Star Spangled Divabetic Fourth of July Celebration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fresh ideas for Fourth of July Entertaining

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

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

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

Check out these ‘Hotter than July’ Topics in Diabetes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

06/28/2017

Are You Afraid to Eat Carbs? on July’s Diabetes Late Nite

Have you completely sworn off carbs since being diagnosed with diabetes?

This angst is easy to understand when every day we are bombarded with health messages to limit, restrict, avoid, and feel guilty for eating carbohydrates. However, these negative food and eating messages are harmful and do not align with my nonjudgment view of food.

Megrette Fletcher M.Ed., R.D., CDE is a registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and Mindful Eating expert joins us on our 7th Anniversary Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 to discuss this ‘hot topic’ suggested by one of our loyal listeners.

Over the past few decades carbohydrates have become demonized. But the truth of the matter is that ‘Carbs are friends, not foes’!

“Motivating (my) clients with fear is not only ineffective, but can lead to misinformation, misunderstanding, and toxic emotions such as blame, shame, and depression,” says Megrette.

Carbohydrates (carbs) are a macronutrient found in foods like grains, starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, potatoes, squashes, corn, fruit, vegetables, dairy, legumes/beans, and foods like bread, pasta, sweets, and more. While vegetables DO have carbohydrates, some nutritionists don’t consider them a carb source because they feel the energy you use to digest them counters any carbs you would get from them.

Carbs often come packaged with fiber and sometimes protein, like in legumes, dairy, or starchy vegetables. In the body, carbohydrates break down to sugars like glucose, fructose, or galactose (the simplest sugars). Don’t be scared of the “S” word (sugar) – this is simply the way the body digests and processes carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates give us the energy we need to live our diabetes lives. If chosen carefully, carbohydrates can deliver a number of health benefits and also help people maintain their weight.

One of the reasons for why carbs get such a bad rap is because the extra sugar available from the glucose formation gets stored in muscles, the liver, or other parts of your body, later getting converted into fat if the body doesn’t need it for energy. However, that’s on you, not the carbs. If you keep moving and require your body to use up that energy, the sugar from carbohydrates won’t get stored as fat.

TUNE IN: Join us for our Seventh Anniversary Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Cyndi Lauper on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, 6 PM, EST. Special guests included Susan Weiner RD, MS, CDE, CDN , Megrette Fletcher MEd, RD, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be playing selected songs from the Essential Collection of Cyndi Lauper courtesy of SONY Music.

https://youtu.be/ww2kTYaZIMk

06/27/201706/27/2017

I Woke Up This Morning

I woke up this morning, as always,

And while walking through my hallway,

I looked in the mirror, reflecting,

And thought, why am I so rejecting?

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

And 2 cars in my garage.

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

I’m blessed with a fine entourage.

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

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

So what if I need to count calories now,

I still can consume that dessert anyhow.

Read “I Woke Up This Morning” in its entirety HERE

06/21/201706/21/2017

Diva Summer TV: Claws, Glow & I’m Dying Up Here

We’re celebrating the first day of Summer with our Divabetic top picks in TV, Music, Fashions and Diabetes Self-Care.

Did you know that people who have diabetes—both type 1 and type 2—feel the heat more than people who don’t have diabetes?

Whether you’re working out or just hanging out, it’s a good idea to check the heat index—a measurement that combines temperature and humidity. Take steps to stay cool when it reaches 80°F in the shade with 40% humidity or above. Important to know: The heat index can be up to 15°F higher in full sunlight, so stick to the shade when the weather warms up.

Physical activity is key to managing diabetes, but don’t get active outdoors during the hottest part of the day or when the heat index is high. Get out early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower, or go to an air-conditioned mall or gym to get active.

While you’re staying cool inside check out some of favorite new TV Show for Summer 2017:

The TNT hourlong series CLAWS follows the rise of five diverse and treacherous manicurists working at the Nail Artisan of Manatee County salon in South Florida, where there is a lot more going on than silk wraps and pedicures.

At the center is salon owner Desna (Niecy Nash), who lives with and cares for her mentally ill twin brother, Dean (Harold Perrineau). Desna’s staff includes best friend Jennifer (Lyon), a tenuously sober ex-party girl raising two children from previous relationships; Quiet Ann ( Judy Reyes), Desna’s enigmatic driver who also provides security for the salon; Polly (Carrie Preston), a mild-mannered preppy who recently served time in prison for identity theft; and Virginia (Karrueche Tran), who makes no effort to hide her boredom and impatience with her job. Adding chaos to the Nail Artisan mix is Roller (Jack Kesy), a gangstered-out redneck who runs a barely legal pain clinic and uses Desna’s nail salon to launder the obscene profits; Bryce (Kevin Rankin), Jennifer’s husband who is also newly sober and trying to stay legit by working as an abundance coach; and Dr. Ken Brickman (Jason Antoon), a bona fide doctor at a decidedly un-bona fide and illegal drug clinic.

DIVABETIC FASHION: High-Waisted Bikinis are the perfect in-between for a bombshell beach look. Keeping the focus on your curves and drawing attention to your waist according to Vogue. READ MORE

Inspired by the short-lived but beloved show from the ’80s, GLOW tells the story of Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie), an out-of-work, struggling actress in Los Angeles who finds one last chance for stardom when she’s thrust into the glitter and spandex world of women’s wrestling. In addition to working with 12 Hollywood misfits, Ruth also has to compete with Debbie Eagan (Betty Gilpin), a former soap actress who left the business to have a baby only to be sucked back into work when her picture perfect life is not what it seems. And at the wheel is Sam Sylvia, played by Marc Maron, a washed-up, B-movie director who must now lead this group of women and a journey to wrestling stardom.

“GLOW is refreshingly free of the bombast and fatuousness that often come with the genre and features a winning performance by Alison Brie as an actress who finds work doing chokeslams and piledrivers,” wrote the New York Times.

DIVABETIC FASHION: Eye-popping bouquet of florals are the scene-stealers for Summer 2017. Sassy short party dresses, sassy boy shorts and maxi dresses are covered in bold blooms READ MORE

Showtime’s I’M DYING UP HERE is a dark new drama about comedy and loosely focuses on Mitzi Shore, her Comedy Store and the comics who played there in the 1970s, including Richard Lewis, David Letterman, Robin Williams, Elayne Boosler, Jay Leno, Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen, along with many lost to time. his narrative arc put them on a collision course, culminating in a 1979 strike against the club that sundered some relationships forever more.

“Real laughter, it’s cathartic — it’s the current that moves through an audience when some truth about who you are, who they are, is revealed,” says Clay (Sebastian Stan), a comic meant to embody a newer, more personal sort of stand-up, in which he invited strangers, as Eddie says, to “laugh at the most embarrassing, shameful, painful moments of his life.”

Many of the series’ incidents and observations and issues revolve around a relatively short period in 1973, in the wake of the Carson move. Still, as a backstage drama it indulges in themes and tropes that run back to “Stage Door” and “42nd Street” regarding ambition and talent, artists and impresarios.

DIVABETIC DIVA: Katy Perry returns with a new album, ‘Witness’ which could be one of the biggest flops of the Summer. However, she’s still got us dancing in circles to the songs, “Chained To The Rhythm” and “Swish Swish”. Plus, we love the technicolor Witness artwork! Other ‘divas’ spinning on our Summer turntable are Rihanna, Blondie, Cyndi Lauper, Chic, Diana Ross, Shania Twain, KD Lang and new jazz artist, Ala.ni

Beer Bread by Holly Clegg

“Close your eyes and you’ll think you’re eating a homemade yeast bread, instead of this easy quick bread baked in a loaf pan,” says Best-Selling Cookbook Author, Holly Clegg.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder

2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (12-ounce) can lite beer

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat oven 350F. Coat 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.
Stir in beer and honey (microwave honey 5-10 seconds) into the dry ingredients until just mixed. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake 50 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Remove from oven and pour melted butter over the top.

Nutritional information per serving (Makes 12 servings): Calories 159 kcal, Calories from Fat 13%, Fat 2 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 215 mg, Carbohydrates 29 g, Dietary Fiber 1 g, Total Sugars 5 g, Protein 3 g, Dietary Exchanges: 2 starch

What’s Trending Summer 2017:

The new Periodic Table of Diabetes Management helps put life with diabetes into perspective. . This table includes every aspect of life with diabetes in the following categories:

Blood Sugar Levels
Complications
Costs & Insurance
Diet
Emotional Health & Coping
Equipment
Exercise
Medications & Treatments
Support & Healthcare Team
Wish List

Each element on the table has a number, its “weight,” which corresponds to the likelihood and frequency at which a person with diabetes may think about or interact with the element on any given day. This weight is shown on a scale from zero (not likely or frequent) to five (very likely and very frequent)

Reducing the amount of sugar in sweetened beverages over a 5-year period — without the addition of artificial sweeteners — could dramatically cut the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes in the population according to a new study published online January 6 in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology by Yuan Ma, a PhD. READ MORE

We’re shining the spotlight on Diabetes & Depression.

Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes. Dr Beverly S Adler PhD, CDE and “The Sugarless Plum” Author Zippora Karz guest on this episode of Diabetes Late Nite LISTEN NOW

Tune in to our 7th Anniversary Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Cyndi Lauper on Tuesday, July 11, 6 PM,EST. Guests included Susan Weiner RD, MS, CDE, CDN , Megrette Fletcher MEd, RD, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be playing selected songs from the Essential Collection of Cyndi Lauper courtesy of SONY Music.

TUNE IN

06/17/2017

Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Feta Enchiladas with Salsa Verde by Holly Clegg

Always saddle your own horse. Always know what you’re doing. And go in the direction you are heading.” Connie Reeves

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

There are plenty of cowgirls to inspire you, like Connie Reeves, who paved the way for women everywhere she went. Although she was one of the first women to study law at the University of Texas, when tuition money came up short during the Depression she took a job teaching high school, reports WIRED. There she started a girl’s drill team, one of the first in the state (and now a passion in Texas). Then she began teaching horseback riding. Over the years this horsewoman taught riding along with her own brand of confidence to an estimated 36,000 children.

The documentary American Cowgirl shows 101-year-old Ms. Reeves riding, assisting at a girl’s summer camp, and trying to keep herself from cussing on camera. As she said, “There’s nothing as expressive as profanity.” The woman described as America’s oldest cowgirl said, “My life’s not important to very many people. But what I have done may be something that will motivate someone else. I hope so.”

One of our favorite experts, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg shares this Southwestern menu for a Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration. Holly’s menu includes Southwestern Roasted Vegetables, Asparagus with Zucchini Rings., Vodka Pasta, Beer Bread , Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Feta Enchiladas with Salsa Verde, Southwestern Pasta (Check out all of Holly’s healthy recipes for our Father’s Day Celebration on our Divabetic blog).

Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Feta Enchiladas with Salsa Verde by Holly Clegg

“Six ingredient vegetarian enchiladas burst with flavor and effortless to make,” says Holly Clegg.

Ingredients:

4 cups peeled butternut squash

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

1 bunch green onions, chopped

3/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese, divided

8 large (about 7-inch) corn or flour tortillas

2 cups salsa verde

1. Preheat oven 400°F. Coat baking pan with foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Place squash on prepared pan. Bake 20-25 minutes or until squash is tender but not mushy.

3. Reduce heat to 350°F. In bowl, combine cooked squash, black beans, green onion and 1/2 cup feta.

4. Coat 3-quart oblong baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and spread a little of salsa verde on the bottom. Fill tortillas with about 1/2 cup filling, rolling up and place seam side down in dish. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining cheese over sauce.

5. Cover pan with foil and bake 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Nutrients: Calories 202 kcal, Calories from Fat 13%, Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 539 mg, Carbohydrates, 36 g, Dietary Fiber 7g, Total Sugars 7g, Protein 8g, Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat

Holly’s Terrific Tip: Roasted vegetables are easy to prepare with easy clean-up, and more flavorful. Look for pre-cut butternut squash in grocery.

Nutritional Nugget: Make this recipe gluten free with corn tortillas.

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.

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

The Frozen Shoulder: What’s Diabetes Got to Do With It?

About three percent of the general population get frozen shoulder, compared to about 20% of people with insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetes and in those with prediabetes. Women are more likely to develop the condition than men, and it mainly affects people between the ages of 40-65.

Although there is no conclusive link to high sugars or insulin use, long-term complications of diabetes may include changes in the connective tissue that occur as a result of high glucose levels.

People who have a history of adhesive capsulitis are at an increased risk to develop the condition on the other side of the body. Recurrence on the affected side is also possible, particularly in patients with diabetes. READ MORE

You might notice that Spaghetti Westerns are usually fitted with titles that sound suspiciously like other movies. The original title of “Fistful of Dollars,” for instance, was “The Magnificent Stranger,” a knock off of “The Magnificent Seven.” In short, if the words “Dollar” “Gold” or “Coffin” are in the title, you’re probably watching a Spaghetti Western.

New Study Sees Link Between Sleep Duration and Diabetes in Men

During the last 50 years, the average self-reported sleep duration per person has decreased by 1.5 to 2 hours and the prevalence of diabetes has doubled in the same time period, according the this study’s primary author, Femke Rutters, PhD, of The Netherlands. READ MORE

Carrie Fisher arrives at the Governors Awards at the Dolby Ballroom on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Carrie Fisher died from ‘Sleep Apnea & other Causes’

Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher died from sleep apnea and “other factors”, the Los Angeles County coroner says. Sleep apnea is a common condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep, either for a few seconds or minutes. As well as listing sleep apnea as a cause of death, the coroner’s statement cited other factors, including heart disease and drug use.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain — and the rest of the body — may not get enough oxygen.

There are two types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The more common of the two forms of apnea, it is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
Central sleep apnea: Unlike OSA, the airway is not blocked, but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe, due to instability in the respiratory control center.

Am I at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:

Being male
Being overweight
Being over age 40
Having a large neck size (17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women)
Having large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw bone
Having a family history of sleep apnea
Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD
Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems

Divabetic ‘Spaghetti Western’ Father’s Day Celebration Playlist: “She’s in Love with the Boy” is a song written by Jon Ims and recorded by Trisha Yearwood. It was released in March 1991 as the lead single from her self-titled debut album. The song reached number one on the Billboard U.S. Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and was the first of five number ones on the country chart for Trisha Yearwood.

06/16/2017

Give Red Sauce A Rest! (Spaghetti Western Father’s Day Celebration)

“Life is a combination of magic and pasta,” said filmmaker Federico Fellini.

Walking down the aisle of my local Whole Food it seems clear that the ‘magic’ of today’s pasta is the wide range of ingredients such as quinoa and legume such as chickpeas and lentils available. Whereas traditional pasta is made from semolina, a refined flour derived from durum wheat, these new noodles appeal to people interested in cutting back on barbs, avoiding gluten and looking for plant-based proteins.

What do you put on your pasta?

Canned pasta sauce can be an indispensable ingredient when making spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and other pasta dishes. Unprocessed choices are typically healthier than processed options. It’s important to read the nutrition facts label to confirm the sauce fits into your meal plan.

Processed American pasta sauces are loaded with excess calories, tons of salt, and loads of added sugar that might surprise you. These jarred, ready-to-eat sauces from the grocery store are often made with oils that are full of inflammatory omega-6s—a stark contrast to the oleic acid found in extra virgin olive oil that actually helps you lose belly fat, not gain it.

Prego “Traditional” sauce is free of any extra virgin olive oil and only contains canola oil. That’s not the only problem—the sauce also boasts as much sugar as a French Cruller donut from Dunkin Donuts. ( Per 1/2 cup: 70 calories, 1.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 480 mg sodium, 13 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 10 g sugar, 2 g protein)

Ragu Chunky Tomato, Garlic and Onion sauce is full of more sugar than a bowl of Froot Loops cereal and fats entirely from likely pesticide-laden soybean oil. (Per 1/2 cup, 128 g: 90 calories, 2 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 460 mg sodium, 16 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 12 g sugar, 2 g protein)

Ragu Old Style Organic Traditional sauce uses all organic products in their Traditional sauce. (In case you didn’t know, Ragu’s “Traditional” sauces differ from their “Marinara” sauces because of the addition of Romano cheese). Unfortunately, there’s plenty of inflammatory soybean oil and sugar to the sauce. (Per 1/2 cup, 125 g: 70 calories, 2 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 470 mg sodium, 12 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 2 g protein)

DIVABETIC TIP: One way to lower the sodium content of any jarred sauce is to combine it with a can of salt free tomato sauce or diced tomatoes.

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

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

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

06/15/201706/15/2017

‘I Woke Up This Morning’ by Lorraine Brooks

I woke up this morning, as always,

And while walking through my hallway,

I looked in the mirror, reflecting,

And thought, why am I so rejecting?

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

And 2 cars in my garage.

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

I’m blessed with a fine entourage.

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

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

So what if I need to count calories now,

I still can consume that dessert anyhow.

My kidneys are fine and my eyesight’s okay,

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

I have a few dollars and I can have fun

And not have to justify to anyone.

I make my decisions and live with my fears

And thankful for 65 wonderful years.

This life here on earth can be tragic enough

Without adding to it irrelevant stuff.

The gift is in living, and doing our best.

And then letting go of all of the rest.

So have a good time and be of good cheer.

And you will enjoy the time you have here.

Positive vibes and a will to stand tall

And living won’t be any trouble at all.

06/13/2017

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

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

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

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

Southwestern Pasta by Holly Clegg

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

Makes 8 (1 1/4 cup servings)

1 onion, chopped

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

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

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch Sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 (16-ounce) package rotini

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

1 1/3 cups frozen corn

1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese, optional

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Divabetic ‘Spaghetti Western’ Father’s Day Playlist:

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

Artistic Dad Raises Awareness for Diabetic Macular Edema

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

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

Spaghetti Westerns Trivia: Clint Eastwood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

06/12/2017

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

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

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

Asparagus with Zucchini Rings by Holly Clegg

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

Makes 10 bundles

Ingredients:

1 medium zucchini

1 pound asparagus, trimmed discarding ends

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

06/11/201706/11/2017

Divabetic Spaghetti Western Father’s Day Celebration with Holly Clegg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southwestern Roasted Vegetables by Holly Clegg

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

Ingredients:

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

1 1/2 cups zucchini, cut into small chunks

1 small red onion, cut into small chunks

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

2 tablespoons olive oil

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

Salt to taste

Directions:

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

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

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

Makes 8 servings/ serving size: 1/2 cup

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

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

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

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

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

The Code of the West

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

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

The Code of the West by James P. Owen

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

Divabetic Father’s Day: Celebrity Dads & Diabetes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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