Tag: healthy cooking

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The Happy Diabetic’s Oven Roasted Salmon with Fruit Salsa Recipe

I was thrilled to be a guest on my friend, Chef Robert Lewis, The Happy Diabetic‘s Kitchen Podcast. I had the chance to reflect on my twentieth anniversary of presenting diabetes outreach diva-style.

Several years after graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in 1976, Chef Robert Lewis was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes. His love of food and cooking motivated to alter his recipes to achieve diabetes wellness.

“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,” he says.  “This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.”

As 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 well and live a healthy lifestyle.

The Happy Diabetic’s Oven Roasted Salmon with Fruit Salsa Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1⁄4 Cup of Fresh Mango diced (or use canned)
  • 1⁄4 Cup of Fresh Pineapple diced (or use canned)
  • 2 Fresh Strawberries diced
  • 1 Kiwi peeled and diced
  • 1 Teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tablespoon leaf fresh cilantro chopped
  • 4-  5- 6 oz salmon filets
  • 2 Tablespoon of Splenda
  • Ground Pepper
  • Balsamic Glaze

Directions

Peel and dice the mango, strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple. Place them into a bowl. Add the lime juice and cilantro. Set aside. 

Season the salmon with cracked pepper and a dusting of Splenda. Place the fish into a non-stick oven pan lightly coated with canola oil on med heat (heat the pan first).

Place the salmon in a preheated 425-degree oven. Roast the tuna for about 10-12 minutes. The cooked fish will be firm to the touch, and the internal temperature will be about 140 degrees.

Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for 2-3 min. Place the fish on the plate. Top with fruit salsa.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 196 Fat: 4.31 g Sugar: 18.53 Fiber: 5.81 g Protein: 12.97 g 

The Happy Diabetic Kitchen Podcast: A Conversation with Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek LISTEN NOW

Are you a Picky Eater? The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic plays his food game, Serve, Taste or Trash! at Central Farm Market in Bethesda, MD.

Chef Robert Lewis, The Happy Diabetic, stars with Mr. Divabetic in Divabetic Mysteries: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas podcast. Tune in to find out if Mr. Divabetic can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his nosey Italian mother and friends. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

 

 

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Divabetic Pink Champagne Holiday Gift Guide 2021, #2

Whether you’re focused on losing weight or want to add a little extra sparkle into your daily diabetes self-care, we’ve got you covered with this year’s Divabetic  Holiday Gift Guide 2021. We believe in thoughtful gifts that bring a little happiness and good health into your life.

Holiday Mindful Eating Tip of the day from Lisa Young: Ask yourself, am I hungry?, eat slowly, and enjoy your company along with your food!

Herb Scissors Retail: $10.67

Fresh herbs enhance the flavors of all foods, especially vegetables, which will help you to reduce using salt to perk up your meals. These scissors are perfect for basil, thyme, dill, parsley, chives, mint, fennel. You can use directly over a pan or plate to make perfectly sized, restaurant-quality quick, and impressive garnishes for soups, salads, pizza, and side dishes.

Our friend, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, demonstrated how to use herb scissors in a recent Divabetic Zoom program.

With a motto like,”  I make nutrition science understandable, realistic & delicious,” Jill specializes in customizing plans to help people living with, affected by, and at risk of diabetes to maximize their health.

Jill quickly snipped a bunch of fresh herbs to season her soup. She showed us that this kitchen tool is a big help in curbing the need to grab the salt-shaker for your recipes. Available on Amazon. 

BUY NOW 

In this video, Jill Weisenberger shares her favorite healthy salad and salad dressing recipes, suggested new flavor combinations to perk up meals, and answered questions on nutrition. Enjoy this sneak peek of what you missed on a recent Divabetic Zoom program! Join us for Divabetic’s free Holiday-themed Sugar-Free Baking Party with the Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris on Thursday, December 9, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST. Register Now 

 

 

Prediabetes: A Complete Guide by Jill Weisenberger

The latest numbers from the CDC suggest that nearly 1 in 3 adults have either prediabetes or diabetes. These are alarming numbers, and finding out that you are the one out of three can be even more alarming.  Shock, denial, and confusion are not uncommon reactions. But there is a flip side to learning you have prediabetes. It can be scary, but it’s also an opportunity—an opportunity to “reset,” to improve your health and to get yourself in better shape than ever. Let Prediabetes: A Complete Guide show you how!ho

Divabetic Holiday Playlist: Kelly Clarkson never fails to bring us joy! Her new Christmas album is a total delight. This duet “Under the Mistletoe” with Brett Eldredge gets us up and dancing every time we play it!

https://youtu.be/y9jTpv1r_KI

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How to Cook Farro

Farro is it’s an ancient whole grain, popular for its use in Middle Eastern and Italian cuisine.  It’s packed with protein, fiber, and iron.

Keep in mind, farro is a type of wheat so it contains gluten just like any wheat product.

How to Cook Farro

  • Boil 2 cups water, 1 cup farro, and salt/salt-free seasoning in a medium saucepan.
  • Cover the pot, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Cook until grains are tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes.
  • Drain any excess water, and then use it as a side dish or add to other recipes.

 

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We’re talking about diabetes wellness with music from Jessye Norman on March’s Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

“Singing is a very physical responsibility. It requires being as healthy as possible so that we can keep this instrument that we carry around in our throats rather than a nice box that we put away at night so it can do what it needs to do,” says Jessye Norman. “It’s important to take care of our bodies where our voice lives. During an opera performance one can use as many calories as a marathon runner.”

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mandy Reece PharmD CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, Maximize Your Metabolism Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren, and Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador, Sarah.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Jessye Norman’s Roots: My Life, My Song (Live at The Philharmonie Berlin) album courtesy of SONY Music.

 

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New DASH Diet for Two Cookbook by Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN

Blood pressure is the single most important number for people with diabetes to know according to Diabetes – What To Know‘s website.

High blood pressure is a common disease that develops when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures.

A person with diabetes and high blood pressure is four times as likely to develop heart disease than someone who does not have either of the conditions. About two-thirds of adults with diabetes have blood pressure greater than 130/80 mm Hg or use prescription medications for hypertension.

“I was diagnosed with high blood pressure 6 years after I wrote my first DASH diet book. So I know what it’s like to help manage blood pressure with diet, ” writes Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, Author of the new DASH Diet for Two cookbook. “It’s full of recipes that I have cooked for my family. You’ll enjoy 125 healthy recipes that can fit into a DASH lifestyle that helps lower blood pressure.”

DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), is a diet promoted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, proven to help manage high blood pressure.

The DASH diet has been ranked Best Diet Overall for eight years in a row by U.S. News and World Report.

“I like using the 80/20 rule for eating well,” says DASH Diet for Two Cookbook Author Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN.

“I just want you to try sticking to the eating style most of the time (meaning 80 percent or more). It includes a variety of food, including meatless meals, poultry, pork and beef recipes, sides, salads and dessert.”

THE DASH Diet For Two: 125 Recipes to Lower Blood Pressure Together BUY NOW

You usually don’t have symptoms from high blood pressure until it has caused serious health problems. That is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Your doctor will diagnose you with high blood pressure if you have consistently high blood pressure readings.

We’re talking about movie characters with diabetes including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food, Mad Money, The Baby-Sitter Club and Nothing In Common on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from 2Cellos. How realistic are these portrayals? How accurate is information about diabetes and diabetes self-care?  And how do we feel after viewing them?  With all the emotional and physical complications comes drama, making characters with the condition a good plot point on the silver screen.

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 2Cellos courtesy of SONY Music.

 

 

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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #25

Can you solve the Divabetic Mystery Phrase #25?

The hidden affirmation you uncover focuses on mindful eating. If you’re struggling to cope with the stress, and anxiety of daily diabetes self-care: try repeating positive affirmations to yourself each morning to steer your mood in the right direction. This way of thinking can be helpful when the mental and emotional burden of coping with daily diabetes self-care gets tough. We also encourage you to seek out a therapist to help you adjust to life with diabetes.

Today’s fast-paced society distracts people’s attention away from their food toward Instagram, Facebook, and Smartphone Games Apps.

According to Healthline, eating has become a mindless act, often done quickly. This can be problematic, since it takes your brain up to 20 minutes to realize you’re full.

Eating too quickly often leads to overeating. You eat more and more because your brain doesn’t have enough time to receive fullness signals from your stomach.

It’s also been proven that you’ll eat less food if you eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.

2 Tips to  Help you Start Eating More Slowly:

  • Chew more. Count how many times you normally chew a bite of food, then double that amount. You may be surprised at how little you usually chew.
  • Set your utensils down. Putting down your fork between bites of food will help you eat more slowly and savor each bite.

Get More Tips

Solving the Mystery of Your A1C 

Many people wonder how their hba1c number relates to their  blood sugar levels. After all, daily diabetes self-care management can be a jumble of numbers: weight, blood sugar levels, carbohydrate counts, fat grams, serving sizes, etc.  Hopefully, this handy chart will provide some clarification.

When it comes to the numbers, there’s no one-size-fits-all target. A1C target levels can vary by each person’s age and other factors, and your target may be different from someone else’s. If you feel your hbA1C number is on a higher side, say over 7 or 8%, do not worry! Knowledge is power. You can lower your hbA1C by creating your own personal self-care plan with your healthcare professional.

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Cooking Party on Zoom where everything you need to win is within your own home.

Whether you have had diabetes for a long time or have only recently been diagnosed, having a diabetes management plan and supplies in place are essential for living life to the fullest.

Don’t miss Divabetic’s 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. Register Now

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31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Two

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

On Day Two of 31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, we’re spotlighting our friend, the fabulous Best-selling Cookbook Author, Holly Clegg on Divabetic’s Diabetes Spotlight podcast from October 2010. Sadly, Holly Clegg died last year at the age of 64 Dallas. She had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in August 2018. During her cancer fight, Holly Clegg aka ‘the Queen of Quick’ used her high profile to educate others on gastric cancers and, with her family, created the Holly Clegg Gastric Cancer Research Fund at MD Anderson to raise awareness of gastric cancers.

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“Holly was one of my first podcast guests,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “I was instantly drawn to her because she was so friendly, informative, enthusiastic and upbeat. She appeared on several more podcasts and contributed plenty of her healthy and delicious recipes for our blog over the years. Holly lived her life to the fullest doing what she loved and helping others.”

PODCAST SURVEY

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Holly Clegg published 10 cookbooks, including Trim & TERRIFIC and Too Hot in the Kitchen, that are time, user and pantry-friendly and focus on maintaining nutritional balance.

Join us for Divabetic’s free At Home Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party with special guest, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 7 – 7:30 PM, EST on Zoom. Register Now

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Tomato and Goat Cheese-Walnut Pesto Flatbread Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy summer produce, including Jill’s delicious heirloom tomato flatbread recipe!

“The goat cheese and walnut pesto pair perfectly with these beautiful heirloom tomatoes,” says Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND. 

Tomato and Goat Cheese-Walnut Pesto Flatbread Recipe by Jill Weisenberger RD

Ingredients

  • For the Goat Cheese-Walnut Pesto
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves (about 16 g)
  • 1/3 cup walnut pieces
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • juice of 1/2 lemon (about 11/2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 ounces soft goat cheese
  • For the Tomato Flatbread
  • 4 medium to large tomatoes

FULL RECIPE 

Nutritional Information: Serving: 1slice | Calories: 182 | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 310mg | Fiber: 2.5g

Quick Takes with Registered Dietitian Jill Weisenberger

Q: How much is ‘too much’ when it comes to eating carbohydrates for someone with type 2 diabetes?

Jill Weisenberger (JW): This is way too individualized for me to give you a solid answer. If your blood glucose is in your target range before eating, but above your target range 2 hours after eating, chances are you ate too much carbohydrate. Though it might suggest something else such as taking your medications incorrectly or needing a different dose, or it might even be your blood sugar’s way of reminding you not to miss your usual exercise. 


Q: How much is too much when it comes to eating carbohydrates for someone with pre-diabetes? 

JW: People with prediabetes have more flexibility because they are not at risk of having a dangerously high blood sugar level. Instead of focusing on the quantity of carbohydrate, I prefer to focus on the quality of carb-rich foods. Aim to eat fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains and other wholesome, nutrient-rich foods. 


Q: Are there any carbohydrates someone with pre-diabetes should avoid?

JW:  recommend limiting what I call fun foods. For me, that’s chocolate. For someone else, it’s corn chips. If it doesn’t had much to the wholesomeness of your diet, eat just small amounts or skip it completely. It’s almost always reasonable and possible to fit in favorite foods. However, I do urge extra caution around sugary beverages. Sugary drinks, like sodas, sweet tea and lemonade, are linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes. 


Q: I’ve read that adding walnuts to your meal plan is a good idea. Why or why not?  

JW: Love walnuts! And yes, they are a great addition to the diet. They give us omega-3 fatty acids, fibers, phytonutrients and more. Diets with nuts are associated with improved heart and blood vessel health in people with diabetes and in the general population.

Prediabetes: A Complete Guide


 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 and is renowned for disease prevention and management, nutritious, delicious meals, and truths (and myths!) about food trends.

Divabetic Scavenger Hunt: At Home Party

Divabetic Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party: At Home Party – Register Now!

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes at risk? 

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free and entertaining, Scavenger Hunt: At Home Party on Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 PM, EST. This hilarious night of virtual diabetes wellness and conversations features make-your-own smoothies with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND. 

Having diabetes does not mean you need to deny yourself all the foods you love, but it is about healthy choices. One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables with smoothies. During our online Scavenger Hunt, Jill shares tips for making healthy smoothies without compromising your diabetes wellness.  

When: Thursday, June 18, 7PM, ET 

Where: on Zoom Register Now on Zoom Code

Fee:  Totally Free

 How: Mr. Divabetic will have a list of people may find around their kitchen. Once he posts an item you will have 30 seconds to find it and accumulate points for fun prizes including Jill Weisenberger’s Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week bestselling book. After the hunt, we’ll sit back, laugh, make smoothies and enjoy a toast together until we can do it again in person.  

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast

 We’re talking about “I Know What You Ate Last Summer” with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Diabetes Late Nite with music from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music. Addtional guests: Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Lorranie Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

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The Happy Diabetic’s Roasted Fennel Recipe

Chef Robert aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ takes part in Divabetic’s sixth annual Diabetes Mystery podcast: Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes available for free on demand. LISTEN ON DEMAND.

The mystery revolves around a fictitious Gingerbread Man Cookie competition in New York City.

Not only can ginger help lower your blood sugar levels, fennel can too!  

Fennel seeds have alleviated diabetic properties which helps in fighting against diabetes. Due to its high source of nutrients like vitamin C and Potassium, fennel seeds have been known to help lower the blood sugar levels and increase insulin reactivity.

To get you in the spirit of Divabetic’s upcoming Diabetes Mystery podcast, The Fennel Curtain, we asked the Happy Diabetic to share his favorite fennel recipe. 

Roasted Fennel of Love Recipe by Chef Robert Lewis 

Ingredients: What’s in it?

1 lb. fennel, quartered lengthwise 

2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste

Freshly ground black pepper

Fresh lemon juice 

Parmesan cheese 

Directions: Let’s Put it Together 

Position a oven rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 475° F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim the base and core of the fennel quarters, leaving just enough of the core intact to hold the layers together. Cut into 3/4- to 1-inch wedges. In a medium bowl, toss the fennel with enough of the olive oil to coat generously but don’t over do it, the salt, and generous  grinds of pepper.

Spread the fennel out onto the baking sheet and arrange the pieces so that they are evenly spaced and lying on a cut side. If the pieces cover the baking sheet sparsely, arrange them toward the edges of the baking sheet for the best browning. Roast until the fennel begins to brown on the edges, 15 minutes. Flip the fennel and continue to roast until tender and nicely browned, 10 minutes.

Return the fennel to the bowl in which you tossed them with the oil, or put them in a clean serving bowl. If the fennel seems a bit dry, drizzle it with a little oil. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, A nice dusting of cheese and granulated garlic will be predict. 

Chef Robert Lewis 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.”

When the final curtain falls on opening night, the show might be over but it’s just the beginning of another one of Mr. Divabetic’s misadventures. Unfortunately, the happy healthcare host finds himself cast as the prime suspect when the leading lady is found dead backstage. Affairs and jealousy, not to mention old resentments, are all good motives for murder. But just which one brought the curtain down on the curvy community playhouse star? Now Mr. Divabetic and his team of amateur sleuths with their sometimes questionable way of handling things, must search for the murderer.

Don’t miss Mr. Divabetic’s newest Diabetes Mystery podcast, The Fennel Curtain coming in 2021!

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Why Try Nut-based Pie Crusts

Nut-based pie crusts are becoming more popular as people with diet restrictions and health conditions look to substitute sugar and gluten while maintaining the great taste and texture of their favorite desserts.

Walnuts are rich in heart-healthy fats and high in antioxidants. What’s more, regularly eating walnuts may improve brain health and reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. These nuts are easily incorporated into your diet, as they can be eaten on their own or added to many different foods. 

Spice Up Your Crust!

To add a layer of flavor your friends and family may not expect, add spices to this nut-based pie crust that complement the pie’s filling. Only use a small amount—1/2 to 1 teaspoon is sufficient and should be added first to the liquid ingredient in the pie crust (in this case, the melted butter) before it’s mixed with the remaining ingredients.

Have you heard that about 28 grams or three-four tablespoons of walnuts may help reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes significantly? There have been enough emphasis on including a handful of dry fruits and nuts to one’s daily diet

READ MORE

Low Carb Cheesecake

Why not try this thick, velvety low carb cheesecake recipe with a walnut crust?

“This Low Carb Cheesecake has all the delicious flavor and creamy texture of traditional cheesecake without the added sugar. Serve it up as a special treat for anyone watching their sugar intake.”

READ MORE

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Phyllis Hyman

Tune in to August’s Diabetes Late Nite . We’re talking about ‘Diabetes, Sleep & Mental Health Issues’ on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from the iconic Phyllis Hyman.

Guests include Alyson Williams, Queen Diva, Patricia Farrell PhD, Kristina Wolfe, ‘Tabouli: The Story of a Heart-Driven Diabetes Alert Dog’ Author Matt Pelicano, Elizabeth Vaughan Gallagher, Stacie Shonkwiler, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach with Patricia Addie-Gentle.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from ‘The Essential Phyllis Hyman’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

TUNE IN

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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

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