Divabetic Berry & Avocado Smoothie Recipe

I’ve been craving smoothies ever since Special Guest: Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND shared her Very Berry Smoothie recipe on Divabetic’s At Home Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party on Zoom last week.

Everyone might think that all smoothies are ‘healthy’ but that’s just a bit of wishful drinking. In reality, many of the most readily available smoothies in America also contain loads of calories, added sugars and carbohydrates. 

Some fruits naturally contain more carbohydrates than others, so the type of fruit you choose put in your smoothie is important. Raspberries (15 g carbs), blackberries (14 g carbs) and avocados (12 g carbs) are low in carbohydrates compared to bananas (27 g carbs) and mangos (50 g carbs).

A typical commercially prepared 16-ounce strawberry smoothie made with fruit and 2 percent milk can contain a total of 60 grams of carbohydrates, including 41 grams from sugar according to SFGATE.

All the Ingredients

Divabetic Berry & Avocado Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup of blackberries

1/2 cup of raspberries

1/2 avocado (sliced)

1/2 cup of Almond Milk

1 teaspoon of Monk fruit Sweetener

1 tablespoon of Yogurt (nonfat)

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth (about a minute). Served chilled.

Easy To Make

What Is Monkfruit Sweetener? 

Monk fruit sweetener is considered to be a natural sugar substitute that doesn’t affect the glycemic index, making it a potential sugar alternative for people with diabetes according to Dr. Tricia Pingel. Monk fruit sweetener contains zero calories, zero carbohydrates, zero sodium, and zero fat. As the name implies, monk fruit sweetener is derived from the juice of monk fruit.

Divabetic Berry & Avocado Smoothie

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

We are having a ball at our free virtual events. Stay safe, stay in and join us for some good times connecting with other people living with diabetes.

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Indoor Scavenger Hunt on Zoom with best-selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. 

Relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even our casual relationships. Janis will answer your questions about how diabetes affects the 8 types of IntimacyAesthetic, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Affection, Physical, and Sexual.

Janis Roszler  LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND shares her amazing Almond, Wild Blueberry and Flax Smoothie recipe from her best-selling book, Intimacy & Diabetes during this outreach event.

Janis Roszler is the 2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).  She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board certified sex therapist, registered dietitian, and award-winning medical media producer. Her books include  Intimacy & Diabetes (ADA, 2020); Approaches to Behavior (ADA,2015); Diabetes On Your OWN Terms (Marlowe & Company, 2007); Sex and Diabetes (ADA, 2007); The Secrets Of Living And Loving WITH Diabetes (Surrey Books, 2004).

FREE REGISTRATION – REGISTER NOW

Divabetic Carb Kitty Video Game

Very Berry Smoothie Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Special Guest: Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND shared this easy, healthy  recipe on last night’s free  Divabetic’s At Home Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party on Zoom.

Very Berry Smoothie Recipe

Very Berry Smoothie Recipe by Jill Weisenberger 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain nonfat strained yogurt (Greek or Icelandic)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries or frozen mixed berries with cherries
  • 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice
  • 2 tablespoons nonfat milk or any tart juice (cranberry, pomegranate, cherry)

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender or a container for an immersion blender. Process until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Serving size: 11/2 cups, Calories: 205, Carbohydrates: 30g,  Protein: 22g, Fat: 0g,  Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 100mg, Fiber: 5g

Click here for more Recipe Details

Do you know? Both yogurt and berries are linked to less incidence of type 2 diabetes.  

“I always recommend both foods to my clients with prediabetes. And they’re probably good for diabetes, as well.” READ MORE 

HELPFUL TIP: “When berries aren’t in season, I grab a bag of frozen mixed berries or mixed berries with cherries at the supermarket,” says Jill Weisenberger

“This is the week-by-week guide that will change your life!”

One lucky participant, Helen from Georgia, from last night’s Divabetic Zoom Party won a copy of Jill Weisenberger’s best-selling book, Diabetes Weight Loss – Week by Week.

Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week takes you on a one-year journey to weight control while managing your blood sugar,cholesterol level and more! This best-selling book includes sample menus, recipes and tricks for the kitchen. Instead of focusing on gimmicks, you will learn the skills you need to be successful long term.

BUY NOW 

Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, is a Nutrition, Culinary & Diabetes Expert, Wellcoach®-certified health and wellness coach, Freelance Writer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator. She’s also the author of four books, including a best-seller. She’s a nationally-recognized media expert in high demand for print and online interviews, as well as corporate and one-on-one nutritional counseling. Jill’s philosophy is that nutrition science should be understandable, realistic and oh so delicious.

Looking for a fun, safe way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? 

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for Divabetic’s free, upcoming Zoom Scavenger Hunt: At Home Party on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST.

This 35 minute virtual diabetes wellness outreach event features ‘Intimacy and Diabetes’ co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND. 

Relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even our casual relationships. Janis will answer your questions about how diabetes affects the 8 types of Intimacy: Aesthetic, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Affection, Physical, and Sexual.

Janis Roszler is the 2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).  She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board certified sex therapist, registered dietitian, and award-winning medical media producer. Her books include  Intimacy & Diabetes (ADA, 2020); Approaches to Behavior (ADA,2015); Diabetes On Your OWN Terms (Marlowe & Company, 2007); Sex and Diabetes (ADA, 2007); The Secrets Of Living And Loving with Diabetes (Surrey Books, 2004).

Divabetic’s Free Virtual Scavenger Hunt: At Home Party on Zoom on Thursday, July 18, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. Once you register you will receive a Zoom code. If you’ve never used Zoom, you will need a few minutes before the start of our outreach event to download the app and log in.

REGISTER NOW

Thank you to everyone who has taken measures to protect our Divabetic community members and their loved ones by wearing cloth face coverings and social distancing. We are so grateful! Divabetic will continue to provide free Virtual Diabetes Outreach events with qualified health experts to keep you safe, informed and connected. Please join us!

We’re talking about ‘ROMANCE & DIABETES’ on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Camila Cabello.

Hidden Beet Brownies Recipe

What’s lurking under the fudgy chocolate in those brownies ?

Beets.

Many sneaky home bakers who whip vegetable purees into a variety of baked goods have claim that they are the perfect match of sweet and savory.

Thanks to FOODISM360 for sharing their work on Unsplash.

Beets add moisture to baked goods without the addition of oil or butter, and they also add a natural sweetness according to The Kitchn website. Beets work well in chocolate desserts because they add moisture, yet the cocoa powder and chocolate mask any possible subtle earthy flavor

Want to try it? Start by baking the beets, even the day before.  According to Early Morning Farm‘s website the fool-proof way is to chop off the top and bottom of each beet, rub them with olive oil, and then wrap them in foil.  Bake at 350F for 45-60 min or more if necessary.  A fork should slide very easily through the beets when done.  The skins will slip easily off.  Puree in a food processor or with an immersion blender. 3 small to medium beets should yield around 1 cup pureed beets.

Early Morning Farm’s Chocolate Beet Brownies Recipe

Ingredients (Partial List)

  • 2-3 medium size cooked and pureed beets, to equal 1 cup
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

FULL RECIPE

Here are some beet brownie recipes from Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqqJMIYFuTY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kQhD7nvLT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/B8VOjq_lHzF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Register now for Divabetic’s free At Home Virtual Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party with Jill Weisenberger on Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 – 7:30 PM, EST.

REGISTER NOW

can anyone breathe by Lorraine Brooks

with a foot on their neck

or a knife in their back

or a gun in their face

or a chain on their feet


can anyone breathe

who cannot be taught to read

who cannot congregate in groups

who receive inferior healthcare

and who die in the streets


can anyone breathe

who earns less than their peers

or must live only where they are allowed

and cannot marry who they please

and thrown crumbs to eat?


can anyone breathe

when the government fails

and the men are in jails

and when chaos prevails

and the president tweets


but new breath is coming

new air in our lungs

a country suffocated by its own hatred

gasping and dying

is now on life support

building walls around itself

when the real poison is in its own veins.


can anyone breathe?

In the words of the greatest president of our lives…yes we can.

This Divabetic podcast is in solidarity with and dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice. We are making time to reflect,  share our feelings, listen and identify ways in which to fight for real and meaningful change. Guests include Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Leisa Chester Weir, and Jeff James.

Please consider donating to these organizations:

Campaign Zero, which is dedicated to ending police brutality in America through research-based strategies. LEARN MORE

Color of Change, which works to move decision makers in corporations and government to be more responsive to racial disparities. LEARN MORE

Equal Justice Initiative, which provides legal services to people who have been wrongly convicted, denied a fair trial, or abused in state jails and prisons. LEARN MORE

When Diabetes Hits Home: The Whole Family’s Guide to Emotional Health

How are you coping with your diabetes?

We know that the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic may make things feel a little scary for you and your family. In many ways, your experience of managing diabetes on a daily basis and the stresses it brings may make you more prepared to cope with this situation than most people. 

But if you feel like you’re in a constant state of worry, please know that our Divabetic community is there to support you, and that there are plenty of wonderful, trusted resources to turn to for advice.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

When Diabetes Hits Home: The Whole Family’s Guide to Emotional Health by Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport LCSW, PsyD aka ‘The Diabetes Psyche’ is for anyone who lives with and/or knows someone with diabetes.

“I address the challenge facing people with diabetes, both those who are newly diagnosed and those who have lived with diabetes for many years, as well as strategies for the management of diabetes through actions and attitudes for everyone involved,” says Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport.

Dr. Rapaport hits a lot of familiar chords, and knows her subject inside and out. She is not patronizing, and her style is clear and easy to follow. I found that I was able to apply her method of positive reframing not only to my diabetes related situations, but to my every day life situations as well. Thanks to her for giving me an improved way to deal.” – Amazon review

What’s inside: instruction in stress reduction, relaxation techniques, practical examples in assertive communication and other perspectives about living with diabetes.

BUY THE BOOK

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Author of the Noodle Shop Mysteries: Vivien Chien, Lorraine Brooks, Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE,  Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport PsyD, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Alexis Gray.

Why Not Tidy Up Your Diabetes During the Pandemic?

One way to help minimize stress during the pandemic is to de-clutter!

Experts agree that if we set aside 15 minutes per day to straighten up one place, such as a messy desktop, medicine cabinet or kitchen drawer we will feel happier and more relaxed at the end of the day! If you like to exercise and dance around while you’re cleaning, then give yourself an extra pat on the back!

Why not take the time to declutter your diabetes life?

Long before Marie Condo took the world by storm with her Tidy manta, our good friend, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN and co-author Leslie Josel wrote the wonderful book, The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Life.

As I toured the beautiful rooms at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club Decorator Show House in New York earlier this year I was reminded how important our homes are to are overall diabetes health. That statement might not be so surprising when you stop and ask yourself these questions: 

Do you struggle to keep track of health-care invoices and payments? Do you succeed at keeping an active health journal for a week or two and then neglect it for a year or two? Can you test your blood glucose if you can’t locate your meter or testing supplies? 

“People with diabetes may need some strategies to keep track of medical paperwork to stay up to date with important information,” says Susan Weiner. “So, I contacted my friend Leslie Josel, an organizing guru, and a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. We collaborated on this book to help all people with diabetes organize their supplies, daily routines, medical paperwork, and much more! It’s a hands-on “how-to” book, with simple strategies.”

Susan and Leslie’s book, The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Life, offers step by step strategies to get more organized one step at a time. And that one small and permanent change in your daily routine can help you get more organized and take control of your diabetes.

Good Advice Right Now

“Plan out your meals and snacks for the week ahead. Make sure that everything you need (including ingredients, measuring tools and cookware) are available, “ says Susan  Weiner. “Chop and dice your vegetables in advance and store them in labeled bags or clear containers in the refrigerator. You’ll stay organized and in control of your diabetes healthy meal plan.” 

BUY BOOK

Superstar Gloria Estefan inspires this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast featuring Best-Selling author, Cherry Adair, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, ‘The Complete Diabetes Organizer’ co-authors Susan Wiener RD, CDE and Leslie JoselNeva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jeff James, Mama Rose Marie and ‘My Bleeding Finger’ blogger, Tim Brand, who is the father of daughters living with type 1 diabetes.

Help us choose topics for upcoming Divabetic podcasts. Fill out our quick and easy Survey.

Cucumber Herb Soup Recipe From Prediabetes And Me

Enjoy this Cucumber Herb Soup Recipe from our friends at Pre Diabetes and Me

Cucumber Herb Soup

Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than they should be but not high enough for your doctor to diagnose diabetes. They might call it impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance.

Approximately 88 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND

Pre Diabetes and Me is a CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program provider. Their coaches are professional health educators who believe that, in most cases, prediabetes is reversible.

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an evidence-based curriculum designed by the CDC.  It’s a powerhouse tool presented to you by our trained lifestyle coaches. The guidance and resources you will receive can help you make lifelong changes and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Class cost is $175 for the year-long program.

LEARN MORE

Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

We’re talking about ‘Secrets to Longevity & Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Living longer and increasing your life expectancy with diabetes doesn’t have to be a chore. From flossing your teeth daily to getting a good night’s sleep, there are simple things you can do to help you live long, happy and healthy life.

Guests include The Lager Queen of Minnesota and Kitchens of the Great Midwest Author J. Ryan Stradal, Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Fonzi Thornton, Rachel Stahl MS, RD, CDN, CDE, and Lorraine Brooks.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Dionne Warwick’s ‘Dionne’ album featuring I’ll Never Love This Way Again and Deja Vu courtesy of SONY Music

Carb Counting Video Game

Grated Summer Squash Salad Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Everything about this wonderful yellow squash salad recipe from Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND  screams summer and fresh. Enjoy!

Grated Summer Squash Salad

Grated Summer Squash Salad Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchini or yellow squash (about 40 ounces untrimmed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes (about 10 ounces)
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion (about 1 1/2 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (about 1/2 ounce)

FULL RECIPE

Jill Weisenberger Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week

Q: Is Summer Squash high or low in carbohydrates?

Jill Weisenberger: “Summer squash is low in calories and carbs, which makes it a great food for folks with diabetes or those looking to manage their weight.”

 Jill Weisenberger’s candid and energetic approach and her sound nutrition and fitness advice has earned her a place as one of 10 Dietitians You Need to Follow on Social Media in US News & World Report. Jill offers healthy and delicious recipe ideas and nutrition strategies and is renowned for disease prevention and management, nutritious, delicious meals, and truths (and myths!) about food trends.

Divabetic Scavenger Hunt: At Home Party

Divabetic Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party: At Home Party – Register Now!

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes at risk? 

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free and entertaining, Scavenger Hunt: At Home Party on Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 PM, EST. This hilarious night of virtual diabetes wellness and conversations features make-your-own smoothies with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND. 

Having diabetes does not mean you need to deny yourself all the foods you love, but it is about healthy choices. One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables with smoothies. During our online Scavenger Hunt, Jill shares tips for making healthy smoothies without compromising your diabetes wellness.  

When: Thursday, June 18, 7PM, ET 

Where: on Zoom Register Now on Zoom Code

Fee:  Totally Free

 How: Mr. Divabetic will have a list of people may find around their kitchen. Once he posts an item you will have 30 seconds to find it and accumulate points for fun prizes including Jill Weisenberger’s Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week bestselling book. After the hunt, we’ll sit back, laugh, make smoothies and enjoy a toast together until we can do it again in person.  

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast

 We’re talking about “I Know What You Ate Last Summer” with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Diabetes Late Nite with music from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music. Addtional guests: Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Lorranie Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

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