Chef Robert Lewis – Page 4

05/22/201805/23/2018

Happy Diabetic’s Grilled Veggie Kabobs of Love Recipe

Memorial Day feels like the unofficial beginning of summer. It means lots of socializing, get-togethers with friends, picnics, sunshine, barbecues, and outdoor activities.

It’s also the beginning of the season of fresh, locally grown ingredients, so there’s no better time to invigorate those Memorial Day barbecue and picnic spreads with locally sourced items from surrounding farms and farmers markets.

If you’re thinking of serving food that’s ‘Lean & Green’ for Memorial Day, this veggie recipe from our good friend, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ is for you!

Happy Diabetic’s ‘Grilled Veggie Kabobs of Love’ Recipe

The Veggies-

12 Grape tomatoes
12 white button mushrooms
2 red onions cut in quarters
2 yellow peppers, cut in 1inch squares
12 slices yellow squash
12 slices zucchini
Bamboo skewers soaked in water so they will not burn.

The only MARINADE you will ever need-

1/4 to 1/2 cup good quality olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

2-3 cloves chopped garlic

Sea salt to taste

Fresh cracked pepper to taste

½ fresh lemon juice- slice the lemon after juicing and add to the marinade

½ fresh lime juice- slice the lime after juicing and add to the marinade

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Let’s Put It Together!

MARINADE: Mix all ingredients together in in a glass bowl.
Arrange vegetables on skewers and place in a large zip lock storage bag. Pour the marinade into the bag with the veggie skewers and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Preheat a grill on medium high flame or an oven at 375 degrees. While cooking turn and brush with marinade for 10 minutes or until cooked tender and slightly charred.

In a recent profile on the Everyday Diabetes website, Chef Robert Lewis admitted that he feared the worst for his own love of great food following his diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes in 1998.

“I suspected that my days of good eating were over,” Lewis writes on his blog. “Yet, as I worked through my ups and downs, I came to realize that the selection of foods I could and should eat was vast and included many of my favorites. This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.

Today he’s a man on the go! is a man on the go. When he’s not working as a director of training for 60 restaurants in the Midwest, he’s traveling around the country as a keynote speaker for Taking Control of Your Diabetes and/or hosting his own podcast, ‘The Happy Diabetic Kitchen Podcast’! Read more about Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ in Diabetes Health Monitor magazine.

A vegetarian diet has been shown through research to promote weight loss and lower A1C. This was done without carbohydrate and calorie restrictions, so it may be that a vegetarian diet may be just the one for you. As always, check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your lifestyle to find out what the potential impacts (whether positive or negative) may be on your health.

Shift away from meats on the barbecue grill by injecting recipes with beans and grains. They help to drop the risk of type 2 diabetes by one-quarter, according to Harvard researchers. Whip up a whole-grain pasta salad with an assortment of slivered or chopped carrots, celery, scallions, red bell peppers, and yellow squash. Or try an Asian Noodle Salad for a yummy twist on a classic.

Divabetic presents Diabetes Awareness Day featuring a Dog Fashion Show, Health Screenings, Healthy Food Tours, Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstrations, Poetry Readings, Art Displays & More on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA

Here’s a complete listing of Events & Activities:

9AM Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM): Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van hosts free sight (including glaucoma) and hearing screenings for all visitors (men, women, and children). They will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

10 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

10:30 AM Dog Fashion Show Registration & Rehearsal: Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome to compete on the red carpet for fabulous prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors. REGISTER NOW: https://goo.gl/forms/WWxkBrs7ugpfK38P2

10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show: See the best dressed dogs pose on the red carpet at our 2^ndAnnual Dog Fashion Show. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic:

12 PM Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration & Talk: Find out how dogs help people manage their blood sugar high’s and low’s, answer your questions and share resources for purchasing a diabetes alert dog and/or training your own pet. Presented by internationally known Scent Detection Dog Expert, Debby Kay and Health Educator, Kathy Gold RN, CDE

1 PM Plate Poetry Project & Workshop: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCalsin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conservations that people have with themselves while eating. Poet Lorraine Brooks helps adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems.

Don’t miss the Capital Jazz Fest featuring Luther Vandross’ longtime collaborator, Marcus Miller.

Capital Jazz Fest will take place at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland and will feature over 25 national acts on two big stages!

02/22/2018

Divabetic’s Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast Starts Rehearsals

We’re excited to announce that rehearsals start today for Divabetic’s 5th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, ‘Swan Wake’ on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

“Our annual diabetes mystery podcast is the highpoint of the year for the Diabetes Late Nite team,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. ”It brings us closer together because everyone’s forced to step out of their ‘comfort zone’ on this podcast. We’re not ‘actors’ and I’m not a ‘writer’ so there’s a great deal of trust involved in the process. I love it.”

“After turning 50 I realized that I don’t get as many opportunities to try new things or challenge myself. But our mystery podcast gives me this incredible opportunity to become a ‘writer’, a ‘director’ and a ‘actor’ for one day with the people I love. The whole expeience makes me feel alive! I love the challenge of trying to educate, empower and entertain our listeners.”

The writing process for this year’s mystery, ‘Swan Wake’ began shortly after the live broadcast of ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ in September.

“I was so naive when we first started writing our mystery podcasts five years ago. It never occurred to me that it might take longer than three weeks to finish a script! But I learned the hard way that to be happy with the end result actually takes months of writing and rewriting. Last year I started about seven months earlier and the extra writing and rehearsal time paid off big time in the ratings. Our listeners really loved it,” says Max Szadek. “My big ‘Ah Ha’ moment as a ‘writer’ came when I realized that it doesn’t matter how many times you edit a script before rehearsals start, once you hear it out loud, everything changes.”

Ballerina, Author, Zippora Karz is the inspiration behind why this year’s diabetes mystery’s setting is the ballet.

“A few years ago, I interviewed Zippora, who is living with type 1 diabetes, on our Diabetes Late Nite podcast about her wonderful book, ‘The Sugarless Plum’ says Max. “After she shared her experience as a ballet dancer living with diabetes it occurred to me that there is a strong connection between the regimens of managing diabetes and ballet.”

“True to my character, ‘Mr. Divabetic’, I jumped headfirst into writing this year’s mystery without knowing much about ballet. I quickly learned that as a writer you can’t be ‘clueless’ on the topic you’re writing about. I needed to do a considerable amount research which proved to be a lot of fun. I attended performances of ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘Whipped Cream’ (with Misty Copeland) at Lincoln Center, watched numerous ballet videos ( Actress Sarah Jessica Parker touring the American Ballet Theater (ABT) shoe closet on YouTube) and ballet documentaries (‘Bolshoi Ballet’), read excerpts from various Balanchine biographies and scanned every article mentioning ballet I could find in the paper. I also interviewed Zippora several times about the basics in ballet.”

Here’s the radio drama’s synopsis: When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to fix a mix up with his ‘Swan Lake’ tickets he’s faced with a even bigger problem – a murder. To make matters worse, one of his gooey gluten-free 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 insipid culinary creations 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, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR, a Best-selling Mystery Writer, Tonya Kappes and his own nosey Italian Mom, Mama Rose Marie 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.

Divabetic’s 5th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, ‘Swan Wake’ debuts in September 2018. Cast members include Asha Brown, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller AICI CIP, Zippora Karz and Lorraine Brooks.

01/18/2018

Spaghetti Squash of LOVE by Chef Robert Lewis

What should you amke for dinner this weekend? How about Spaghetti Squash?

Both regular pasta and spaghetti squash have low amounts of fat, salt, and fiber. However, pasta has over 100 calories, while spaghetti squash has only about 20 calories, is richer in protein, and has far fewer carbs than pasta’s 31 grams. You’ll also get 9% of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber, also delivering a range of nutrients, including vitamins C and A, Potassium & Calcium from spaghetti squash.

Creating vegetable spaghetti from spaghetti is fairly simple but it’s also available ready-to-serve at your local grocery store.

One of our favorite chefs, Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ shares this delicious recipe to help you satisfy your hunger without compromising your diabetes health.

Spaghetti Squash of LOVE by Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash (2 pounds)

1/2 medium green pepper, diced

1/2 medium sweet red pepper, diced

4 medium fresh mushrooms, quartered

1 small onion, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil or canola

2 medium tomatoes, quartered

1 garlic clove, minced

salt & pepper to taste

3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a microwave-safe dish or plate. Roast at 400 for 45 min. or Microwave, uncovered, on high for 12-20 minutes or until tender. Cool.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the peppers, mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. Add tomatoes and garlic; sauté 4-5 minutes longer.

3. When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Place squash into the pan with the veggies, sauté until hot and fully mixed. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 4 servings.

Chef Robert’s Tip: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave. The cook time might take longer or shorter.

Nutritional Facts

One serving (1/2 cup spaghetti squash with 1/2 cup pepper mixture) equals 110 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 4 mg cholesterol, 372 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein.

In a recent profile on the Everyday Diabetes website, Chef Robert Lewis admitted that he feared the worst for his own love of great food following his diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes in 1998.

Listen to our 4th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast entitled ‘Gypsies, Tramps and Peas’.

Synopsis: Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy diabetes-friendly caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found sleeping with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, an amorous amputee 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?

Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

12/10/201712/10/2017

Our Ninth Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Chef Robert Lewis

On the ninth day of Blue Christmas my true friend, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ sent to me an immersion blender to make cooking simple and easy.

Divabetic is celebrating a Blue Christmas to bring attention to the mental health issues related to living with diabetes.

You probably know better than we do how diabetes affects your holiday experience. You might feel the weight of diabetes more at this time, because you can’t let go and celebrate like everyone else. Or maybe you do let go and then beat yourself up over it.

That’s why we asked our panel of experts, friends and past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests to spread some holiday cheer by sharing their favorite products to help keep you ‘happy and healthy’ all year long.

Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic’s pick: a sleek Cuisinart Smart Stick® 2 Speed Hand Blender. This gadget is available in five fab colors (yes, even hot pink!) to complement any kitchen, from funky to sophisticated. With a 200-watt motor, two speeds, and deep reach, you can make quick work of puréeing soup in a pot or frothing a pitcher hot chocolate. Make healthy breakfast smoothies fast, blending soft fruits with yogurt in seconds.

“Keeping things fun in the kitchen makes healthy cooking that much easier,” says Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’. Chef Robert recommends getting a immersion blender to whip up smoothies, dressings, soups, and more! He adds, “this great kitchen gadget helps you to avoid the tricky cleanup that comes with using a traditional blender.”

Chef Robert Lewis, knows the holiday season can get very hectic, like the rest of us, but he still manages to make time for an appointment with a Registered Dietitian.

“You can take the guesswork out of meal planning by setting up a meeting with a Registered Dietitian who is sensitive to the dietary needs of someone with diabetes,” says the Happy Diabetic. “If you want to do more?? Take it a step further and set up a cooking class to give some hands on experience!”

In 1998 Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Much of what he heard in those early day was about the foods that were prohibited. Chef Robert Lewis suspected that his days of good eating were over, yet as he worked through his ups and downs, He came to realize that the selection of foods he could and should eat was vast and included many of his favorites. This motivated him to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.

Chef Robert Lewis is a nationally recognized author, public speaker and spokesperson for all people affected with diabetes. He travels the country speaking on the benefits of healthy eating not only for people affected with diabetes, but also for anyone who would like to eat and live a healthy lifestyle

For the past two years, Chef Robert Lewis has made our Diabetes Mystery podcasts shine! He’s played the devious personal manager, ’Nigel Lowenworthl’ in ‘Suspect Boulevard’ and most recently former lifeguard, Fast Freddy in this year’s Diabetes Mystery podcast: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’. He truly brings out the best of each performance. I’m so grateful to Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ for helping us raise awareness for diabetes and educate people about diabetes self-care in a fun, new way.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout and let them know they are not alone. Personally, I am also ‘blue’ this holiday season because it will be the first Christmas without my father, Stanley Szadek. My father passed away over the Thanskgiving Day weekend. He was a tremendous support to me throughout my life. I will miss him dearly. Please join us!

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout and let them know they are not alone. Please join us!

TUNE IN! Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Our panel of experts, Divabetic community members and past Diabetes Late Nite guests will be sharing more Blue Christmas Gift suggestions on this blog for the next twelve days to help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season without compromising your diabetes health!

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season.

You’re not alone.

While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

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.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

09/16/201705/21/2020

Sugar-Free Coconut Custard Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris

I blame MaryAnn, who whipped up endless coconut cream pies for Gilligan on TV, and the chorus of Rupert Holmes’ hit song, Escape (The Pina Colada song) for why I associate ‘coconuts’ with ‘beaches’. That’s probably why I reached out to my friend and colleague Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ for a dessert recipe featuring coconuts to help celebrate the debut of our 4th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’. After all, the setting of this year’s mystery is the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, NY!!

When Stacey Harris was studying to become a pastry chef, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Rather than give up her chosen profession, she began creating more diabetic-friendly desserts. By using blended flours and a combination of sugar and sugar substitutes, reducing milk carbohydrates, and eliminating trans fats, Stacey Harris has transformed more than 200 desserts into diabetic-friendly delights.

Here’s Stacey Harris’ fabulous Coney Island caper inspired recipe for you and your family to enjoy!

Sugar-Free Coconut Custard Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Ingredients:

2 c. milk, scalded
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 c. SPLENDA® Naturals
2 tsp. coconut extract
dash nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In large bowl, beat eggs, add SPLENDA® Naturals, coconut extract and nutmeg; blend in hot milk.

Pour into small casserole dish and bake for 1 hour.

Garnish:

Serve with whipped cream sprinkled with a little toasted coconut, a fresh orange slice or garnish of your choice and enjoy!

The Diabetic Pastry Chef’s cookbooks are filled with information on the definition, treatment, and prevention of diabetes and include complete nutritional information (calories, fat, cholesterol, sugars, and protein) for each recipe. She uses Splendar and presents other sugar-free alternatives for pancakes, muffins, cakes, cookies, and pies. Stacey Harris shares the sweet secrets of her simple-to-use formula that will convert most any recipe into a lower-carb alternative without compromising taste or quality. Now ‘divabetics’ can enjoy Chocolate Truffle Cookies, Blueberry Tartlets, Cream Cheese Cupcakes, Coffee Bread Pudding, and hundreds of others. BUY NOW

“In The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris proves you can prepare and eat wonderful food and still stay well within the guidelines of food for a person with diabetes.”—Alan L. Rubin, M.D., author of Diabetes for Dummies and Diabetes Cookbook for Dummies

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder, Asha Brown, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth, Mr. Divabetic in the seaside adventure, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’.

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic 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, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But this nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found sleeping with the fishes.

What it an accident or foul play?

Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling a sequined Real Estate Agent, ex-lifeguard Lothario and a voluptuous Dance Instructor, 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?

Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends and a kooky crudite-obsessed fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer he uncovers Summertime diabetes self-care tips.

This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music. LISTEN NOW

09/05/2017

A Healthy ‘Taco Tuesday’ Recipe from Chef Robert Lewis

Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesdays?

All of sudden the day after Monday, Tuesday, doesn’t seem so bad. I think ‘tacos’ might be to blame for why Tuesdays have become a highpoint in our culinary week. This popular culinary trend, Taco Tuesdays, took off in Southern California and quickly spread to many big cities across the nation.Taco Tuesday is similar to Happy Hour in that restaurants vary in their participation, hours, and specials offered.

Taco Tuesdays can be part of a healthy diet plan, if done right.

I asked my friend, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ to share a few of his favorite healthy fish taco recipes on this blog. It’s all part of the preparations for our biggest podcast event of the year, Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST.

The wonderful Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ plays the character on ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’.

Since this year’s zany adventure takes place in New York City’s historic seashore, Coney Island we’re spotlighting seafood dishes.

Don’t let diabetes dim your DAZZLE! Get in the spirt and enjoy the first of several fish taco recipes,Garlic Rubbed Salmon Tacos, from The Happy Diabetic. It’s sure to win over your family and friends at your next party!

Garlic Rubbed Salmon Tacos by The Happy Diabetic

What’s in it?

1 tsp. fresh lime juice

2 tsp. chopped garlic

Fresh Cracked pepper

1 Tsp Splenda

1 lb. skinless salmon fillet

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

8 corn tortillas

1 very ripe avocado

Let’s put it together!

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the garlic, Splenda and olive oil. Rub the salmon and let stand for 5 minutes.

Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake for about 8 minutes, until they are softened and heated through.

Heat a large pan with oil or cook on the grill. Cook the salmon over medium heat until nicely browned and just cooked through, about 3 -5 minutes per side.

Gently break each piece of salmon in half. Spread the mashed avocado on the warm tortillas and top with the salmon, cabbage, and Drizzle each taco with fresh lime serve.

Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ has made it his mission to not only to be an ambassador of positivity for himself and his family (which includes 3 children and 6 grandchildren) but to also create amazing things in the kitchen for people of all walks of life to enjoy.

In a recent profile on the Everyday Diabetes website, Chef Robert Lewis admitted that he wasn’t going to let his diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes get him down.

“When I started this personal journey as a type 2 in 1998, I determined right then and there that diabetes was not going to change my positive outlook on life! I have always looked for ways to bring joy to others,” says Chef Robert Lewis. “ As The Happy Diabetic, I work to bring hope as well as happy, healthy lifestyle strategies to people living with diabetes! Putting a positive spin on things will always help us get through the tough times together!”

Now The Happy Diabetic’s a man on a mission! When he’s not working as a director of training for 60 restaurants in the Midwest, he’s traveling around the country as a keynote speaker for Taking Control of Your Diabetes and/or hosting his own podcast, ‘The Happy Diabetic Kitchen Podcast’! Read more about Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ in Diabetes Health Monitor magazine.

What’s Trending: Thousands of Farmed Salmon Accidentally Released into Seas

Thousands of farmed Atlantic salmon were accidentally released into the waters between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands, and officials are asking people to catch as many as possible. Tribal fishers, concerned about native salmon populations, call the accident “a devastation.” READ MORE

Don’t Miss The Newest Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast entitled ‘Gypsies, Tramps and Peas’ on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST.

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic 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, he heads for Coney Island 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?

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure. Healthy delicious recipes provided by Chef Robert Lewis and Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’.

This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Join the show! Get the full script for ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ and read along as our cast performs. Please e-mail: mrdvabetic@gmail.com

08/29/2017

Make Taco Tuesdays Healthy! with The Happy Diabetic

Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesdays?

Taco Tuesdays can be part of a healthy diet plan, if done right.

I asked my friend, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ to share a few of his favorite healthy fish taco recipes on this blog. It’s all part of the preparations for our biggest podcast event of the year, Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST.

The wonderful Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ plays the character on ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’.

Since this year’s zany adventure takes place in New York City’s historic seashore, Coney Island we’re spotlighting seafood dishes.

Don’t let diabetes dim your DAZZLE! Get in the spirt and enjoy the first of several fish taco recipes,Hoisin Shrimp Tacos, from The Happy Diabetic. It’s sure to win over your family and friends at your next party!

Hoisin Shrimp Tacos by the Happy Diabetic

What’s in it?

5 tsp. Hoisin Sauce

1 tbsp. soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. shrimp, tails removed, peeled and deveined

1/2 tsp. olive oil

2 limes

kosher salt

2 c. shredded white cabbage

1/4 c. fresh chopped cilantro

WHAT’S THAT?: Hoisin sauce is a thick, pungent sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a glaze for meat, an addition to stir fries, or as dipping sauce. It is darkly colored in appearance and sweet and salty in taste. Peking-style hoisin sauce ingredients include starches such as sweet potato, wheat or rice, and water, sugar, soybeans, sesame seeds, white distilled vinegar, salt, garlic, red chili peppers, and sometimes preservatives or coloring agents. Traditionally, hoisin sauce is made using toasted mashed soy beans.

Let’s put it together!

In a large mixing bowl stir together 3 teaspoons Hoisin, soy sauce, and garlic; add shrimp and mix until well coated. Set aside to marinate.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 tsp hoisin, and zest and juice of one lime, mix together with cabbage and cilantro; set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat or cook on the grill, heat the oil. Drain shrimp and pat dry; discard marinade. Sear shrimp until slightly caramelized, then flip. Cook until shrimp are firm, about 3 minutes and remove from the heat.
Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake for about 8 minutes, until they are softened and heated through.
Assemble tacos with a handful of cabbage slaw and a few pieces of shrimp. Cut garnish with the remaining lime cut into wedges and serve immediately.

Skip The Chips: According to United States Department of Agriculture reported that tortilla chips are high in calories per gram and are filled with saturated fats and high levels of sodium. Get more Healthy Taco Tuesday tips from Pritikin to help you host a nutritious and delicious Taco Tuesday right at home: READ MORE

In a recent profile on the Everyday Diabetes website, Chef Robert Lewis admitted that he feared the worst for his own love of great food following his diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes in 1998.

Join us for the broadcast of our newest Mister Divabetic Mister entitled ‘Gypsies, Tramps and Peas’.

This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Join the show! Get the full script for ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ and read along as our cast performs. Please e-mail: mrdvabetic@gmail.com

08/10/2017

The Happy Diabetic’s Healthy Hot Dog Topping Recipes

Chef Robert aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ takes part in our fourth annual Mr. Divabetic Mystery podcast: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, 2017. This year’s diabetes mystery takes place in Coney Island, the home of Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Joey “Jaws” Chestnut captured his 10th Mustard Belt by eating an event-record 72 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to win.

To get you in the spirit of ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ we asked Chef Robert to share some recipes for healthy hot toppings to help you ‘makeover’ your hot dog.

“Okay, let be honest the All American Hot dog get’s a bad rap!,” says Chef Robert Lewis. “It’s nutritional reputation is horrible. The average hot dog actually beats out a basic hamburger patty by about 100 calories assuming it’s not a foot long. After all, who really needs to eat a foot of food anyway!”

Chef Robert Lewis recommends choosing organic, grass-fed, and/or kosher all beef wieners, which tend to have less sodium. Aim for less than 200 calories, 5g sat fat, and 400 mg sodium.

Don’t worry, if you’re feeling angry with Chef Robert for taking the fun out of grilling because he’s got loads of surefire ways to make sure your dogs are the ‘top dogs’ at your next cookout.

After all, he was diagnosed in 1998 with type 2 diabetes. “Much of what I heard in those early day was about the foods that were prohibited,” says Chef Robert Lewis. “I suspected that my days of good eating were over, yet as I worked through my ups and downs, I came to realize that the selection of foods I could and should eat was vast and included many of my favorites. This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.”

The Happy Diabetic Fixin’s Tip: Replace relish, which is loaded with sodium, with shredded cucumbers. Cucumbers are low in calories and provide a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin C and potassium.

The Happy Diabetic’s Festive Hot Dog Toppings (all less than 150 calories!)

The West Coast Hot Dog Recipe

Yellow mustard and chopped fresh basil

Sliced avocado

Alfalfa sprouts

Shredded or sliced cucumbers

Baby Spinach

The Salsa Dog

Roasted corn

Sliced green onion

Fresh lime juice

Diced red bell and Green pepper

Slices of jalapeño slivers

Crumbled sharp cheese

Pickle ME! Hot Dog Recipe

2 teaspoons olive oil mayo mixed with 1 teaspoon chopped cucumbers

Sliced pickled red onion

Crumbled feta cheese

Shredded carrots

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Aloha! Ohvey…Chop It Up Hot Dog Recipe

Chopped red onion

Chopped fresh pineapple

Chopped red bell pepper

Chopped macadamia nuts

Chopped fresh cilantro

Fresh lime juice

My Big Fat Greek Hot Dog Recipe

Grape tomatoes

Sliced Kalamata olives

Chickpeas

Pepperoncini

Chobni Meze Cucumber Greek Yogurt

The Happy Diabetic Quick Fixes: Add low-sodium chili supplies fiber and protein, Choose white beans and low-sodium turkey bacon that contains fiber and protein, Spice it up withresh herbs, such as dill or cilantro (lot’s flavor to a and are low in calories) or top your dog with chopped pineapple or mango.

Everything’s Coming Up Roses! We’re going behind the scenes on our upcoming Mr. Diabetic Mystery podcast. ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ (scheduled for September 12, 2017) with music from the Original Broadway cast of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Our annual diabetes mystery podcast hopes to encourage you to become a Diabetes Detective. Look for clues, search for patterns, investigate the reasons behind your blood sugar high’s and low’s and report to the authorities (your healthcare team) about medical information found on the internet.

On August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re discussing tips for Summertime Diabetes Management, the Best in Swimsuit Coverups, Body Image Issues, Health Hazards of Professional Eating Contests, Safe Pedicures and Broadway’s Biggest Divas.

LISTEN: August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from the musical, ‘Gypsy’ features guests Actress, Singer Soara-Joye Ross, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Maryann Nicolay BA, DTR, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Founder & Executive Director of the We Are Diabetes organization Asha Brown, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie.

08/09/201708/09/2017

Do You Have A Pet Name for Your Diabetes or Insulin Pump?

Broadway Diva, singer, actress, Soara-Joye Ross, who is living with type 1 diabetes admits that she named her diabetes ‘Sasha’ and her new insulin pump ‘Black Panther’ … how about you?

Do you think giving a pet name to your diabetes and/or your device(s) could help you manage your diabetes?

Personally, I think giving your diabetes, your pump and/or your continuous glucose monitor a pet name is a great idea for helping you to cope with diabetes. A healthy sense of humor could certainly come in handy when you consider that the emotional dimensions of diabetes are often overlooked by healthcare professionals as well as patients.

“Laughter is the best medicine . . . unless you have type 1 diabetes, then insulin is probably better,” writes Dr. Beverly S. Adler, aka “Dr. Bev,”, who is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator in an article for Diabetes Connect.

“I named my diabetes “Sasha” because she’s like a person to me. She was like a two-year-old for the first several years. Now she acts like a teenager by always wanting to do her own thing and not what I always want her to do!,” says Soara-Joye on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Soara-Joye has performed abroad and all over the country. Named, “A True Musical Theatre Diva!” by BroadwayBox.com, this native New Yorker has performed in NY from Broadway (Les Misérables & The Dance of the Vampires) & Carnegie Hall (Jerry Springer the Opera) to the Winspear Opera House in Dallas (The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess) all the way to the Alter Oper in Frankfurt, Germany (Smokey Joe’s Cafe)! She has performed at highly acclaimed regional theaters, Off-Broadway, in Film, (Garden State)and just guest starred on HBO’s new comedy, Crashing, directed by Judd Apatow.

Our favorite Broadway DIVAbetic’s 10 year diaversary approaches in September and she recently started wearing an insulin pump that she named “Black Panther”. Soara-Joye says her insulin delivery device aka ‘the pump’ has been a godsend for her managing her ‘Sasha’ especially with such a rigorous performance schedule.

“With the insulin pump I can suspend my insulin delivery which is extremely helpful if I’m constantly on stage like I was when I was performing as Deloris Van Cartier ( in the musical, ‘Sister Act’),” she adds.

This Broadway DIVAbetic Has An Entourage Supporting Her with Her Diabetes Self-Care

Soara-Joye admits that on ‘day one’ of rehearsals for a show, she tells her stage manager and all involved on the creative team that she has type 1 diabetes. She also shares that her diabetes has a name: “Sasha” and that she’s pretty much another character in the show, that they need to know about.

One of her six dressers on ‘Sister Act’ was standing by in the wings with glucose tablets, insulin and juice boxes just in case Soara-Joye needed any of them. She also helped monitored Soara-Joye’s numbers on her continuous glucose monitor to watch out for trends in her blood sugar during the show. “My main dresser, Alison Clifton and the rest of my fabulous team of dressers were a godsend!,” says Soara-Joye.

Let Soara-Joye Ross Inspire You to Manage Your Diabetes like a Diva!

When you stop to consider that many people with chronic conditions such as diabetes often have to adjust their aspirations, lifestyle, and employment I feel Soara-Joye is truly a diva inspiration. Let Soara-Joye’s openness and creative coping skills as well as her ability to empower her co-workers to be part of her health entourage motivate you to not let diabetes dim your dazzle!

Soara-Joye appears in Judd Apatow’s HBO series ‘Crashing’ and will soon be starring as (Delores) LaVern Baker, the popular American Rhythm & Blues Singer from 50’s and 60’s, in the musical, ‘Rock and Roll Man’.

“Managing diabetes is a full time job, but with a little bit of humor we can take it all in stride,” writes Dr. Bev for Diabetic Connect. “Look for humor in a bad situation, and uncover the irony and absurdity of life. This will help improve your mood and the mood of those around you. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.”

06/06/201706/06/2017

Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes Recipe from ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’

Our annual Mister Divabetic Mystery Podcast presented in September is a fun way to learn about diabetes for mystery lovers.

This year’s Mister Divabetic Mystery Podcast: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ takes place at the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, NY and features summer time diabetes education tips and healthy recipes from our favorite chefs including Chef Robert ‘The Happy Diabetic’ Lewis and Stacey ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ Harris.

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic 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?

One of the dilemmas our team faces in Coney Island is what to do with all the unused vegetables from the party, especially the zucchini!

Thankfully Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic‘ has come to our rescue with this delicious recipe for Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes for you to enjoy!

Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes Recipe by ‘The Happy Diabetic’

What’s in it!

1-1/4 cups butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 cup grated zucchini
1 cup grated carrots

Let’s Put It Together

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with yogurt, beating well after each addition. Fold in zucchini and carrots.

2. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Frost cupcakes with a chocolate frosting

Yield: 21 cupcakes.

Nutritional Facts

1 each: 326 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 288mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

Chef Robert ‘The Happy Diabetic’ Lewis:

Growing up in Los Angeles offered Chef Robert a culinary experience he will always cherish. Family cooks and guests in my home were experts in preparing Jewish, Mexican, Middle and Far Eastern, and traditional dishes, which gave him a love for food and the creative outlet it provided.

After graduating from the Prestigios Culinary Institute of America in 1976. In 1998 he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Thus began his motivation to create great tasting dishes that are easy to prepare.

In 1998 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Much of what I heard in those early day was about the foods that were prohibited. I suspected that my days of good eating were over, yet as I worked through my ups and downs, I came to realize that the selection of foods I could and should eat was vast and included many of my favorites. This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.

Chef Robert is a nationally recognized author, public speaker and spokesperson for all people affected with diabetes. He travels the country speaking on the benefits of healthy eating not only for people affected with diabetes, but also for anyone who would like to eat and live a healthy lifestyle.

Enjoy our third annual Mister Divabetic Mystery Podcast: ‘Suspect Boulevard’ revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard. Our cast includes Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis, USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie.

TUNE IN: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Maxwell. We’re talking about diabetic macular edema with musical inspiration from Maxwell on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 6 PM, EST. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) 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.