Healthy Cuban Pork and Black Beans Recipe by Holly Clegg

‘La Reina de la Salsa’ is our musical inspiration for the upcoming Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 6 PM, EST.

March’s musical inspiration, Celia Cruz did not have diabetes but people of Hispanic and Latino origin are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes as well as experiencing diabetes health-related complications such as amputation.

However, there’s recently been a breakthrough in preventing amputation in Cuba thanks to a unique Cuban product Heberprot-P, a drug that has sparked acclaim for its effectiveness in controlling and healing diabetic foot ulcers.

This drug registered in 2006 was created by Cuban scientist Jorge Berlanga and a team from the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of the island.

It contains epithermal growth factor (EGF) as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, while being applied by direct infiltration or injections in the wound site closing the ulcers in a period of 45 to 90 days.

“With the application of this medication, we were able to reduce amputation rates in the country from 70 percent to 5 percent today,”said Dr. Jose Fernandez Montequin.

Currently, Heberprot-P is registered in 23 countries and is effectively applied in 10 countries that have already authorized its use and marketing.

Best-Selling Cookbook author Holly Clegg, who will be joining us on March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast, shares her wonderful Cuban recipe to help you add some flavor to your menu without compromising your health.

“This fabulously flavored diabetic-friendly pork tenderloin recipe is ideal for a slow cooker,” says Holly Clegg.” I like to serve with yellow rice.”

Cuban Pork and Black Beans Recipe from KITCHEN 101 Cookbook (Crockpot Convenience Chapter)

Ingredients

2 (1-pound) pork tenderloins

Garlic powder

2 onions, chopped

1 (15-ounce) can black bean soup

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (10-ounce) can tomatoes and green chilies

1 tablespoon chopped jalapenos

2 tablespoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons lime juice

Directions

1. Season pork tenderloins heavily with garlic powder. In 3 ½-6-quart slow cooker, insert plastic liner if desired. In slow cooker, combine all ingredients.

2. Cook on LOW 6-8 hours or until pork tenderloin is tender.

Makes 8 servings

Nutritional information per Serving: Calories 245 Calories from Fat 23% Fat 6g Saturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 76mg Sodium 527mg Carbohydrates 17g Dietary Fiber 5g Total Sugars 5g Protein 29g Dietary Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 4 lean meat

Terrific Tip: Add dried herbs to the slow cooker in beginning of cooking, and fresh herbs just before serving.

Nutritional Nugget: A nutritional gem, beans provide an excellent source of fiber and folate, helping with digestive health and weight maintenance.

With over 1 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim&TERRIFIC® and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association.

This newly revised and expanded 15-year anniversary edition of Holly’s Eating Well Through Cancer includes chapters on nourishing foods that are best tolerated to ease common side effects such as nausea, sore mouth and throat, taste changes, neutropenia and weight loss. With easy everyday recipes using familar ingredients, you’ll find this book an invaluable recipe resource for cancer prevention

Holly Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on author and chef, Holly Clegg, in this half-hour special edition of Diva Talk Radio. This fun-filled food frenzy will feature expert advice on quick, flavorful and healthy eating from Holly’s latest book, ‘Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age’

TUNE IN: March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Celia Cruz on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. Guests include Cookbook Author Holly Clegg, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie.

01/18/2018

Spaghetti Squash of LOVE by Chef Robert Lewis

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

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

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

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

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

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash (2 pounds)

1/2 medium green pepper, diced

1/2 medium sweet red pepper, diced

4 medium fresh mushrooms, quartered

1 small onion, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil or canola

2 medium tomatoes, quartered

1 garlic clove, minced

salt & pepper to taste

3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

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

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

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

Yield: 4 servings.

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

Nutritional Facts

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

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

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

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

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

Synopsis: Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy diabetes-friendly caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found sleeping with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, an amorous amputee and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

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

09/26/201710/12/2017

Diabetes Friendly Taco Tuesday Recipes with Chef Robert Lewis

Enjoying ‘Taco Tuesdays’ no longer has to compromise your diabetes health thanks to our friend, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’. He’s agreed to share a few of his favorite healthy fish taco recipes on our Divabetic blog to help celebrate the 4th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ available for free on demand at i-Tunes.

Our zany seaside caper takes place in New York City’s historic seashore, Coney Island. Chef Robert Lewis plays a retired lifeguard amputee name ‘Fast Freddy’ who still likes to swim in the ocean.

Don’t let diabetes dim your DAZZLE! Get in the spirt of our Coney Island caper and enjoy the first of several fish taco recipes, Grilled Fish Tacos.

Grilled Fish Tacos by Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’

What’s in it? (Ingredients)

1 lb Tilapia , cod or mahi mahi fillets

2 Tbsp canola oil

1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 clove garlic , minced

1 1/2 tsp of New Orleans style Blackened seasoning

6 corn or flour tortillas

1 large avocado , sliced

Sour cream , cotija cheese, hot sauce or salsa, for serving (optional)

Let’s put it together!

In a mixing bowl whisk together canola oil, lime juice, garlic, Blackened seasoning. Place fish into a gallon size resealable bag and pour marinade over fish. Seal bag (evenly coat fish with marinade) and allow to marinate in mixture only 20-30 minutes.

Preheat a grill or a pan on the stove to medium-high heat. Brush grill grates with oil and place fish on grill. Grill until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side (cook time will vary based on thickness of fish). Transfer to a plate, break into pieces and serve in warmed taco shells with cabbage slaw, avocado slices and other optional toppings.

Slaw Recipe by Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’

What’s in it? (Ingredients)

1/2 small red cabbage , cored and sliced thin (8 oz)

1/4 cup cilantro , chopped

3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice

1 Tbsp canola oil

Let’s put it together!

Add cabbage, red onion and cilantro to a medium mixing bowl. Pour lime juice and canola oil over top and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss to evenly coat. Enjoy!

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

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

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

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

09/05/2017

A Healthy ‘Taco Tuesday’ Recipe from Chef Robert Lewis

Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesdays?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Garlic Rubbed Salmon Tacos by The Happy Diabetic

What’s in it?

1 tsp. fresh lime juice

2 tsp. chopped garlic

Fresh Cracked pepper

1 Tsp Splenda

1 lb. skinless salmon fillet

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

8 corn tortillas

1 very ripe avocado

Let’s put it together!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

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

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

09/02/2017

The Decadent Diabetic’s ‘I Love Lucy’ Inspired Carrots Recipe for Divabetic Labor Day Celebration

Don’t let the end of Summer get you down, get DIVA! Our Divabetic Go Ginger! Labor Day Celebration spotlights different ‘ginger’ recipes by our good friend, Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’ to help put a kick in your 3 day weekend.

This fabulous ginger side dish recipe is inspired by one our favorite redheads, the iconic Lucille Ball. Her TV show, “I Love Lucy” pretty much invented the TV sitcom as we know it.

Did you know that before the show’s 1951 debut, sitcoms on the new medium of television were essentially filmed half-hour plays, with fairly static cameras and minimalist sets?

But on “I Love Lucy” there were three cameras shooting simultaneously from different angles, on 35mm film, so that scenes could be performed in sequence, just once, with shots and reaction shots edited together later.

‘Lucy Ricardo’ was kind of a comedic superheroine, capable of doing just about anything, but only for a few minutes, before her efforts inevitably went catastrophically awry. Behind the camera, Lucille Ball was a heroine, too, blazing a path for TV performers and producers for which she’s never received proper credit. Both fiery redheads — the restless housewife and the woman who created her — managed to create an indestructible sitcom; not even colorization can mar it. READ MORE

The Decadent Diabetic shares this fabulous ginger inspired recipe, “For Lucy the queen of carrot tops spicy with a nutty crunch!”

The Decadent Diabetic’s Orange/Ginger Glazed Carrots with Pecans Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Two 1 cup servings

Net carbohydrates: less than 11 grams per serving

Ingredients

6 medium carrots, peeled and sliced on an angle

3 -TBSP. butter

4 ounces TROP 50 low sugar orange juice

3/4 cup water

1 TBSP. Sugar alternative of choice

small pinch of salt

½ -tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. ground ginger

1/3 cup toasted pecan halves

HOW TO PREPARE THE RECIPE:

Melt butter in a sauce pan. Cook carrots in the butter of high heat for 1 minute. Add TROP 50, water, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and sugar alternative. Continue cooking over medium high heat until all the liquid is evaporated, about 10-15 minutes.

Garnish with the pecans for extra spark of flavor and crunch.

Chef Ward aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’ guests on our free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite in celebration of Valentine’s Day. LISTEN NOW

Summer lasts a little longer with a tropical flower centerpiece (see above) for Divabetic Labor Day-inspired party and is surprisingly simple to create. An easy trick of the trade for centerpieces is to use multiples of like objects, vases or even lanterns and repeat- either down a long table or clustered symmetrically in the center of a table. The consistency creates a bold visual impact. To add a little more reflection and drama to the basic neutral table cloth place square mirror tiles to cover the tabletop (An easy to remove self adhesive helped keep the mirrors secure to the tablecloth).

How Are Baby Carrots Made?

The carrots now used to make “baby-cut carrots” are typically ones that have been specially bred to contain more sugar than their standard-sized cousins, because this extra sweetness appeals more strongly to children according to Snopes.com. Likewise, their bright orange color has also been bred into them, as has the evenness of that color all the way through the root. READ MORE

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

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

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

09/01/201709/01/2017

Go Ginger! for Divabetic Labor Day Celebration

Don’t let the end of Summer get you down, get DIVA! Our Divabetic Go Ginger! Labor Day Celebration spotlights different recipes featuring ginger by Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’s to help put a kick in your 3 day weekend.

Did you know that ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet? It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.

Ginger has a long history of use as a nausea remedy for seasickness and morning sickness related to pregnancy. According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea.

Now, it looks like the spice can lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study by researchers from Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd, Iran.

“Ginger can increase the effects of blood thinners, so if you’re taking these drugs, don’t take ginger,” advises Martha Howard, MD, medical director of Wellness Associates of Chicago. READ MORE Make sure to tell your doctor that you’re adding ginger to your regimen, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.

Our good friend, Chef Ward Alper aka ‘the Decadent Diabetic’ who is living with type 2 diabetes, helps us craft a menu with a redheaded spin for our Divabetic Labor Day Celebration. We’re partnering his recipes with our favorite red heads starting with Tina Louise who played ‘Ginger’ on the 1960’s TV series “Gilligan’s Island.” .

Va va voom! Tina Louise, aka, Ginger Grant While the show didn’t receive accolades at the time and was viewed by critics as a silly, slapstick comedy, it became a cultural icon which is still in syndication today.

Tina caught the eye of Hollywood execs and after actress and sex symbol, Jayne Mansfield turned down the role of the ‘movie star’ on a sitcom. Although probably the least prestigious of jobs, playing Ginger is what Tina Louise is best known for – like it or not. The role did make Louise a pop icon of the era, and in 2005 an episode of TV Land Top Ten ranked her as second only to Heather Locklear as the greatest of television’s all-time sex symbols.

She has a bevy of acting credentials including Broadway, television and movies, and also studied at some of the most prestigious acting schools including the Actors Studio and with the one and only Lee Strasberg. She has starred in movies with the likes of Brad Pitt, Lee Marvin, Katherine Ross and Miou-Miou, to name a few. She has continued to expand her wings including voiceovers for a gaming machine (MegaJackpot product), recorded an album (“It’s Time for Tina”), and has written several books. Wow, an impressive woman!

The question “Ginger or Mary Ann?” is regarded to be a classic pop-psychological question when given to American men of a certain age as an insight into their characters, or at least their desires as regarding certain female stereotypes.

Chef Ward thinks his Grilled Tuna with Ginger would be the perfect dish for Ginger Grant to prepare on the beach for the Professor!

The Decadent Diabetic’s Grilled Tuna with Ginger

Carbohydrates per serving 0g.

Chefs Note: This is a fast and simple recipe for tuna. It works equally well with frozen(and defrosted) tuna as it does with “fresh” tuna. It also works well with swordfish. I like MY fish (heresy, I know) on the drier side but I have included instructions for a rare preparation as well.

INGREDIENTS

1 4-5 ounce piece of the best tuna (sushi grade) you can find

pepper to taste

Zest of ½ lemon

2 tsp. Soy sauce

½ tsp. garlic, grated or minced

½ tsp. fresh dill, chopped

½ tsp. fresh parsley, chopped

½ tsp. ground ginger

1tsp. olive oil

Juice of ½ lemon

HOW TO PREPARE THE RECIPE:

Preheat Grill

Combine all of the ingredients EXCEPT the lemon juice and coat the piece of tuna. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours (this can be done on a still frozen piece of tuna as it defrosts). Add the lemon juice just before cooking.

Heat the grill to medium high. Pat the tuna dry and place tuna steak onto the grill and cook on each side.

For rare- Cook on the grill 3 minutes per side

For medium- Cook on the grill for 4 minutes per side

For medium well- Cook on the grill for 4-5 minutes per side

Cook the marinade in a skillet until it starts to boil. Spoon over the fish.

Chef Ward aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’ guests on our free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite in celebration of Valentine’s Day. LISTEN NOW

Go Ginger! Insulated Diabetes Insulin Pen Pouch / Case by TraceyMichell

A fun and attractive new design to hold your insulin pens, needles and contact details safe and secure. This is an insulated fold over pouch secured with velcro. Inside there is plenty of room to store your needles in a pretty Chicken or the Egg pocket also secured with velcro. There is storage for two pens and a plastic wallet to slip in your ID details. Complete with a carabiner clip to attach to your belt/bag this pouch is practical, contemporary and fashionable. Length approximately 18cm. Matching Blood Test Kit also available. BUY NOW

Why Can’t You Wear White After Labor Day?

While no one is completely sure exactly when or why this fashion rule came into effect, our best guess is that it had to do with snobbery in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By the 1880s, in order to tell who was acceptable and who wasn’t, the women who were already “in” felt it necessary to create dozens of fashion rules that everyone in the know had to follow. That way, if a woman showed up at the opera in a dress that cost more than most Americans made in a year, but it had the wrong sleeve length, other women would know not to give her the time of day. READ MORE

Take care of yourself. Whether you’re taking a vacation, getting a massage or just generally relaxing, your slower times give you a (likely) rare opportunity to address your mental and physical help. Take advantage of it to be recharged for the time when sales are booming, or when you need to take care of the next couple of things on the list.

Heath Headlines: A new study from the British Journal of Cancer revealed that natural red-headed men are 54 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer. Researchers think it might have to do with the way genes that dictate hair pigmentation also influence tumor development.

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

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

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

08/23/201708/23/2017

Best Nachos Recipe – Ever Tried Holly Clegg’s Incredible Crab Appetizer Nachos?

Who doesn’t love nachos? Especially seafood nachos that are easy to make?

Since great food makes for a great party I asked several of my friends to share their favorite recipes on this blog. It’s all part of the preparations for our biggest podcast event of the year, Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. Since this year’s zany adventure takes place in New York City’s historic seashore, Coney Island we’re spotlighting seafood dishes.

Don’t let diabetes dim your DAZZLE! Get in the spirt and enjoy my good friend, Best-Selling Cookbook Author, Holly Clegg’s healthy Crab Nacho Recipe. It’s sure to win over your family and friends at your next party!

“Every time I make these baked nachos I have to sneak a few before I set them out because they will be all polished off before I know it!,” says Holly.

Crispy tortilla chips baked with a splendid southwestern-seasoned crab mixture and smothered with cheese is quick to prepare and quicker to disappear.

How can Holly’s delicious crabmeat nachos possibly be healthy?

“By using reduced-fat ingredients and baked tortilla chips, you get a wonderful crab southwestern topping for a baked nachos recipe,” says Holly. “! I have the best

Crab Nachos from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Gulf Coast Favorites

6 dozen baked tortilla flour chips
1/2 cup nonfat sour cream
3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pound lump, white, or canned crabmeat, picked through for shells
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded, reduced-fat, sharp cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
Paprika

1. Preheat oven to broil. Arrange tortilla chips in single layer on baking sheet.

2. In bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, green onions, green chilies, cumin. Fold in crabmeat, salt and pepper to taste.

3. Divide mixture on chips. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika. Bake 6-8 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Makes 3 dozen nachos. Nutritional information per serving: Calories 57, Calories from fat (%) 29, Fat (g) 2, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 14, Sodium (mg) 143, Carbohydrate (g) 5, Dietary Fiber (g) 0, Sugars (g) 0, Protein (g) 5, Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 lean meat

Holly Clegg’s Cooking Tip: If you don’t have fresh crabmeat available, my second choice is the pasteurized crabmeat you find in a can. Of course, you can always use snow crab, king crab or imitation crabmeat for this crab nachos recipe.

Crab Nachos from Holly Clegg’s Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook is packed with Louisiana Cajun recipes. Superbowl party or just a Friday night game night with friend, set these melt in your mouth healthy crab nachos out and you will be the ‘divabetic’ hostess with the mostest!

With over 1 MILLION COOKBOOKS sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim&TERRIFIC® and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the ADA. Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London and has appeared on Fox & Friends, NBC Weekend Today, QVC, The 700 Club, USA Today, Cooking Light Magazine, Web MD, and Huff Post. She consulted and did spokesperson work for Walmart, Teflon, DuPont, The Coca-Cola Company, and hospitals throughout the country. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Spotlight podcast with guest Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg

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

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

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

06/13/2017

Southwestern Pasta Recipe by Holly Clegg (Divabetic’s Father’s Day Celebration)

Our Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration takes on a Spaghetti Western theme to encourage you to embrace your ‘inner cowboy’ and keep riding high with diabetes health!

Cowboys, like today’s miners and farmers, symbolize courage, optimism, and plain hard work. They also remind you that success isn’t only measured with materials, but by where you find satisfaction.

One of our favorite experts, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg shares this Southwestern menu for a Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration. Holly’s menu includes Southwestern Roasted Vegetables, Asparagus with Zucchini Rings., Vodka Pasta, Beer Bread , Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Feta Enchiladas with Salsa Verde, Southwestern Pasta (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).

Southwestern Pasta by Holly Clegg

“Quick to make and the outcome is one of the best southwestern pastas with corn and black beans in a perfectly southwestern infused tomato sauce,” says Holly.

Makes 8 (1 1/4 cup servings)

1 onion, chopped

1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch Sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 (16-ounce) package rotini

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 1/3 cups frozen corn

1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese, optional

1. In large nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté onion few minutes. Add cans tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic, cinnamon and sugar. Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer, covered, about 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

3. Stir black beans and corn into tomato sauce until heated. Add pasta to skillet and mix together. Sprinkle cheese when serving, if desired.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 321, Protein (g) 13, Carbohydrate (g) 64, Fat (g) 2, Cal. from Fat (%) 5, Saturated Fat (g) 0, Dietary Fiber (g) 8, Cholesterol (mg) 0, Sodium (mg) 254, Diabetic Exchanges: 4 starch, 1 vegetable

You don’t need to live in a barn to embrace country western charm — get the rustic look with these ideas for farmhouse decor.

A Dazzling Array of Condiments: Go beyond basic ketchup and mustard by offering more unique options for hot dog and hamburger toppings, then display them in individual labeled buckets. We love Hot Sauce, Chipotle Mustard and more!

Infused Water (Zero Calories + Amazing Taste): For your guests who don’t want booze, this rose, lemon, and strawberry water makes a great drink option.

Use coffee filters as hot-dog holders: Eliminate the risk of ketchup and mustard spills by wrapping hot dogs in coffee filters — they’re durable, lightweight, and more flexible than paper plates.

Divabetic ‘Spaghetti Western’ Father’s Day Playlist:

Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes – KD Lang
Sangria – Blake Shelton
Patsy Cline
A Lesson in Leavin’ – Dottie West
Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Crow Up to Be Cowboys – Willie Nelson
Stand by Your Man – Tammy Wynette
Hold On – KT Oslin
Rhinestone Cowboy – Glen Campbell
Here You Come Again – Dolly Parton
Speak to Girl – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Artistic Dad Raises Awareness for Diabetic Macular Edema

Nevada artist Arthur Bryce Chisolm developed this mixed media painting after meeting with Maryanne, who lives with Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and has experienced vision loss due to the disease. The work of art brings to life the things Maryanne cherishes seeing despite her condition.

Set at a particularly beloved beach in San Diego, the painting shows Maryanne’s grandchildren, who she loves spending time with and who make up an important part of her life. The painting also illustrates Maryanne’s eyes, which represent the importance of the steps she took to help protect against vision loss. Don’t miss Bryce Chisolm on tonight’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Maxwell, 6 PM, EST.

Spaghetti Westerns Trivia: Clint Eastwood

Younger film fans may find it hard to believe, but Clint Eastwood wasn’t always a badass. Prior to his iconic performance in “A Fistful of Dollars” (1964), Eastwood was best known to American audiences as Rowdy Yates, a kind-hearted supporting character on the popular “Rawhide” TV show. In fact, it was the opportunity to leave Rowdy’s friendly persona behind that most intrigued Eastwood about going to Spain to work for director Sergio Leone. “I decided,” Eastwood said, “it was time to be an anti-hero.”

No one could have predicted that “A Fistful Of Dollars,” released in Italy 50 years ago this September, would simultaneously launch Eastwood to international stardom and set the guidelines for one of the most unique and unexpectedly durable sub-genres in cinema history: the “Spaghetti Western.”

Ways to Save ‘A Fistful Of Dollars’ on Diabetes Drugs and Supplies

The average person with diabetes runs up almost $8,000 a year in medical expenses directly related to the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Check out Diabetic Lifestyle’s Tips on how you can cut your out-of-pocket costs:

1. Shop online.
You can save money filling prescriptions and shopping online for diabetic supplies, but there are many illegitimate and illegal pharmacies online, so be sure to choose one that is reputable. Use PharmacyChecker.com to check the credentials of online pharmacies and compare prices. You can also verify the legitimacy of an online company that fills prescriptions or sells healthcare products at LegitScript.com.

2. Ask for samples.
Most medical supply companies and drug manufacturers supply healthcare providers with free samples of their products. Ask about samples whenever you visit your physician or diabetes educator. Check out the ADA’s site for the dates and locations of upcoming Diabetes Expos, where free health screenings, classes, and samples are available. You can also contact supply companies directly and ask for samples.

3. Look for sales and coupons.
In addition to flyers and other announcements from your local drug store or pharmacy, check to see if the store publishes a free monthly or seasonal health magazine that may also contain discount coupons. Shop around at different stores, including the big-box department stores, for the best prices on generic and store-brand products. But always compare products to be sure you’re getting a deal. Not all generic and store brands are cheaper in the long run. GET MORE TIPS

With over 1 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim&TERRIFIC® and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Holly Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.

LISTEN NOW: The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on author and chef, Holly Clegg, in this half-hour special edition of Diva Talk Radio. This fun-filled food frenzy will feature expert advice on quick, flavorful and healthy eating from Holly’s latest book, ‘Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age’

06/11/201706/11/2017

Divabetic Spaghetti Western Father’s Day Celebration with Holly Clegg

Sure, it can be difficult at times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Father’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?

Did you know the idea to celebrate Father’s Day originated in the USA and has been officially celebrated there on the third Sunday in June since 1966?

Many people credit Grace Golden Clayton, from Fairmont, West Virginia for the concept of Father’s Day, after she suggested a day celebrating fatherhood in 1908.

She put forward the idea following a mine explosion in a nearby town which killed more than 360 men – arguing that children in the town needed a time to remember their fathers.

Mrs Clayton may have been inspired by Anna Jarvis’ work to establish Mother’s Day; two months prior.

Now, the day exists simply to remind everyone that dads are great.

Our Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration takes on a Spaghetti Western theme to encourage you to embrace your ‘inner cowboy’ to stay on track with your diabetes health and keep on riding!

One of our favorite experts, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg shares this Southwestern menu for a Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration. Holly’s menu includes Southwestern Roasted Vegetables, Asparagus with Zucchini Rings, Vodka Pasta, Beer Bread , Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Feta Enchiladas with Salsa Verde, Southwestern Pasta (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).

Southwestern Roasted Vegetables by Holly Clegg

“A fantastic satisfying vegetable entrée as the spicy taco seasoning perfectly contrasts the naturally sweet yams,” says Holly. “Throw on a steak if someone desires a more substantial meal to serve with the vegetables. Goes great with pork tenderloin.”

Ingredients:

4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes (yams), cut in 1-inch cubes

1 1/2 cups zucchini, cut into small chunks

1 small red onion, cut into small chunks

1 (6-ounce) package portabella mushroom slices, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix (about half of a 1.25-oz packet)

Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425˚F. Coat baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line with foil.

2. In large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, zucchini, onion, and mushrooms. Toss with olive oil to coat vegetables. Sprinkle with taco seasoning, toss and spread vegetables on baking sheet.

3. Bake 40 minutes, shaking pan every 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender and roasted.

Makes 8 servings/ serving size: 1/2 cup

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 110, Protein (g) 2, Carbohydrate (g) 17, Fat (g) 4, Calories from Fat (%)31, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Dietary Fiber (g) 3, Cholesterol (mg) 0, Sodium (mg) 209 Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 0.5 fat

Holly Clegg’s Terrific Tidbit: Pop any leftovers into a soup pot with some chicken broth for a terrific Southwestern vegetable soup. Lining the pan with foil makes quick clean up!

Spaghetti Western, also known as Italian Western or Macaroni Western (primarily in Japan), is a broad subgenre of Western films that emerged in the mid-1960s in the wake of Sergio Leone‘s film-making style and international box-office success. The term was used by American critics and other countries because most of these Westerns were produced and directed by Italians.

The film, A Fistful of Dollars was at first intended by Leone to reinvent the western genre in Italy. In his opinion, the American westerns of the mid- to late-1950s had become stagnant, overly preachy and not believable.

Clint Eastwood was not the first actor approached to play the main character. Originally, Sergio Leone intended Henry Fonda to play the “Man with No Name.” However, the production company could not afford to employ a major Hollywood star. Next, Leone offered Charles Bronson the part. He, too, declined, arguing that the script was bad. Both Fonda and Bronson would later star in Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

The Code of the West

Cowboy Ethics – What it Takes to Win at Life is worth the quick read. James P. Owen’s Code of the West rings true for cowboys, farmers, miners, and folks behind the scenes in our industry.

Owen sees his four elements of character and ‘The Code of the West’ as a tool for self-discovery and personal success, “Whenever someone chooses to do the right thing, to tackle the tough job, or to stand up for what he or she truly believes in, that person quietly becomes a force of good.”

The Code of the West by James P. Owen

Live each day with courage.
Take pride in your work.
Always finish what you start.
Do what has to be done.
Be tough, but fair.
When you make a promise, keep it.
Ride for the brand.
Talk less and say more.
Remember that some things aren’t for sale.
Know where to draw the line.

Divabetic Father’s Day: Celebrity Dads & Diabetes

It’s been a few years since Tom Hanks shared that he was living with type 2 diabetes during an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Tom revealed that he blames himself for not having followed a healthier diet when he was younger, explaining that it has led to his health struggles today.

“I’m part of the lazy American generation that has blindly kept dancing through the party and now finds ourselves with a malady,” the Saving Private Ryan star told the Radio Times. “I was heavy. You’ve seen me in movies, you know what I looked like. I was a total idiot.”

Tom Hanks admitted that he had been struggling with high blood sugar for years during his sit down interview with Dave.

“I went to the doctor and he said, ‘You know those high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you’ve graduated! You’ve got Type 2 diabetes young man,'” Tom Hanks told David, before adding that “it’s controllable.”

Tom’s wife, actress and producer Rita Wilson opened up about how the diagnosis has forced them to make some lifestyle changes

“We’ve really cut back a lot on sugar, and we find time in every day to exercise,” Wilson told People at the movie premiere of Fed Up, a documentary that explores the country’s current obesity epidemic. “We actually walk and hike together. We’re not going to be doing duo, tantric yoga, or whatever.”

In addition to revamping the couple’s diet and exercise routine, the health scare also gave Wilson a fresh mindset. “When [you] were younger, you used to watch what you eat and exercise because you wanted to look really awesome,” explained the actress. “And now it’s because you want to feel really awesome.”

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Spotlight podcast featuring Holly Clegg. The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on author and chef, Holly Clegg, in this half-hour special edition of Diva Talk Radio. This fun-filled food frenzy will feature expert advice on quick, flavorful and healthy eating from Holly’s latest book, ‘Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age’

06/06/201706/06/2017

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

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

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

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, Mama Rose Marie, he heads for Coney Island, NY for the 35th Annual Mermaid Parade to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

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

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

Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes Recipe by ‘The Happy Diabetic’

What’s in it!

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

Let’s Put It Together

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

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

Yield: 21 cupcakes.

Nutritional Facts

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

Chef Robert ‘The Happy Diabetic’ Lewis:

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

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

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

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

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

TUNE IN: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Maxwell. We’re talking about diabetic macular edema with musical inspiration from Maxwell on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 6 PM, EST. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is an accumulation of fluid in the macula-part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. In order to develop DME, you must first have diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.

Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from several of several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.