The Queen of Hip Hop, Mary J. Blige sings these words in her new self-empowering song, “Good Morning Gorgeous”. Do you tell yourself that you are beautiful each day? I bet you don’t, but maybe you should. What would happen if you did? Take a moment to appreciate your curves, the way your body is solid and sure with strength in some places or sensuous with softness in others. End quiet moment you spend appreciating is a gift to you. Good thoughts become good feelings and feeling good on the inside is expressed on the outside, too.
Kind and gentle self-talk has helped Mary J. Blige overcome many obstacles in her life. She is not living with diabetes but she had a rough childhood. Her father, a war veteran who suffered from PTSD, left when she was just a young girl leaving the young Mary and her two siblings in the hands of an alcoholic mother. She was sexually abused by a family friend at the age of five. She turned to alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity to deal with the pain of her experiences.
“We numb ourselves with drugs and alcohol and people and shopping and shit, to cover up what’s really going on inside,” she said in an interview with Self.
Her resilience like her fame has grown over the years.
“People are watching,” she said to Self. “So much painful, embarrassing, public stuff has happened from the time I came out in this music industry. This stuff happens so that we can talk.”
Loving the body that you have and celebrating it makes you want to take care of it better inside and out, and all of that beauty just grows and grows. If you say it and hear it enough times I bet you’ll begin to believe it.
Enjoy Mary J. Blige’s song, “Good Morning, Gorgeous!” We believe in YOU!
Need a boost? Join us tomorrow night for Divabetic’s free Holiday-themed Baking Party with the Diabetic Pastry Chefon Thursday, December 9, 2021, at 7- 7:30 PM. EST.
We will be hosting two raffles during our virtual program. First, we will be giving away a beautiful Splenda Gift Basket filled with different Splenda products for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Then, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller will raffle off a gift from Gem Desire. Catherine is the newest Brand Ambassador for Gem Desire, a curated jewelry brand at affordable prices. You must be present during our virtual program to qualify for the random drawings.
Special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chefdemonstrates one of her favorite sugar-free recipes, answers your questions, and shares the dos and don’ts of baking with popular sugar substitutes at Divabetic’s upcoming Free Program on Zoom.
After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from a traditional bakery item.
“I started experimenting by using almond milk or whole milk mixed with water to cut down on carbs, then tried different flours, incorporating white whole wheat flour, soy flour, oat flour, black bean flour, and other alternatives into my brownies, cakes, and cookies,” she said in a How 2 Type 2 article.
She adds,” To cut back on sugar, I started using all-natural substitutes, like agave nectar, and trying erythritol. I also bake with a store-bought blend of sugars that tastes delicious.”
All of The Diabetic Pastry Chef‘s recipes are adapted to her preferences and dietary needs; we encourage you to adapt them to yours!
Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chefshares her recipes in a fabulous book so that people with type 2 diabetes and others looking for sugar-free treats can make their own lower-carb versions of baked goods at home. She also started her own online bakery that ships homemade treats all across the country. The most common thing she hears from customers is, “I don’t even miss the extra sugar!”
Don’t miss Divabetic’s upcoming Free Baking Party Program with The Diabetic Pastry on Zoom on Thursday, September 23, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST.
There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’. But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.
Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police, after meeting her just once!
As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has turned into a complete and utter baking disaster, now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well.
Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake a cake that’s actually edible?
Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Enjoy a decadent dessert recipe for under 200 calories from the Cleveland Clinic!
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes can have their cake and eat it too(!) as long as it’s part of a healthful meal plan (limited saturated fat. contain moderate amounts of salt and sugar). Go ahead, enjoy!
Lighter New York Style Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
For the crust:
9 whole graham crackers (5 ounces), broken into rough pieces and processed in a food processor to fine crumbs (about 1 ¼ cups)
4 tablespoons Smart Balance spread, melted
½ tablespoon Splenda Blend sugar substitute
For the filling:
1 pound 1% cottage cheese
1 pound light cream cheese, at room temperature
*8 ounces yogurt cheese (See directions below if you want to make your own) or 1 pint non-fat or low-fat plain yogurt
¼ teaspoon table salt
¾-1 cup Splenda blend sugar substitute
½-1 teaspoon lemon zest (could use orange zest)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, at room temperature
Vegetable cooking spray
There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’ on Divabetic’s newest Mystery podcast: Kill Me Madam.
Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dan Houdeshell, Pendulum Glucose Control’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Orville Kolterman and Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy, Author Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie guest on Divabetic’s December Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from a traditional bakery item.
“I started experimenting by using almond milk or whole milk mixed with water to cut down on carbs, then tried different flours, incorporating white whole wheat flour, soy flour, oat flour, black bean flour, and other alternatives into my brownies, cakes, and cookies,” she said in an How 2 Type 2 article.
She adds,”To cut back on sugar, I started using all-natural substitutes, like agave nectar, and trying erythritol. I also bake with a store-bought blend of sugars that tastes delicious.”
Below is The Diabetic Pastry Chef’s Gingerbread Cake Squares recipe, enjoy!
Gingerbread Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef
Ingredients
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar or 1/2 cup Splenda For Baking
1/2 cup molasses
3/4 cup melted butter or melted Smart Balance regular spread
1 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup boiling water
Directions:
Beat eggs. Blend in sugar or Splenda, molasses, and melted butter or spread. In separate bowl, sift together all dry ingredients. Alternate adding flour mixture with boiling water to batter, and beat until smooth.
Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square baking pan, or into greased square or round muffin tins. Bake 30 to 40 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cut gingerbread in pan into 18 slices. Serve warm or at room temperature topped with whipped cream. Yield: 18 servings.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef in 2021 on Zoom.
During our virtual Baking Party on Zoom, The Diabetic Pastry Chef will prepare a Sugar Free Holiday Dessert recipe and share expert baking tips for using sugar substitutes in your favorite recipes.
The Diabetic Pastry Chef shares her recipes in a fabulous book so that people with type 2 diabetes and others looking for sugar-free treats can make their own lower-carb versions of baked goods at home. She also started her own online bakery that ships homemade treats all across the country. The most common thing she hears from customers is, “I don’t even miss the extra sugar!”
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t stop ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’, Stacey Harris from indulging her sweet tooth. She taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from traditional bakery items. From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, this pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be as well as … sugar free!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×5″ bread loaf pan. It is advisable but not necessary to cut a piece of parchment to line the bottom of the pan for easy unmolding.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, except for the sugar substitute. Add nuts if using; set aside. In another medium bowl, combine and whisk the vegetable oil, egg, sugar substitute, molasses, and vanilla. Add the grated zucchini.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of the dry ingredients and stir just until combined being careful not to over mix. Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 45 or 55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of bread comes out fairly clean.
Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef shares her recipes in a fabulous book so that people with type 2 diabetes and others looking for sugar-free treats can make their own lower-carb versions of baked goods at home. She also started her own online bakery that ships homemade treats all across the country. The most common thing she hears from customers is, “I don’t even miss the extra sugar!”
Are you interested in learning how to bake with sugar substitutes? Join the happy healthcare host, Mr.Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka TheDiabetic Pastry Chefon Thursday, December 10, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from a traditional bakery item.
“I started experimenting by using almond milk or whole milk mixed with water to cut down on carbs, then tried different flours, incorporating white whole wheat flour, soy flour, oat flour, black bean flour, and other alternatives into my brownies, cakes, and cookies,” she said in an How 2 Type 2 article.
She adds,”To cut back on sugar, I started using all-natural substitutes, like agave nectar, and trying erythritol. I also bake with a store-bought blend of sugars that tastes delicious.”
The Diabetic Pastry Chef’s Sugar-Free Key Lime Pie Recipe
Ingredients
One 9″ pie crust, baked (traditional or graham cracker crust)
3 large eggs
1 c. granulated Whey Low®, Splenda® or Truvia® sugar substitute
1 c. half & half
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
3/4 c. key lime juice
1 Tbsp. finely grated lime zest
1/8 tsp. salt
whipped cream
Directions:
In medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together eggs, sugar substitute, half & half, cornstarch, key lime juice, lime zest and salt until thickened.
Cool and add to baked pie crust. Garnish with whipped cream and refrigerate for at least 3 hours
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, December 10, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
During this virtual Baking Party on Zoom, The Diabetic Pastry Chef will prepare a Sugar Free Holiday Dessert recipe and share expert baking tips for using sugar substitutes in your favorite recipes.
The Diabetic Pastry Chef shares her recipes in a fabulous book so that people with type 2 diabetes and others looking for sugar-free treats can make their own lower-carb versions of baked goods at home. She also started her own online bakery that ships homemade treats all across the country. The most common thing she hears from customers is, “I don’t even miss the extra sugar!”
Divabetic’s New Mystery Podcast Available On Demand For Free
There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’ on Divabetic’s Mystery podcas, Kill Me Madam.
But resentment, greed and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.
Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.
We’re talking about depictions of diabetes on the silver screen including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food and The Baby-Sitter Clubon Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from 2Cellos. How realistic are these portrayals? How do we feel after viewing them? Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder, Marc Washington.
Throughout this podcast we will be featured music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Celloscourtesy of SONY Music.
We’re less than a month away from the premiere of Divabetic’s Mystery Podcast, Kill Me Madam, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 6 PM, EST. In the spirit of our upcoming culinary caper, our friend, Chef Robert aka The Happy Diabetic, who has appeared on several mystery podcasts, shares this delicous, healthy sugarfree cheesecake recipe with you!
Preheat oven to 350*. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch spring form pan with non-stick cooking spray. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend, and Splenda Naturals® until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in pumpkin, yogurt, almond flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, maple flavoring, and vanilla. Pour filling into prepared pan. Mix the topping ingredients by hand or in a food processor until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of cheesecake. Bake until firm, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove from oven and run a butter knife around the inner edge but do not remove the pan side. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Refrigerate.
Servings/Yield: 16 servings
Nutritional Information (Pre Serving): Calories: 312, Total Fat: 21.68g, Cholesterol: 77mg, Sodium: 336 mg, Total Carbs: 17.71g, Dietary Fiber: 3.09g, Sugars: 4.20g, Protein: 8.13g
Chef Robert Lewis, The Happy Diabetic, is a nationally recognized author and motivational speaker who is passionate about helping people learn to live a healthier lifestyle. Chef Lewis graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in 1976. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1998. Thus began his motivation to create great tasting dishes that are easy to prepare. He travels the country speaking on the benefits of healthy eating not only for people affected by diabetes, but also for anyone who would like to eat and live a healthy lifestyle.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Cooking Party with special guest Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’on Thursday, August 13, 2020, 7 – 7:40 PM, EST on Zoom.
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you need to deny yourself all the foods you love, but you do want to make healthier food choices. One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are heavy in nutrition but light in calories.
During this virtual Cooking Party on Zoom,Chef Robert Lewis will prepare a recipe that won’t compromise your diabetes wellness.
Enjoy Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary Special with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms. Patti LaBelle. She’s encouraging you to have a ‘NEW ATTITUDE’ about living with diabetes! Guests include: Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OB-GYN, Luther McRae, Mama Rose Marie, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Seveda Williams and Terri Seidman.
There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’. But resentment, greed and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.
Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police, after meeting her just once!
As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has turned into a complete and utter baking disaster, now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well.
Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake a cake that’s actually edible?
Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.
“These chocolate peanut butter balls are so delicious and chocolatey that you’d never guess that fruit is a primary ingredient. For the most health benefits and to get the flavanols in dark chocolate, choose cocoa powder that has not been Dutched or treated with alkali,” says our colleague and frequent Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Balls Recipe by Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND
Ingredients
1cuppitted medjool or deglet nor dates(4.5 ounces)
“My challenge for you is to pick at least two meals or snacks this week to practice eating with intention or mindfulness. Really pay attention to your food – why you chose to eat it; what it looks like; how it smells; what you expect it to taste like; how it actually tastes; and how the taste, texture and temperature change in your mouth as you chew. Notice how it makes you feel, what you like and don’t like, how your hunger and appetite change,”says Jill Weisenberger.
Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Weektakes you on a one-year journey to weight control while managing your blood sugar,cholesterol level and more! This best-selling book includes sample menus, recipes and tricks for the kitchen. Instead of focusing on gimmicks, you will learn the skills you need to be successful long term.
Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, is a Nutrition, Culinary & Diabetes Expert, Wellcoach®-certified health and wellness coach, Freelance Writer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator. She’s also the author of four books, including a best-seller. She’s a nationally-recognized media expert in high demand for print and online interviews, as well as corporate and one-on-one nutritional counseling. Jill’s philosophy is that nutrition science should be understandable, realistic and oh so delicious.
Listen to Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from the ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music available on demand. Guests include Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Scavenger Hunt on Zoom with special guest, Best-Selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST.
One lucky winner in our random drawing will win Janis Roszler’s best-selling e- book, Intimacy & Diabetes. A second lucky winner will win aDario Blood Glucose Meterstarter kit. This all-in-one pocket-sized device can track blood sugar fluctuations and trends and identify hyper/hypoglycemic episodes right from your smartphone, providing readings within as little as 6 seconds. It’s scientifically proven, HIPPA compliant, and includes Dario Coaches to offer support and motivation to help manage your diabetes.
Thank you to everyone who has taken measures to protect our Divabetic community members and their loved ones by wearing cloth face coverings and social distancing. We are so grateful! Divabetic will continue to provide free Virtual Diabetes Outreach events with qualified health experts to keep you safe, informed and connected. Please join us!
Patti LaBelle was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 25 years ago and it took awhile for her to get in tune with her condition. She admits she was angry at first but now this self-proclaimed “Divabetic” says she’s not just living with diabetes, she’s living well with diabetes.
She’s incorporated small changes into her recipes to make them healthier. Enjoy her Free-Form Apple Tart recipe from Eating Well, which uses light sour cream and just a little butter to keep calories in check.
Patti LaBelle’s Freeform Apple Tart
Ingredients (Partial List)
1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons ice water
2 tablespoons light sour cream
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:190 calories; 11 g total fat; 6 g saturated fat; 25 mg cholesterol; 80 mg sodium. 21 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 3 g protein. Serving Size: 1 Slice
Patti LaBelle loves being in the kitchen even after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This might sound strange for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to hear since many of them have knee jerk reactions to modifying their diets. But Patti LaBelle told People magazinethat cooking for herself is why she’s still alive because she controls what she puts in my food and avoids all the things that aren’t good for diabetes. In her latest cookbook, Desserts LaBelle: Soulful Sweets to Sing About, she’s modified some of her signature recipes for fellow “divabetics” using sugar substitutes and cutting down on butter.
Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her thoughts about modifying recipes while sheltering in during the pandemic in her poem, Alone In The Kitchen.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
We are having a ball at our free virtual events. Stay safe, stay in and join us for some good times connecting with other people living with diabetes.
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Indoor Scavenger Hunt on Zoom with best-selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:30 PM, EST.
Relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even our casual relationships. Janis will answer your questions about how diabetes affects the 8 types of Intimacy: Aesthetic, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Affection, Physical, and Sexual.