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.

Alfa Anderson Sings A Tribute to Luther Vandross

Former member of the iconic funk soul band Chic (“Le Freak”,” Good Times”, “I Want Your Love”),Alfa Anderson​  joins us on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 2017, ^ PM, EST.

For years, Alfa was an integral member of Luther Vandross‘ touring band and performed at Wembley Stadium, among many other prestigious venues around the world. Her vocals can be heard on popular Luther Vandross albums such as ‘Give Me the Reason’ and ‘The Night I Fell in Love’, which Rolling Stone Magazine voted as one of the 100 Best Albums of the Eighties.

Alfa will share the inspiration behind her heartfelt tribute to her friend, Luther Vandross, the single, “When Luther Sings​.”

SoulTracks said of “When Luther Sin​gs”​, “The feeling is at once nostalgic and modern, providing a summery vibe that is sure to make listeners groove both in the car and on the dance floor.”

Alfa will soon release her long-awaited debut solo album, ‘Music From My Heart‘​ in July.

A celebrated R&B and dance music icon, Anderson first starred in Julian “Canonnball” Adderley’s “Big Man” at Carnegie Hall before defining a whole new era in music as one of the original lead vocalists in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-nominated group CHIC. Her voice powered classics like “I Want Your Love” and the #1 pop hits “Good Times” and “Le Freak,” which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. During her years as a New York session singer and touring vocalist, she sang background for music icons like Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, Valerie Simpson, Bryan Ferry, and Teddy Pendergrass. She recently guested on the first CHIC single in 23 years “I’ll Be There” (2015) and scored a Top 10 Billboard Dance hit as a featured vocalist on Next Step’s single with Kathy Sledge and Aristofreeks, “Get On Up” (2016).

“Music From My Heart”​ is my first solo album. The only vision I had when I started this project was to write from the stillness of my mind and heart. As melodies and lyrics began to flow, I realized that I had plenty to say about life, about love, about friendship, about struggle, about coming to terms with who I am. Kudos to Producer/Arranger Bert Price who collaborated with me to complete ‘Music From My Heart’. ​ I share it with you with love and big hugs.”

Alfa Anderson also will celebrate the release of her album with an unforgettable night of music at Joe’s Pub on July 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at Joe’s Pub  located at 425 Lafayette St (bet. E. 4th St & Astor Pl).