Healthy Red Quinoa Tabouli Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Last night, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND shared her delicious Red Quinoa Tabouli recipe, answer our questions and even recommended some helpful kitchen tools at Divabetic’s Cooking Party on Zoom.

Jill’s latest book, The Beginner’s Guide To What To Eat With Type 2 Diabetes will teach you how to enjoy eating again without all the worry and guilt.

You’ll learn to fit in your favorite treat foods, so you never feel deprived, choose the right foods to avoid blood sugar spikes, keep track of the carb counts in your usual foods, eat to feel full – no more long-lasting hunger pangs, and more!

Enjoy a diva-licious discount on Diabetes Smarts bonus information when you purchase Jill Weisenberger’s The Beginner’s Guide To What To Eat With Type 2 Diabetes. To save, enter the code ‘DIVABETIC’ for the bonuses to be free here.

“Enjoy this refreshing Mediterranean-style salad as a side dish with hot or cold foods, or make it into a meal with the addition of kabobs, chickpeas, chicken or salmon,” says Jill Weisenberger.

Healthy Red Quinoa Tabouli Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Ingredients

Salad

1 cup red quinoa cooked according to package directions with salt omitted (about 3 cups cooked)
2 cups tightly packed finely chopped fresh parsley (about 3.5 ounces) Use more as desired.
1/2 tightly packed cup finely chopped fresh mint (about 3/4 ounce)
2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes (about 13 ounces)
1½ cups diced cucumber (about 8 ounces)
½ cup diced scallions (about 1.25 ounces)

SEE FULL RECIPE

Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND guests on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Maria Callas. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Grandiose Stimmen: Maria Callas album courtesy of SONY Music.

03/01/202103/01/2021

Free Diabetes Cooking Party with Jill Weisenberger on Tuesday, March 2, 2021

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

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free Virtual Cooking Party with special guest, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND on Zoom on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 7-8 PM. Jill will be sharing her favorite Quinoa recipes with us.

The dietary fiber content in quinoa is higher found in many other grains. This means that quinoa can be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, since fiber and protein are considered important for keeping tighter blood sugar management.

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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.

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.

Jill Weisenberger is the author of The Beginner’s Guide To What To Eat With Type 2 Diabetes. Jill’s guide will teach you how to enjoy eating again without all the worry and guilt. You’ll learn to:

balance macros (protein, fat and carbohydrate), so you’ll have energy and good nutrition all day
plan meals even if no one else in your family has diabetes
fit in your favorite treat foods, so you never feel deprived
choose the right foods to avoid blood sugar spikes
pick the most healthful carbohydrate-containing foods for your body, so you can feel confident about tending to your heart and blood sugar at the same time
keep track of the carb counts in your usual foods
eat to feel full – no more long-lasting hunger pangs!
set the right goals for you

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Nationally Recognized Dietitian & Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Jill Weisenberger prepares her favorite Quinoa recipes and shares nutrition tips for people with type 2 diabetes.

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02/12/202102/12/2021

Valentine’s Day Game Puzzle

This Valentine’s Day shower yourself with some self-love. Throw out every doubt in yourself, every negative thought and learn to love yourself.

Did you know that living with type 2 diabetes puts you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke? Talk to your doctor about your risk.

What To Ask Your Doctor

What can I do to lower my risk for heart disease and stroke?
Do any of my medications help me manage my risks for heart disease or other complications?
Are there programs that can help me manage my condition? Can you give me a referral?
How can I meet others going through my same experience?

Making Connections Game Puzzle

Can you find the five words above that are connected to Valentine’s Day? Each word starts with one of the choices from the left side column. It then continues with something from the middle column and then finishes with something from the right side column. Created by: Dani Raymond

Matters Of The Heart

We’re talking about matters of the heart related to diabetes with music from Celine Dion on this Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Heart disease is common in people with diabetes. The National Heart Association reports 65% of people with diabetes will die from some sort of heart disease or stroke. In general, the risk of heart disease death and stroke are more than twice as high in people with diabetes. However, by managing your risk factors, you may avoid or delay the development of heart and blood vessel disease.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Janis Roszler, PhD, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Mila Clarke Buckley aka The Hangry Woman, and Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Belle Kruegger.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Celine Dion’s Falling Into You album courtesy of SONY Music.

Love New Recipes?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free Virtual Cooking Party with special guest, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Zoom on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST. Jill shares her favorite quinoa recipes with us!

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION

Puzzle answer: Romance, Sweetheart, February, Chocolate, and Bouquet

02/07/2021

Divabetic Celebrates 16 Years Of Diabetes Outreach with Style

This year, Divabetic (Divabetic.Org) celebrates sixteen years of diabetes outreach with style!

Divabetic was inspired by the late R&B legend, Luther Vandross, and founded in 2005 by his long-time assistant, Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek. Divabetic, a combination of the word “diabetic” with the letter “V” inserted for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and a positive attitude associated with the great divas Luther loved, like Patti LaBelle.

In 2008, Phyllis Kornbluth shared how her participation in Divabetic’s Support Group meeting at the McBurney YMCA changed her life for the better.

The mission of Divabetic is to transform lives by changing attitudes, boosting spirits, encouraging hope and motivation for those living with, affected by, or at risk of diabetes. Through innovative programs, outreach events, and online communities, Divabetic is a circle of care and support, providing a link between patients and their healthcare teams, translation of clinical speak, and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence.

Today, Divabetic continues to offer diabetes programming with style virtually on Zoom. Why not join us? Isn’t it time you ‘Pass The Boa’ and share your diagnosis to diva story with others living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free Virtual Cooking Party with special guest, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST on Zoom.

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.

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We strive to help others meet the challenges and opportunities of diabetes care and concerns with a Glam More, Fear Less philosophy so that no one has to struggle alone or in silence.

01/28/202101/28/2021

Chocolate Tofu Pudding Pies Recipe

Why not pack some protein into your next chocolate dessert?

Tofu is a plant-based protein that’s high in dietary fiber. Researchers have reported that tofu can help to regulate blood sugar levels.

Tofu is a soft, cheese-like food made from soymilk. An average serving of tofu is low in calories and sodium and is protein rich and provides iron, calcium, and certain B vitamins. (About 3 ounces of firm tofu has 70 calories, 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrate, and 7 grams of protein). Tofu can be used in place of meat or dairy products in recipes.

Chocolate Tofu Pudding Pies Recipe

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) package silken tofu

1 cup granulated Splenda

1 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 tsp agave nectar

1 tsp vanilla extract

6 (4 oz each) mini graham cracker crust pie shells

*optional: fresh berries as a garnish

Directions

Puree tofu, Splenda, cocoa, agave nectar, and vanilla in blender until the mixture is smooth and thick. Spoon pudding into pie shells and refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries and/or blackberries).

By the way, tofu is amazing in smoothies, and can even be used in baking as a substitute for dairy. For example, tofu is a great vegan substitute for cream cheese in cheesecake because of its airy texture.

Recipe adapted from the soy foods council, courtesy of Elizabeth Karmel. Reprinted with sugar substitutes from Costco Connection.

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, virtual diabetes support program with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes empowerment presentation features a Hat & Face Mask Fashion Show presented by Harlem Heaven’s Hats and a Diabetes Educational Group Activity and Discussion on Thursday, February 4, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

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12/21/2020

Low Calorie Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

This Macaroni & Cheese recipe from BlackDoctor.Org will have you eating more this great dish without the added weight. It feeds 6 and takes only 30 minutes.

Low Calorie Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Ingredients
12 oz fusilli or elbow pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup minced onion
1/4 cup flour
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup vegetable broth
2 cups shredded cheddar
1 cup shredded colby cheese
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
cooking spray
salt and pepper to taste

READ FULL RECIPE

Sodium Doesn’t Just Come From the Salt Shaker

Most of the sodium in our meals comes from packaged foods that contain sodium in a variety of forms, including as a preservative. Reading labels is important because even within a category, there can be huge differences in the sodium content. Many brands have reformulated and call out reduced sodium on the label so that is a good place to start when trying to lower sodium.

Other tips to reduce sodium include:

Rinsing canned veggies. Did you know that by draining and rinsing canned beans (a nutrition superstar) you can cut sodium by 40%?
Use herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt
Choose breads with less sodium

Fruits, veggies and dairy foods (all rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium) can help lower blood pressure.

Did you know that nearly half of US adults have hypertension? High blood pressure is extremely common, but here are some ways to lower it?

LEARN MORE

Tune in to Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast featuring Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.

11/17/202011/17/2020

Orange-Scented Roasted Carrots and Parsnips Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

If you’re not yet convinced about the deliciousness of parsnips, the orange, thyme and other flavors in this roasted carrots and parsnips combo will turn you into a fan. Plus, Jill Weisenberger‘s recipe is easy to pull together and loaded with health-boosting nutrition.

Orange-Scented Roasted Carrots and Parsnips Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange peel
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 pound carrots, trimmed and cut on the diagonal in 2 – 3-inch pieces
1 pound parsnips, trimmed and cut on the diagonal in 2 – 3-inch pieces
1 large red onion cut in 12 wedges

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup: Calories: 100, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 0.8g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 160mg, Fiber: 4g

SEE FULL RECIPE

Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC believes simple changes in your mindset and health habits can bring life-changing rewards. As a food-loving registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist and certified health and wellness coach, she has helped thousands of people solve their food and nutrition problems.

How much do you know about Seeds and Spices? Both are used to flavor food, but research shows they’re chock-full of healthy compounds and have many health benefits. Try your luck at our fun quiz!

PLAY QUIZ NOW

We’re celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Month with musical inspiration from Angela Bofill. With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format. Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit.Podcast guests: Angela Bofill, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, San Francisco & Palm Springs drag performer Mutha Chucka, and Evetta Petty from Harlem’s Heaven Hats. Throughout the podcast we will feature music from The Essential Angela Bofill album courtesy of SONY Music.

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 Tea Party with special guests, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, Tessie’s Teas’ owner Rose Hall and Harlem Heaven’s Hats owner Evetta Petty on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

Tessie’s Teas are all natural caffeine-free, chemical-free instant crystallized teas that meet all of your healthy-living needs.

Harlem’s Heaven Hat shop specializes in providing the right head wear and face mask for the right occasions.

Catherine Schuller is a fashion curator, former plus model, coach, speaker, writer, producer, and image consultant.

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 demonstration begins. At the end of our zoom event we’ll sit back, laugh, make smoothies and enjoy a toast together!

Cost: Free.

REGISTER NOW

11/14/2020

Sweet Potato Walnut Balls Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Earlier today, Jill Weisenberger joined Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s Diabetes Boot Camp’s World Diabetes Day celebration on Zoom. Jill shared her favorite kitchen gadgets and healthy, delicious holiday snack ideas like Sweet Potato Walnut Balls during virtual event.

“My mother makes a sweet potato recipe similar to this (recipe) for Thanksgiving,” says Jill. “A few years ago, I modified her recipe to make it dairy free for one of our dinner guests. Last year I healthified it more and amped up the flavor by adding a bit of orange juice and orange zest. It’s definitely a keeper.”

Sweet Potato Walnut Balls Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Ingredients

2 pounds sweet potatoes
1 Tbsp real maple syrup (feel free to use honey if you prefer)
1/4 tsp kosher salt or other coarse salt
1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
1/2 tsp orange zest, preferably freshly grated
1 Tbsp orange juice
4 Tbsp honey
1.5 cups chopped walnuts, pecans or a combination of both

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ball | Calories: 109, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 0.8g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 38mg, and Fiber: 2g

READ FULL RECIPE

How much do you know about Seeds and Spices? Both are used to flavor food, but research shows they’re chock-full of healthy compounds and have many health benefits. Try your luck at our fun quiz!

PLAY QUIZ NOW

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?

Tessie’s Teas are all natural caffeine-free, chemical-free instant crystallized teas that meet all of your healthy-living needs.

Harlem’s Heaven Hat shop specializes in providing the right head wear and face mask for the right occasions.

Catherine Schuller is a fashion curator, former plus model, coach, speaker, writer, producer, and image consultant.

Cost: Free.

REGISTER NOW

10/08/2020

Chickpeas with Lemongrass, Grass & Farro One-Pot Meal Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND was our special guest on Divabetic’s recent free Cooking Party event on Zoom. Jill shared several of her favorite healthy soup recipes, answered questions and encouraged participants to try new flavor combinations like cinnamon and spinach!

“You can boost the protein even more (in the recipe below) when you heap Greek yogurt on top or enjoy a glass of cold milk with your meal,” says Jill Weisenberger. “No butternut squash? No problem. Leave it out. Add a couple extra carrots if you have them.”

Below is one of Jill’s favorite one-pot meal loaded with plant protein and exquisite flavor.

Chickpeas & Farro: a Healthy Vegetarian One-Pot Meal Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 large carrots, sliced
12 ounces butternut squash, cubed
1 4-inch piece lemongrass, smashed slightly with a knife
3 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, no salt added, undrained
4 cups vegetable broth look for lower sodium varieties
2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup dry farro
⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt or other plain strained yogurt of choice

Nutrition:Serving: 1.75cup, Calories: 340, Carbohydrates: 62g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 0.5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 650mg, Fiber: 12g

Click HERE for Full Recipe

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 flipside 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!

This comprehensive guide will lead you through dozens of concrete steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Taking an individualized approach to your lifestyle reset, Prediabetes: A Complete Guide will allow you to choose your own path to wellness and help you gain a greater sense of wellbeing, boost confidence in your abilities to maintain a healthful lifestyle, and potentially even help you reverse prediabetes, avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses, and have you feeling better than you have in years!

Diviabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Patti Austin

Tune in to Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Patti Austin.

“I had type 2 diabetes,” says the former 285- pound singing sensation. “I had obesity-driven diabetes,” continued the now 140-pound Austin. To reach her new weight, Patti Austin had gastric bypass surgery and the result has been remarkable.

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.

09/04/202009/04/2020

Creamy Zucchini Soup Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Soup can be a tasty, inexpensive way to eat well and keep your blood sugars on track. Most soups keep well, and making extra can give you days of quick meals that will help keep your blood glucose levels under control.

Our friend, Jill Weisenberger shares her Creamy Zucchini Soup Recipe with the Divabetic community.

“My creamy zucchini soup recipe was inspired by the award-winning chef José Andrés. My favorite Washington, DC restaurant is his Zaytinya. I eat there every opportunity I can create for myself,” says Jill Weisenberger. “Last year, chef José Andrés published a hefty and beautiful cookbook called Vegetables Unleashed in which he offers a version of his wife’s zucchini soup. From his remake, I created my own remake, which is a bit more health-focused. And still incredibly delicious. It’s a great way to start a meal – very filling, so it’s easier to be satisfied with less.”

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

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
¼-½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon coarse black pepper
2.5 pounds zucchini, unpeeled, cut lengthwise and then sliced
2 cups vegetable broth
½ cup fresh basil leaves
2 ½ ounces soft goat cheese, broken into several pieces
Additional herbs or flavored oil for garnish

Nutrition: Serving: 1cup | Calories: 86, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 390mg, Fiber: 2g

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.

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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.