

Several lines in this cozy mystery such as, “You should have kept your nose out of things and stayed in the kitchen, like a proper woman supposed is to” are prime examples of why I wanted to put this book in a deep fryer. But as an avid reader who also happens to be a diabetes advocate that’s about all I’m going to put into the fryer because the more fried food you eat, the more likely you are to suffer from Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, reveals new research.

I know a lot of people read cozy mysteries featuring recipes for ‘escape’ but I still don’t want to encourage Reilly’s readers to make their exit in an ambulance.

A U.S.-based study team compared people who ate fried food less than once a week with those who gobbled things like fries, fried chicken, or other deep-fried snacks four to six times a week and foound their risk for Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease jump 39% and 23%, respectively. The risks rose even more for people who ate fried food on a daily basis

The good new is that foods fried in trans-fat-free oils—now offered at many restaurants since FDA cracked down on trans fats—may not present the same health hazards. Cooking at home with fresh oils might also limit your exposure to unhealthy compounds.

Still love the fryer?

Okay, deep fried ‘taters might be tempting, but carrot fries taste just as good. Roast your carrots and top them with some fresh Parmesan and basil for a sweet and savory treat that packs only 83 calories per serving. Want more options? Try these seven other French fry recipes you’ll love. Photo and recipe: Alexa Schirm / Life by Daily Burn

I’d like to add that the ending oft the ‘Frying Shame’ makes finishing the book worth it. The killer gets just what he or she deserves. I loved it.

I picked this book up at the New York Public library because I’ve started working on a new Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast. My goal is to write a compelling cozy mystery packed with diabetes self-care advice from qualified diabetes educators. I also like to include delicious healthy recipes from several of my favorite chefs such as Chef Robert ‘The Happy Diabetic’ Lewis, Holly Clegg and Stacey ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ Harris to name a few.

LISTEN NOW: Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast: ‘Suspect Boulevard’, The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast. Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

05/22/2017

Grilled Garlic and Lemon Zucchini Chips Recipe from ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’

Oh, how I wish I could say this cozy mystery, ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Guacamole’ by Rebecca Adler was as good as it’s catchy title! Unfortunately the characters don’t appeal to me especially Josie who seems to be able to down a Dr. Pepper in one gulp. Do you know that drinking one or two sugary drinks a day increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26 percent?

We absorb liquid sugar in as little as 30 minutes, much faster than a candy bar, leading to a spike in blood sugar that the body is not well-equipped to handle, particularly in repetition. These spikes in blood sugar can overwhelm the body and lead to the transformation of sugar into fat in the liver, which contributes directly to the development of type 2 diabetes

Tex-Mex waitress and part-time reporter Josie Callahan is about to serve up some Lone Star justice in this spicy Taste of Texas Mystery from the author of Here Today, Gone Tamale.

If anything this book is inspiring me to write this year’s Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast. “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’, featuring diabetes summer self-care tips and healthy recipes from Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ and this one below for Zucchini Chips from Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’.

Grilled Garlic and Lemon Zucchini Chips Recipe by ‘The Happy Diabetic’

What’s in it!

1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Juice of 1 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 medium zucchini, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Let’s Put It Together!

In a small bowl, whisk together Extra virgin olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning and lemon juice
with salt and pepper, to taste. Brush zucchini slices with oil mixture.
Heat a grill pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini in a single layer and grill until charred on both sides and just beginning to soften, about 2 minutes per side.

Nutritional Information: Calories 125.3, Calories from Fat 106.2, Total Fat 11.8g18%, Saturated Fat 7.4g37%, Trans Fat 0.6g, Cholesterol 30.5mg10%, Sodium 10.9mg0%, Total Carbohydrate 5.2g2%, Dietary Fiber 1.1g4%, Sugars 2.8g, Protein 1.5g

Don’t miss our upcoming Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ debuting in September 2017. Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic’s 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, Mama Rose Marie, he heads for Coney Island, NY for the 35th Annual Mermaid Parade 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?

05/15/201705/16/2017

White Chocolate Cheesecake by Holly Clegg inspires New Mister Divabetic Mystery

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.”

White Chocolate Cheesecake from Gulf Coast Favorites Cookbook by Holly Clegg

Ingredients

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

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’

05/10/201705/11/2017

Divabetic Old Hollywood Mother’s Day Celebration, Pt. 4

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 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!

We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! You can still embody Old Hollywood glamour and the kind of woman who is accustomed to attention from throngs of paparazzi!

Sure, it can be challenging 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 Alper shares this Oscar worthy menu for a Divabetic 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 Tallulah Tart A Citron (See all of the Decadent Diabetic’s Old Hollywood inspired Mother’s Day recipes on Divabetic blog).

Tallulah Tart A Citron Recipe by The Decadent Diabetic

Crust Ingredients:

Pam Spray for the pan

(9-10 inch removable bottom fluted tart pan)

2/3. flour

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

¼ c. GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE

1 pinch salt

¼ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp. baking powder

4 tbsp. butter or margarine

1 large egg

Filling Ingredients:

1 pkg reduced fat (not fat free) cream cheese at room temperature

2/3 cup GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE

juice AND zest of two lemons (about 7 tablespoons)

3 large eggs

How Chef Ward Alper Prepares the Recipe:

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

Beat cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor or electric mixer until smooth. Add GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE and beat until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add the lemon juice BUT NOT zest of the lemons. Beat until well mixed. BY HAND stir in the lemon zest.

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

Serve garnished with a few lightly sweetened Blueberries or strawberries or raspberries.

Tallulah Bankhead was an American actress of the stage and screen, and a reputed libertine. Bankhead was known for her husky voice, outrageous personality, and devastating wit. Originating some of the 20th-century theater’s preeminent roles in comedy and melodrama, she gained acclaim as an actress on both sides of the Atlantic. Bankhead became an icon of the tempestuous, flamboyant actress, and her unique voice and mannerisms are often subject to imitation and parody.

“Tallulah Bankhead was a great character,” says the Decadent Diabetic. “I actually got to see her on stage in Midgie Purvis. It lasted maybe two performances. It opened with her coming down a staircase with two wolfhounds. As Lily Tomlin would say: “its a look”.”

‘Can I have a healthy baby if I’m living with type 1 diabetes?’ is one of the most common questions we’re asked at Divabetic diabetes outreach events. Our good friend, Diabetes Advocate and Author, Ginger Vieira recently co-authored a new book, ‘Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes’ (subtitled “Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management) with Jennifer C. Smith RD, CDE.

“The book will likely be referred to as “the Type 1 pregnancy bible” before long,” reports Nancy Sayles Kaneshira for Diabetes Lifestyle’s website.

The books covers “Mama’s Mental Health,” nutrition, blood sugar management, what to expect at doctor’s visits, and Ginger’s personal pregnancy diary (pictured right). With countless tips, dietary recommendations and personal stories in addition to their own, the authors ably guide the reader through preparing for pregnancy all the way to baby’s birth, and throughout the challenges of postpartum diabetes control.

This book is so jam-packed with information it should come with a yellow highlighter. BUY NOW

Hollywood Fact: Regardless of what you or I may think of Joan Crawford’s mothering skills and/or allegations of physical abuse towards her children, many single mothers of adopted children owe her a great deal of gratitude. Joan adopted three children—Christina and twins Cathy and Cindy—as a single parent, which at the time was prohibited in California. She used her fame and finances to arrange the adoptions through an agency in Las Vegas.

Diabetes Advocate, Author and Spokesmodel, Doris Hobbs shows off one of the biggest fashion secrets in Hollywood; the nude colored shoe. Nude shoes are ultra- flattering shoe because they elongate your leg and virtually go with everything. Plus, they’re perfect for summer? Every Hollywood starlet’s wearing them now—Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Blake Lively, to name a few—and the result is legs for days, to put it mildly.

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!

05/05/201705/05/2017

Divabetic’s Cinco De Mayo Fiesta Celebration

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.

Keep reading to learn how to slim down Mexican restaurant favorites.

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?

Sure, it can be challenging at times to enjoy

One of our favorite bakers, Stacey ‘The Diabetic Pasty Chef’ Harris shares this zesty dessert idea for your fiesta!

Key Lime Cupcakes by the Diabetic Pastry Chef

Vanilla Cupcakes Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar or equivalent dry sugar substitute

1/3 tsp salt

1 Tbsp baking powder

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

2 eggs

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk

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?

Mocktail Margaritas Recipe from Pillsbury

(Calories: 80, Total Carbohydrates: 19 g)

Ingredients

Lime wedges, if desired

Coarse salt, if desired

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.

05/03/201705/03/2017

Divabetic’s Old Hollywood Mother’s Day Celebration, Pt. 3

“Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” from Auntie Mame.

Our Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration embraces an Old Hollywood aesthetic to encourage you to shine the spotlight on you and your diabetes health!

We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! You can still embody Old Hollywood glamour and the kind of woman who is accustomed to attention from throngs of paparazzi!

One of our favorite experts,‘The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alper shares this Oscar worthy menu for a Divabetic 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 Rosalind Roasted Asparagus (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).

Rosalind Roasted Asparagus by The Decadent Diabetic

(Serving size 8-10 spears, net carbohydrates: 6 grams)

Chef’s Note: As with most vegetables, high temperature “roasting” intensifies the flavor. I roast a lot of veggies, but asparagus is my personal “star”

I like mid sized asparagus. The pencil thin ones just go limp, and the fat ones seem to taste “old” to me, even after peeling them. ONLY when it fresh in my garden, I use a little lemon thyme in this recipe.

Ingredients

8-10 – asparagus spears

1 – Tbsp. minced shallot

1 – clove of grated garlic

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. butter

salt and pepper to taste

2 – Tbsp. fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (optional)

HOW TO PREPARE THE RECIPE:

Pre heat oven to 400-425° F.

Rinse the asparagus under running water. On a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil, toss the shallots, garlic, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper with the asparagus and spread to one layer.

Cook at for 6- 10 minutes depending on how crunchy you like your vegetables. Sprinkle with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar just before serving.

Did you know asparagus may be able to keep diabetes at bay by helping blood sugar levels stay under control while boosting output of insulin? READ MORE

Chef Ward’s asparagus dish pays homage to silver screen legend, actress Rosalind Russell.

“Flops are a part of life’s menu and I’ve never been a girl to miss out on any of the courses,” said Rosalind Russell.

She was a tall and lean just like asparagus! She was best known for her versatility in witty and sophisticated roles such as the fast-talking newspaper reporter in the screwball comedy ‘His Girl Friday’ in 1940. She is also fondly remembered for her portrayal of Mame Dennis in the film ‘Auntie Mame’ in 1958.

Rosalind Russell may have been the most glamorous and famous woman to have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, she shared three qualities with many others living with RA: She was determined, hopeful, and private. She used her celebrity status to advocate for research and successfully lobbied Congress to pass the National Arthritis Act.

Not Everything About Old Hollywood Was Glamorous!

Actress Kim Novak recalls when she first got to Hollywood, her studio changed her name, gave her lavender highlights, and told her to speak with a breathier voice. When Novak overate one day after a visit to a farmer’s market, one of her actress girlfriends suggested she remedy the mistake by drinking soap and water — which she did, before getting a ride to the hospital.

Did you know your favorite Old Hollywood actresses would dab gasoline on their cheekbones and browbones to spotlight their bone structure? Cinematographers would even rub the stuff on camera lenses to give the shoot a soft-focus, ethereal quality.

High blood sugar is dangerous for many reasons, but it can also make your skin dry, and prone to cracking and breaking. This opens the door to infections. And if you do get an infection, high blood sugar makes the infection harder to fight.

“The No. 1 key is to get your diabetes in check,” says Katherine H. Fiala, MD, director of the dermatology residency program at Scott & White Clinic in Temple, Texas. “If you do that first, everything else is so much easier.”

Our team’s having so much fun putting together ideas for a Divabetic Old Hollywood Mother’s Day Celebration, that Chef Ward ‘the Decadent Diabetic’ Alper sent me this fun message referencing Old Hollywood: “With all these Divas you are having for brunch, I HOPE, you didn’t have to call Janie Clarkson and cancel….again.”

This delicious quote is from the film, Mr. Skeffington starring Bette Davis. Popular and beautiful Fanny Trellis (Bette Davis) is forced into a loveless marriage with an older man, Jewish banker Job Skeffington, in order to save her beloved brother Trippy from an embezzlement charge, and predictable complications result.

05/01/201705/03/2017

Old Hollywood Inspires Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration, Pt 2

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 Alper shares this Oscar worthy menu for a Divabetic 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 Stanwyck Smoked Salmon and Brie Omelet. (We will be posting a different dish from his marvelous menu each day throughout the upcoming week).

Stanwyck Smoked Salmon and Brie Omelet Recipe by the Decadent Diabetic

(Serves 2, Carbohydrates 4 grams per serving)

Chef’s note: This dish is as simple to make as it is elegant to serve. Great for a weekend breakfast, brunch or lunch.

Ingredients

4 eggs very well beaten and frothy

Salt and pepper to taste and your doctor’s recommendation

2-3 Tbsp. Liquid (milk, cream, sour cream, or yogurt)

1 TBSP. finely chopped shallot or scallion.

2 TBSP. butter

2-3 ounces of brie, in ¾ inch pieces

3 ounces sliced smoked salmon.

2 TBSP. rinsed and drained capers (optional)

How the ‘Decadent Diabetic’ prepares the recipe:

Combine the eggs, salt pepper, liquid, and shallot or scallion and whisk until light and frothy. Heat the butter in a skillet. Add the eggs to the skillet and lower the heat to medium high. Allow the mixture to start to set. Start bringing in the sides to the center rotating the pan to allow the liquid to fill in the empty spaces.

Add the cheese and smoked salmon to the top of the omelet. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and continue to cook until the omelet puffs up (about 2-3 minutes). Sprinkle with capers and serve.

If you don’t keep capers in your pantry, try asparagus tips in their place.

Our entree’s diva inspiration, Barbara Stanwyck was an American actress who had a 60-year career in film and television, best known for her strong female roles in films, such as Double Indemnity. In 1937, Stanwyck’s talent as an actress was recognized on a grander scale as she was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Stella Dallas (1937).

She would come to be nominated three more times for the films Ball of Fire (1941), Double Indemnity (1944) and Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)—each time for best actress in a leading role—however, she never won the award. In addition to the recognition she received from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Double Indemnity, she was lauded by critics for having what’s considered one of her greatest roles as seductress and murderer Phyllis Dietrichson in the popular noir film

Make a scene. For easy ooh factor, use a white tablecloth, white dishes, and just one or two rich metallic accent colors (gold or silver, never bronze).

Add a touch of Old Hollywood to your table and honor the legendary icons of Hollywood’s silver screen and share your favorites with your grandkids. Flowers and centerpieces should be tall enough to talk under or short enough to talk over.

In Old Hollywood, a party’s success wasn’t just about what was being served but also who was being served with lots of style.

Tori Avey printed out pictures of her favorite silver screen stars and put them in decorative frames from Michael’s and placed one at each seat. READ MORE

Opposites Attract! Let the glamour and style of ‘Old Hollywood’ inspire you to embrace New Diabetes Technology. Barbara Stanwyck’s gorgeous costumes in the film, ‘Lady Eve’ sparked our search for diabetes technology worthy of the silver screen. It’s sleek design and ease of use make it the perfect accessory for our Divabetic Old Hollywood Mother’s Day Celebration.

Dexcom‘s new “complication” to its Apple Watch compatibility allow your data to now be displayed right on the main watchface! There are four different ways to view your glucose data there, ranging from 1 to 6 hour trend graphs.

Currently, the new capability is only for the G5 Mobile app and Apple Watch, as the company hasn’t yet updated the Follow app that lets users share their results in real-time with family members or others. Word is also that this new feature doesn’t work with every single watchface, so if you have a unique model it might not yet be possible to make the glucose data display on the main watchface.

One of our fabulous members from the Divabetic community, Taryn McQuain Bentaous, who is living with type 2 diabetes and sells Mary Kay Cosmetics, shares her favorite ‘Old Hollywood’ shade lipstick to help you feel like a diva!

“I choose Poppy Please from our Gel Semi-Matte Collection,” says Taryn. “It feels wonderful to wear, and the matte finish reminds me of old Hollywood. It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, my favorite old movie!”

04/29/201705/03/2017

Old Hollywood Inspires Divabetic Mother’s Day 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 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!

One of our favorite experts,‘The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alper shares 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).

Catalina Cucumber Soup Recipe by the Decadent Diabetic

(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.

Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, co-author of ‘The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to A Less Stressful and Manageable Life’ offers this advice to help you in the kitchen to organize your diabetes life!

“ 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)

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!