Pass The Boa at Divabetic Club Meetings

Roughly nineteen years ago, I began hosting Divabetic’s first free monthly diabetes support meetings in New York City. Our meetings were open to all types of people living with, at-risk, and affected by diabetes and were held at the McBurney YMCA. At the first, the meetings were structured as ‘coaching sessions’ and presented by Life Coach, Dana Hariton, professional dancer and choreographer, Amy Jordan, both living with type 1 diabetes, and myself. The three of us came up with the idea after meeting in the audience at a dLife TV show taping. Initially, these meetings were called ‘Be A Diva’ and I’d make flyers that I would post on the walls of the Y with our meeting dates and times.

Later when I began volunteering backstage on a regular basis (and appeared on screen) at dLife, I met a wonderful, kind, and knowledgeable educator named Joy Pape RN, CDCES.

As Dana and Amy’s appearance began to taper off at our meetings, Joy joined and agreed to moderate our ‘Pass The Boa’ discussions. ‘Pass The Boa’ was our way of introducing ourselves to each other at the start of each meeting. We took turns passing a hot pink-colored feathered boa around the room and sharing our stories with each other. Everyone had a chance to be in the spotlight and voice their diabetes wellness successes and struggles.

As the years went by, different guest speakers ranged from florists, tea makers, tai chi instructors, beauty experts, fitness instructors, and even a passion pleasure expert. Actually, the pleasure toys meeting inspired me to add a sexual health and intimacy education station to our free national program, Divabetic Makeover Your Diabetes. Through the years the program’s name continued to change until it became known as the Divabetic Club. We also began hosting similar meetings in Cleveland OH and Philadelphia, PA with outstanding local educators and organizations such as The Diabetes Center Of Cleveland and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Today, I’m proud to say that we’re still offering free programming but it’s now virtual. Please join us and pass the boa at our upcoming baking party!

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?

Back by popular demand! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with our special guest, Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

05/05/202205/05/2022

Double Crust Peach Cobbler Recipe by Splenda

Splenda Baking Kits are just one of the many wonderful prizes you can win when you join us for Divabetic’s free Baking Parties with the Diabetic Pastry Chef on Zoom.

Our recent winner, Anita W. from Buffalo, NY found some inspiration along with a rolling pin, apron, measuring cups, and various Splenda products in her Splenda Baking Kit! She wrote back to us, “I received the prize and I loved all of it. I made some peanut butter cookies with the Splenda and the cookie cutter.”

Double Crust Peach Cobbler Recipe by Splenda

Ingredients

1 box of refrigerated pie crusts, softened

10 cups sliced fresh peaches

1 3/4 cups Splenda Granulated Sweetener

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup pineapple juice

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly spray an 11” x 7” baking dish with cooking spray.
Unroll one piecrust; roll out and trim to an 11” x 7” rectangle. Place in prepared baking dish. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Click HERE for the full recipe

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?

REGISTER NOW

09/13/2020

Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

“Pureeing the typical ingredients with a of bit bread transforms this tomato soup into something rich and creamy. And the bread adds a mere 30 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrate per serving – a boon to dieters and to people with diabetes,” says Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND.

**Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe by Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND**

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (26.46-ounce) box of chopped or crushed Italian tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
2 1/2 cups vegetables broth
1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese
2 ounces bread (no seeds or nuts), torn into about 4 pieces
5 fresh basil leaves

Nutrition: Serving: 1cup | Calories: 142, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 397mg

GET FULL RECIPE

Special Guest Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND will prepare a hearty Fall Harvest Soup recipe and share expert tips on flavorful ways to reduce salt in recipes and meal prepping during the holidays on Divabetic’s free Zoom Cooking Party on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 7-8 PM.

REGISTER NOW

Jill Weisenberger is the author of Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week is a bestseller and can help you manage your weight and blood sugar at the same time, The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition offers solutions to your everyday food and nutrition problems – no matter how busy you are, 21 Things You Need to Know about Diabetes and Your Heart gives you specific actions to take to improve your health right away, and her newest book Prediabetes: A Complete Guide featuring dozens of concrete steps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

07/13/202007/17/2020

Almond, Wild Blueberry, and Flax Smoothie Recipe By Janis Roszler and Donna Rice

Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, Co-Author of the best-selling e-book, Intimacy & Diabetes, shares this Healthy Smoothie Recipe for you to enjoy!

Almond, Wild Blueberry, and Flax Smoothie Recipe

From Intimacy & Diabetes, By Janis Roszler and Donna Rice

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen wild blueberries
1 1/2 cups organic, unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons almond flour
3 tablespoons ground flax meal
1 tablespoon packed fresh mint leaves
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons raw honey
1 cup ice

Directions
1. In a blender, combine all ingredients and purée until smooth.
2. Divide smoothie between three glasses and enjoy immediately.

Choices/Exchanges: 1/2 Fruit, 1 Carbohydrate, 11/2 Fat

Basic Nutritional Values: Calories 160, Calories from Fat 70, Total Fat 8.0 g, Saturated Fat 0.7 g, Trans Fat 0.0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 15 mg, Potassium 210 mg, Total Carbohydrate 21 g, Dietary Fiber 6 g, Sugars 12 g, Protein 5 g, Phosphorus 110 mg

Can Flax Seeds Help You Manage Your Diabetes?

Flax seeds — and flaxseed oil — boast many health-promoting compounds with the potential to lower blood sugar levels and delay the development of type 2 diabetes reports Healthline. Flax seeds and flaxseed oil are an excellent plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, principally ALA. Flax seeds are especially nutritious, as they also provide a good amount of protein and fiber. Read More

There’s no one-size-fits-all diabetes diet per se, but understanding how to make smart food choices is essential for keeping blood sugars in a healthy range.

One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are heavy in nutrition but light in calories. You can pack a lot of nutrition into one smoothie and get a delicious treat. As long as you stick with healthy ingredients and don’t add extra sweeteners, you can enjoy these treats on a regular basis.

Just remember when you do blend fruit into your smoothies to count them as part of your daily fruit allowance so you don’t overdo it on carbohydrates. Even natural sugar can drive up your blood sugar if you eat too much of it according to Everyday Health.

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

Janis is our special guest at Divabetic’ upcoming Indoor Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party on Zoom on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. Throughout our virutal Scavenger Hunt will be talking about relationships and diabetes. When diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even our most casual relationships. Janis Roszler will answer your questions about how diabetes affects the 8 types of Intimacy: Aesthetic, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Affection, Physical, and Sexual.

Register Now

Divabetic’s free Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party is part of Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary Celebration. Join us for our 10th Year Anniversary Podcast on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. Guests include: Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Lorraine Brooks, 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, Catherine Schuller, Terri Seidman and special guests.

One lucky listener in our random drawing will win a Dario Blood Glucose Meter starter 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. Enjoy this special Dario discount for the Divabetic community!

We’d like to acknowledge everyone who has taken measures to protect our Divabetic community members living with diabetes and their loved ones by wearing cloth face coverings and social distancing.

06/27/202006/27/2020

8 Types of Intimacy with Janis Roszler

We’re talking about the 8 Types of Intimacy with special guest: Janis Roszler on Divabetic’s free Indoor Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party on Zoom on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:30 PM, EST. Register

How does the fact that you have (your partner has) diabetes affect your relationship with your partner, positively and/or negatively?

Many people readily admit that living with diabetes can complicate and strain even the most loving and open relationships. The mood swings and emotional demands of diabetes can affect relationships with friends, family, co-workers and partners. Having a chronic disease can both increase the need for emotional support and increase the potential for frustration and tension.

No two relationships are exactly alike. However, different types of relationships have certain things in common. This might mean the types of feelings involved, the style of sex and intimacy of the couple, or even whether or not they live together.

We tend to focus on the sexual component in romantic relationships whereas but there are actually 8 different types of intimacy. Learning what they are can help you evaluate your relationship and what you can do to make your relationship a more intimate one.

8 Types of Intimacy

Affection (not sexual): Thank your partner for something they do. Say, “I love you” or “I’m so glad we are together.” Give them a hug and quick kiss when they arrive home from work.
Physical (not sexual): Go for a walk, swim, or bike ride together. If you have a ping pong table, challenge your partner to a game or two.
Aesthetic: Go outside and watch the sunset together. Stroll through an art gallery and view the paintings. Join your partner in the den and ask Alexa to play a song you both enjoy.
Spiritual: Pray or meditate together. Discuss a spiritual topic, attend church or synagogue together
Intellectual: If you share political views, discuss the 2020 election. Or, talk about a topic you recently heard or read about.
Social: Go out to a restaurant, see a movie, double date with friends, etc.
Emotional: Share your feelings about something.
Sexual: Shower together, share a bubble bath, or more.

Janis Roszler MFT, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND will be sharing insight about the 8 types of intimacy during Divabetic’s Zoom Party. Janis is the AADE 2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year 2008 -2009, Board Certified Sex Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Author and/or Co-Author of: Intimacy & Diabetes (ADA, 2020); Approaches to Behavior (ADA,2015); Diabetes On Your OWN Terms (Marlowe & Company, 2007); Sex and Diabetes (ADA, 2007); The Secrets Of Living And Loving WITH Diabetes (Surrey Books, 2004).

If you have diabetes, you may be looking for guidance on this sensitive subject. Intimacy & Diabetes is here to give help and advice where you need it.

Intimacy & Diabetes by Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND; and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDE, FAADE. e-book: $9.99

BUY NOW

06/15/202006/17/2020

Can Drinking A Smoothie Spike Your Blood Sugars?

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

Find out what types of smoothies and/or smoothie ingredients you should enjoy and which ones you should avoid to enjoy during Divabetic’s free At Home Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party on Zoom this Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST with Special Guest, Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and Registered Dietitian Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND . Register Now.

We encourage people with diabetes to be mindful of carbohydrate intake in their smoothie, as this is what will directly affect blood sugars, rather than rely on a bunch of fancy terms like ‘superfood’ , ‘green’, and ‘detox’ to quill any suspicions before taking a sip.

Thankfully, our friend, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND agreed to share a few quick facts on smoothies for our Divabetic blog readers prior to our zoom outreach event.

Q: Will fruit smoothies spike blood sugars?

Jill Weisenberger (JW): Anything with carbohydrates has the potential to spike blood sugar levels for people with diabetes, Certainly fruit, especially blenderized fruit, can do that. So the key is what else is in your smoothie.

Q: Jill, are smoothies in general as healthy as most people seem to believe?

JW: Smoothies can be an excellent way to get health-boosting, disease-fighting nutrients from fruits and vegetables. However, the wrong kind of smoothie can be a bad choice for people with diabetes, especially when eating out. There’s an infinite number of smoothies you can make, so each person is bound to find several healthy combinations they like.

Are you wondering if smoothies will spike your blood sugars?

The American Diabetes Association recommends checking your blood sugars one to two hours after you start eating and/or drinking to capture the peak level of your blood glucose.

Keep in mind that blood glucose results often trigger emotions. Blood glucose numbers can make you feel angry, frustrated, and/or blue. Knowledge is power: tracking your blood glucose levels is wonderful tool to see how your diabetes care plan is working, and whether you need to adjust your plan with the help of your healthcare professional.

One lucky Divabetic Zoom Party participant will receive their pick of one of Jill Weisenberger’s sensational books (see below) in the random drawing held at the end of our outreach event:

Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week is a bestseller and can help you manage your weight and blood sugar at the same time.

The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition offers solutions to your everyday food and nutrition problems – no matter how busy you are.

21 Things You Need to Know about Diabetes and Your Heart gives you specific actions to take to improve your health right away.

Prediabetes: A Complete Guide leads you through dozens of concrete steps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems.

Learn the Do’s and Don’ts to Healthy Smoothies with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND at Divabetic’s Zoom Smoothie Party on Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. REGISTER NOW

Jill Weisenberger’s candid and energetic approach and her sound nutrition and fitness advice has earned her a place as one of 10 Dietitians You Need to Follow on Social Media in US News & World Report. Jill offers healthy and delicious recipe ideas and nutrition strategies that are based in sound nutrition science. Whether you’re looking for disease prevention or management, nutritious meals that people actually want to eat, or truths (and myths!) about the latest food trends, get reasonable and realistic tips from expert Jill Weisenberger.

Divabetic’s Carb Kitty Video Games

05/30/202005/30/2020

Virtual Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party with Jill Weisenberger

Are you going too stir crazy? Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes at risk?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun virtual Scavenger Hunt At Home & Smoothie Party where everything you need to win is within your home or apartment. Measuring cups, straws, spices, ice, fresh produce and more are all in play for a joyful night of fun, diabetes wellness and conversations.

Don’t miss Divabetic’s first-ever virtual Scavenger Hunt: At Home & Smoothie Party with special guest Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND on Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 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.

Smoothies can be an excellent way to get fiber and other nutrition from fruits and vegetables. However, the wrong kind of smoothie can be a bad choice for people with diabetes, especially when eating out.

During this virtual Scavenger Hunt on Zoom, Jill Weisenberger shares expert tips for making healthy smoothies without compromising your diabetes wellness.

How it works: Register prior to this event and we will send you the unique code to sign in to our Zoom Video feed. You will need a camera. We’ll all get acquainted and share niceties before the competition starts. Mr. Divabetic will have a list of regular (and some not so regular) items that people may find around their living space. Once we post an item you will have 30 seconds to find it. Each item found will result in points for prizes! At the end of the home hunt we’ll sit back laugh, make smoothies and enjoy a toast together to when we can hang out and do our real scavenger hunts!

Grand Prize: One lucky winner will win Jill Weisenberger’s best-selling Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week to help you manage your weight and blood sugar at the same time.

Cost: Free. Pre-Registration Required

What do I need? A device with a camera and microphone. (A blender is helpful but not mandatory). No need to download Zoom but it does help. zoom.us.

How do I participate? When you register we will send you a code to join or Zoom meeting. (please note that the confirmation will come later)

Can I attend alone? Right now 99.9% of those participating attend alone. How Many are expected? Most of our virtual events have 20 + participants unless otherwise specified.

Disclaimer: By attending Divabetic’s virtual Scavenger Hunt at Home & Smoothie Party on Zoom, you consent to being filmed and or photographed, whereas your image, voice, and likeness may be used by Divabetic.org for promotional purposes.

Questions? If you have a questions, email mrdivabetic@gmail.com or call Max Szadek: (917) 648-0393. Divabetic is committed to making sure that every wellness with a wow outreach event your register for is going to be great!

REGISTER NOW

We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 8 Year Anniversary of Diabetes podcasting with musical inspiration from Patti Austin on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast available on demand. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.