Divabetic’s Giant Lube Review For Vagina Dryness

Vaginal dryness is common in women with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in your vagina. This leads to a lack of lubrication. As a result, you can experience discomfort during physical activity, burning, irritation, itching, and sex can be painful.


Divabetic shares our favorite lubricants for women with diabetes coping with vaginal dryness. Vaginal lubricants cannot treat the underlying cause of vaginal dryness, such as lower estrogen levels, but can relieve the discomfort caused by dryness.

Although you might feel embarrassed to shoot for personal lubricants at your pharmacy, most of the top brands can be bought online. Lubricants help reduce friction, ease penetration and stimulate the senses. They come in a wide variety of formulas, fragrances, and flavors.

Water-based lubricants are the most versatile because they’re easy to wash off and don’t degrade the latex in condoms. Some water-based products contain glycerin (derived from sugar), while others are specifically glycerin-free. Water-based lubricants can also contain other ingredients, such as preservatives and antimicrobials.

Good Clean Love’ and “Slippery Stuff” are organic, water-based lubricants that won’t alter pH levels, which can lead to UTIs or vaginal infections. They’re paraben-free, glycerin-free, alcohol-free, and no petrochemicals. This aloe-based lubricant is made with 95% organic ingredients and infused with lemon and vanilla for a light flavor.

Best natural lubricant: Sliquid Organics Natural Gel One of the safest bets for people with diabetes is a high-quality silicone lubricant. No studies have shown people having reactions to pure silicone lubricant.

Best silicone-based lubricant: Pink Silicone Lubricant  Oil-based natural lubricants like coconut oil can break down the latex in condoms, too. They can also alter the pH of the vagina, which can lead to more infections.

Grammy Award-winning Singer Patti Austin, who continues successfully manages her type 2 diabetes after having gastric bypass surgery, sings the theme song for any woman who is getting back in the swing of enjoyable sex.

“I had type 2 diabetes,” says the former 285- pound singer. “I had obesity-driven diabetes,” who now weighs 140 pounds. Patti Austin had gastric bypass surgery to reach her new weight, and the result has been remarkable. We applaud her hard work, determination, and tenacity to maintain her weight loss.

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.

This podcast features songs from The Best Of Patti Austin album courtesy of SONY Music.

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
  •  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.

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Twenty Seven

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 27, we’re spotlighting Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Patti Austin podcast from July 2018.

Grammy Award-winning Singer Patti Austin is in constant demand globally for live performances, thanks to a legacy of recordings that started in 1955, continued through the ‘60s with success as a teenage R&B star before establishing herself as a mainstay among jazz and soul audiences through her ‘70s recordings.  By the ‘80s, Austin became known to the wider international audience as a result of the Grammy-nominated “Baby Come To Me” and “How Do You Keep The Music Playing”, her early ‘80s classic duets with James Ingram.

In New York, they referred to Patti Austin as the “Queen of Studio” for her singing abilities. When she arrived on set to work for Randy and Michael Brecker, Patti met Luther Vandross for the first time.The moment created a lasting friendship.

“Another thing (besides music) that bonded me to Luther was our weight issues,” she said. The two dialed each other often. “When touring, if we were in the same city, we attended movies together.” “He would usually pick some silly movie like [Scary Movie]” she said, expanding on the personal side of their relationship in a loving, humorous way.

“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.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’album courtesy of SONY Music.

 

Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Balls Recipe by Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND

“These chocolate peanut butter balls are so delicious and chocolatey that you’d never guess that fruit is a primary ingredient. For the most health benefits and to get the flavanols in dark chocolate, choose cocoa powder that has not been Dutched or treated with alkali,” says our colleague and frequent Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest,  Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Balls Recipe by Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted medjool or deglet nor dates (4.5 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 6 tablespoons natural peanut butter, creamy style (3.5 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (2 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips, preferably dark chocolate

Nutritional Information: Serving: 1 ball | Calories: 70 | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.8g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g

SEE FULL RECIPE

JILL’S HELPFUL TIP: Eat Mindfully

“My challenge for you is to pick at least two meals or snacks this week to practice eating with intention or mindfulness. Really pay attention to your food – why you chose to eat it; what it looks like; how it smells; what you expect it to taste like; how it actually tastes; and how the taste, texture and temperature change in your mouth as you chew. Notice how it makes you feel, what you like and don’t like, how your hunger and appetite change,”says Jill Weisenberger.

“This is the week-by-week guide that will change your life!”

Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week takes you on a one-year journey to weight control while managing your blood sugar,cholesterol level and more! This best-selling book includes sample menus, recipes and tricks for the kitchen. Instead of focusing on gimmicks, you will learn the skills you need to be successful long term.

BUY NOW 

Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, is a Nutrition, Culinary & Diabetes Expert, Wellcoach®-certified health and wellness coach, Freelance Writer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator. She’s also the author of four books, including a best-seller. She’s a nationally-recognized media expert in high demand for print and online interviews, as well as corporate and one-on-one nutritional counseling. Jill’s philosophy is that nutrition science should be understandable, realistic and oh so delicious.

Listen to Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from the ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music available on demand. Guests include Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Scavenger Hunt on Zoom with special guest, Best-Selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST.

One lucky winner in our random drawing will win Janis Roszler’s best-selling e- book, Intimacy & Diabetes. A second lucky winner will win a Dario Blood Glucose Meter starter kit. This all-in-one pocket-sized device can track blood sugar fluctuations and trends and identify hyper/hypoglycemic episodes right from your smartphone, providing readings within as little as 6 seconds. It’s scientifically proven, HIPPA compliant, and includes Dario Coaches to offer support and motivation to help manage your diabetes.

Thank you to everyone who has taken measures to protect our Divabetic community members and their loved ones by wearing cloth face coverings and social distancing. We are so grateful! Divabetic will continue to provide free Virtual Diabetes Outreach events with qualified health experts to keep you safe, informed and connected. Please join us!

REGISTER NOW

What You Should Know About Intermittent Fasting & Diabetes with Jill Weisenberger

A new study from New Zealand suggests intermittent fasting is good for someone living with Type 2 diabetes.  Since then Divabetic’s social media feed is blowing up with story after story about this topic. We reached out to our friend and colleague, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND to help us understand what intermittent fasting is and why or why not we might want to include it fasting in our diabetes self-management. Here’s her response: 

Q: what is intermittent fasting?

Jill Weisenberger (JW): There are a variety of approaches, but they all put emphasis on restricting eating at certain times. One common version of IF is the 5:2 plan, which means to eat healthfully and normally for 5 days of the week and to restrict eating to just a few hundred calories 2 days per week. Another form of IF is to extend the overnight fast to 12 or even 16 hours. 

Q: I’ve read that intermittent fasting can help with weight loss and lowering A1C. Are these outcomes realistic for people with type 2 diabetes? 

JW: Some studies do show improvements in weight and blood glucose control and even insulin sensitivity. However, when these IF diets are compared to other dietary strategies for weight loss, the results aren’t so clear that one way is better than another. IF, especially the 5:2 plan, can increase the risk of hypoglycemia in anyone taking a medication that has hypoglycemia as a side effect. There may be populations in which IF is a potentially harmful, such as pregnant women, adolescents and people with eating disorders.

My limited experience with the 5:2 plan suggests that it makes daily exercise very hard. 

Q: Can intermittent fasting help people with prediabetes? If so, why? If not, why? 

JW: If the person with prediabetes is overweight and if IF leads to weight loss, then yes, IF can help people with prediabetes. There was one study in men with prediabetes who were instructed to eat only during 6 hours of the day and to fast for the other 18. Compared to people eating for 12 hours and fasting for 12 hours, those in the longer fasting group saw improvements in blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and beta-cell responsiveness.

Overall, I think that IF can be a tool for some people. In others, it might not be helpful at all, and in some it can be harmful. I like to discuss it in depth with my patients before they decide to give it a try. If someone wants to restrict the hours of eating, I think it’s important to let this work with the circadian rhythms, so stop eating hours before bed and fast longer during the night. I don’t suggest eating a large dinner and fasting all day.

Intermittent Fasting Calculator

Intermittent Fasting (IF) Calculator helps you cycling between Eating and Fasting: CLICK HERE

Jill Weisenberger

Jill Weisenberger’s comprehensive guide, ‘Prediabetes: A Complete Guide: Your Lifestyle Reset to Stop Prediabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses’ 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,” this book will allow you to choose your own path to wellness, help you gain a greater sense of wellbeing, boost your confidence in your abilities to maintain a healthful lifestyle, and potentially even help you reverse prediabetes and avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

Diabetes Late Nite with music from Patti Austin

Jill Weisenberger appears on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Patti Austin. We’re talking to Jill about healthy strategies to help you deal with the “FOOD POLICE”.

LISTEN NOW

Feeling Guilty About What You Just Ate?

Feeling guilty about what you ate?

You’re not alone. The link between guilt and diabetes may derive from the social stigma and common misconception that diabetes is an easily preventable condition. Many Americans still believe type 1 is caused by eating too much sugar and that the sole cause of type 2 is obesity.

“It’s natural for people to feel like they’ve done something to bring it on,” says Susan Guzman, PhD, director of clinical education at the Behavioral Diabetes Institute in San Diego. “It’s common for people to look inward for some sort of causal event because it makes them feel more in control. But when it comes to diabetes, there are a lot of things out of our control.”

We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 8 Year Anniversary of Diabetes podcasting with musical inspiration from Patti Austin.

Grammy Award-winning Singer Patti Austin is in constant demand globally for live performances, thanks to a legacy of recordings that started in 1955, continued through the ‘60s with success as a teenage R&B star before establishing herself as a mainstay among jazz and soul audiences through her ‘70s recordings.  By the ‘80s, Austin became known to the wider international audience as a result of the Grammy-nominated “Baby Come To Me” and “How Do You Keep The Music Playing”, her early ‘80s classic duets with James Ingram.

In New York, they referred to Patti as the “Queen of Studio” for her singing abilities. When she arrived on set to work for Randy and Michael Brecker, Patti met Luther Vandross for the first time. The moment created a lasting friendship.

“Another thing (besides music) that bonded me to Luther was our weight issues,” she said. The two dialed each other often. “When touring, if we were in the same city, we attended movies together.” “He would usually pick some silly movie like [Scary Movie]” she said, expanding on the personal side of their relationship in a loving, humorous way.

“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.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

LISTEN NOW

Divabetic Remembers James Ingram

Two-time Grammy winner James Ingram, whose wonderful voice instantly evokes the classic R&B sound of the 1980s, has died. He was 66.

 He died from a battle with a form of brain cancer reported TMZ. Sources close to the singer tell us James Ingram had been fighting the cancer for an extended period.

“He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close,” says actress Debbie Allen.

He was a staple of the romantic Quiet Storm R&B radio format, alongside Divabetic’s inspiration Luther Vandross and others such as George Benson, Anita Baker and Barry White. His collaborations with Patti Austin — 1981’s “Baby Come to Me” and “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” helped define adult contemporary R&B in the early ’80’s. 

Originally raised in Akron, Ohio, a teenaged Ingram pounded the pavement in ’70s Los Angeles, making demos for a publishing company and churning out tunes for his band Revelation Funk. Comparing himself to his bandmates, Ingram underestimated his own vocal abilities. “I knew I couldn’t sing,” he said. “I wasn’t trying. I was just doing background.”

After the band broke up, James Ingram got great backup gigs, working with Marvin Gaye. He would sing and write demos at a studio on Sunset Boulevard for $50 per song. The studio had a relationship with veteran producer Quincy Jones, who heard Ingram’s recording of “Just Once.” Jones, impressed, called Ingram.

“I hung up on Quincy,” he told the Tribune. “I was never no singer. I never shopped a deal, none of that. My wife said, ‘James, that was Quincy.’ He called back, and we started talking. I said, ‘Yeah, that’s me.’ He put that on his album.”

James Ingram ended up singing that song and “One Hundred Ways” on Jones’ 1981 album, The Dude. Both songs ended up in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. His performance of “One Hundred Ways” won him the Grammy in 1981 for best male R&B performance. In 1984 he won his second Grammy, for “Yah Mo B There” with singer Michael McDonald. Throughout his career, Ingram was nominated for 14 Grammys.

He won back-to-back best original song Oscar nominations in 1993 and 1994, for co-writing the Dolly Parton (February’s Divabetic Inspiration) duet “The Day I Fall in Love,” from Beethoven’s 2nd, and Patty Smyth’s “Look What Love Has Done,” from Junior.

James Ingram won hearts with “Somewhere Out There,” his 1987 Peter Asher-produced duet with Linda Ronstadt. The song was featured in Don Bluth’s animated movie An American Tail, the emotion-tugging power ballad rose to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1987 and won the Grammy for song of the year.

Tune in to February’s Diabetes Late NIte podcast with musical inspiration from Dolly Parton on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 PM, EST. We’re talking about ‘SELF ACCEPTANCE & DIABETES’ with Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP,  Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN and more. Enjoy selected songs from Dolly Parton’s new album Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music.  TUNE IN

Sloppy Joes, Added Sugars & Healthy Eating Advice with Jill Weisenberger

One of our Divabetic community members, Deb L.., who is living with type 2 diabetes,  recently contacted us through Facebook with questions about added sugars. We contacted our good friend, a past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Best-Selling Author Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND for answers  and advice regarding Deb’s questions.

Q: Is the amount of sugar in packaged products and recipes increasing?

Jill Weisenberger (JW): I’m not aware that this is true. In fact, I think there’s been a big push in the last few years to reduce the amount of added sugar is packaged goods. And manufacturers are responding. My own observation is that manufacturers provide a variety of options for different consumer likes and dislikes, so some products are created simply for taste and others are developed health goals in mind as well as taste.

One new thing that’s confusing is that some food labels show the amount of added sugar and some show the amount of total sugar. That’s because not all manufacturers have yet adopted the newest guidelines to include a line to show how much sugar has been added to a product. I never worry about the amount of sugar naturally in foods like fruits, vegetables, milk and yogurt. It’s the added sugars that I pass close attention to.

Often people with diabetes focus too much on sugar when the total amount of carbohydrate is really what’s important. It’s not only the sugar portion that affects blood sugar. For example, a cup of milk has 12 grams of carbohydrate, and all 12 are sugar (lactose). A cup of brown rice has 1 gram of sugar, but 45 grams of carbohydrate. In this case, the cup of brown rice with a mere 1 gram of sugar will raise blood sugar levels far more than a cup of milk with 12 grams of sugar.

Q: I like to read recipes and I’m horrified by the amount of sugar in them. I’ve looked in vain for a Sloppy Joe recipe that isn’t sweet. All of the ones I’ve read and I’ve read plenty call for (too sweet) ketchup plus additional brown sugar. Even dessert recipes seem to be increasing the amounts of sugar in them.

Jill Weisenberger (JW): The good news when you’re preparing your own recipes is that you can tweak them to meet your needs. Often you can reduce sugar by 1/4 to 1/2. In some recipes, you can omit it or swap it for a non-nutritiive sweetener of choice. However, if you’re baking, you’re going to get very white cookies or cakes without having at least a little sugar. It’s needed for the browning.

Q: Can you provide a Sloppy Joe recipe and/or a low sugar alternative?

Jill Weisenberger (JW): You can point out that while lentils are a source of carbohydrate, they – like other legumes – are full of the type fiber that’s good for blood sugar control. While there is a tablespoon of brown sugar in the recipe, that amounts to about 1 gram of added sugar per sandwich. If she is concerned aobut the total amount of carbohydrate (40 g, but 7 are fiber), she can remove the top bun to save 60 calories and about 12 grams of carbohydrate.

Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe: A Healthy, Delicious take on an Old Favorite

Jill Weisenberger (JW): I usually eat this open faced to save about 60 calories. And for my friends and clients with diabetes, leaving half the bun trims 15 grams of carbohydrate. If the length of this ingredients list gives you pause, take the very, very easy route. Simply mix prepared lentils with a can of your favorite sloppy joe sauce. It won’t be the same, but it will allow you to try out this concept.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola or olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 2 cups)

1 large carrot, chopped (about ⅓ cup)

1 orange bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)

2 garlic cloves, chopped or crushed

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 tablespoon tomato paste

3 cups vegetable broth

24.5-ounce box of strained tomatoes (or 24-ounces canned tomato sauce)

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 cup green lentils, rinsed and sorted

12 small whole-grain rolls, toasted (look for rolls about 120 calories)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, carrots and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder and tomato paste. Mix well.

Add the vegetable broth, strained tomatoes or tomato sauce, sriracha sauce, Dijon mustard and brown sugar. Mix well. Add the lentils.

Increase the heat to a boil. With the lid ajar, reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serve in a toasted bun.

Notes

I use a lot of tomato paste in my recipes because I really like the full-bodied, meaty flavor it provides. Look for it in a tube, so it lasts a long time in your refrigerator after opening. Feel free to substitute any other color bell pepper for the orange or red pepper specified.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: rounded ½ cup, 1 roll Calories: 235 Fat: 3g Saturated fat: <1g Trans fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 40g Sodium: 470mg Fiber: 7g Protein: 11g Cholesterol: 0mg

Jill Weisenberger’s comprehensive guide, Prediabetes: A Complete 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,” this book will allow you to choose your own path to wellness, help you gain a greater sense of wellbeing, boost your confidence in your abilities to maintain a healthful lifestyle, and potentially even help you reverse prediabetes and avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. You’ll be feeling better than you have in years! Inside, you will learn to:

Identify your risks for developing type 2 diabetes

Set personalized and meaningful behavioral goals

Identify and build on your motivation for a lifestyle reset

Create positive new habits

Change eating habits for weight loss and greater insulin sensitivity

Choose wholesome foods in the supermarket and when away from home

Tweak your favorite recipes

Reduce sedentary time

Start or improve upon an exercise plan

Reduce emotional eating

Organize and track your progress with tools included in the book

Much more

Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND is a great resource for all things nutrition, food and diabetes. Whether she’s speaking, writing, chatting on social media, appearing on TV or working with individuals, her candid and energetic approach appeals to busy people, and her sound nutrition and fitness advice gets results. In fact, her appreciation for science and ability to translate science into actionable information earned her a place in US News & World Report’s 10 Dietitian’s You Need to Follow on Social Media.

LISTEN NOW: Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary podcast featuring music by Patti Austin. We’re talking about healthy strategies to help you deal with the FOOD POLICE with guests: 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.

‘Don’t Hate My Plate’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks

are you sure that it’s ok
to eat that Chinese food?
Yes, it is, and I can say
I think you’re being rude.
I do not want to be observed
With everything I eat.
The food that I prepared and served
Is savory, and sweet.
What you don’t see is how I count
My carbs, my fats, my fruit.
To,make sure that the right amount
Is what I did compute.
So please believe that I do know
Exactly what I’m doing
And even if it doesn’t show
I’m sure what I’m pursuing.
If you see some onion rings
Or maybe eggs and bacon
Trust that I’m aware of things
And that I’m not mistaken.
Sometimes I eat pasta too
And pizza topped with cheese.
I do not need advice from you
So do not give it, please.
We people who have diabetes
Eat all kinds of food.
From oatmeal, grits and even Wheaties
And chicken, barbequed.
It’s ok to ask a question
To better comprehend.
But remember it’s just your impression.
And I do not have to defend.
So you eat yours, And I’ll eat mine
And we’ll enjoy our dinners.
Just realize where to draw the line,
And we’ll all come out winners!
LISTEN: Poet Lorraine Brooks reads ‘Don’t Hate My Plate’ on July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Patti Austin. We’re celebrating our 8th Year Podcasting Anniversary talking about ‘I Know What You ATE Last Summer’ with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

What words do you bring to the table? Fine Artist Susan McCaslin’s Plate Poetry Project will be on display at Mosaic Central Farm Market on Sunday, September 16, 2018 as part of Divabetic’s Collar Greens Wellness Day & Dog Parade outreach program.

Summer Healthy Food & Drink Swaps with Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND

Since summer cookouts, state fairs, amusement parks and waterside food vendors offer plenty of temptation to throw off your diabetes wellness we reached out to Author Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND for advice on the summer foods you should try avoid, and healthier options you can feel free to enjoy.
Jill’s latest book Prediabetes: A Complete Guide provides choices, flexibility, worksheets, recipes, and much more to help you get started to a healthier you. She be talking about her new book and sharing nutrition advice on Divabetic’s 8th Anniversary podcast  (‘I Know What You ATE Last Summer’) featuring music by Patti Austin on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, 6 PM, EST,
Below are some of Jill’s healthier alternatives to the Summer’s most popular foods and drinks that we feel will silence even the most annoying members of the ‘Food Police’.
Q: It seems like the deep fryer gets the most use during the Summer judging from the menu at summer festivals, carnivals and  amusement parks. What’s your healthy alternative to fried clams?
A: Anything deep fried has to be a ‘now-and-then’ food. And if you’re going to eat a now-and-then food, it’s smart to eat it surrounded with a plate of healthful foods like fruits and vegetables, not more fried food. If I were to make the clam cakes, I’d serve them with fresh fruit, a roasted vegetable and perhaps some boiled red potatoes or zucchini noodles with Parmesan cheese. I suggest this fried clams recipe.
Q: The only thing better than watching the sunset on a beach on a Hot Summer night is to be watching it while sipping a frozen drink. Our favorite is a Strawberry Daiquiri. What do you recommend?
A: Daiquiris tend to be loaded with calories and added sugar. For a light alcoholic drink, mix a favorite wine with seltzer for a wine spritzer. If you really feel that you need something fancier, opt for a light Cape Codder: light cranberry juice and a shot of vodka, topped off with a slice of orang
Be careful with alcohol. Even small amounts loosen inhibitions, which might mean more eating.

Q: How about alternatives to two of the Summer’s most popular beverages: Sweet Tea and Lemonade?

A: I adore flavored waters, especially since they save tons of calories and added sugars.  If your water doesn’t taste crisp and refreshing, attaching a filter to your faucet or filling a filter pitcher may be all you need to brighten the taste. But if water is just plain boring, you can flavor it without sugar. Experiment with fruits, vegetables and herbs. Try any of these: Cucumber slices and mint or lavender, Orange slices or orange and lemon slice, and Lemon slices and grated gingerroot. See MORE OPTIONS  I also really enjoy making my own seltzer in my sodastream. I can flavor it with a bit of juice or fresh fruit. Another alternative is the great selection of LaCroix waters.
Q: My Dad used to pile my plate with an extra helping of his shell macaroni salad. What foods can you recommend to fill my plate with instead?
A: Add vegetables to bulk up the portion for less calories and less carbohydrates. Plus, they’ll help boost nutrition. But you don’t necessarily have to skip the macaroni or potato salad in order to stick to your meal plan. Simply add in your favorite non-starchy vegetables to dilute the pasta or potato. To dress your salad, use light mayo, mashed avocado or a vinegar based dressing. Here’s my Veggie-Packed Potato Salad (feel free to use it and the photo with attribution): https://jillweisenberger.com/resistant-starch-what-foods-have-it-and-a-recipe/
Q: Our family used to drive to Bill Wahl’s Ice Cream when I was growing up in Rochester, NY for a treat to beat the Summer Heat but now that I’m older I’m looking for a satisfying alternative to ice cream. What do you recommend?
A: I have two yogurt-based recipes on my website that are good substitutes. Both are lower in calories and added sugars than an equivalent amount of ice cream. And they’ve got the bonus of both protein and fruit!
“Yogurt is another favorite food. Some studies link yogurt to less risk of developing type 2 diabetes. And that’s something I care a lot about!, ” says Jill Weisenberger.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries or berries and pitted cherries (about 4.7 ounces)
  • 1 (5.3-ounce) container of nonfat strawberry Greek or Icelandic yogurt ( I used Siggi’s brand
Instructions
  1. Place both ingredients into a food processor or powerful blender and mix thoroughly.
  2. Transfer the contents into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for at least two hours.
  3. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves or chocolate shavings.
Serves: 1 cup.
Nutrition Information: Serving size: ½ cup Calories: 90 Fat: <1g Saturated fat: 0g Trans fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 15gSodium: 25mg Fiber: 2g Protein: 8g Cholesterol: 0mg
“If you plan your meals with diabetes Exchanges, count this full recipe as 1 Milk and 1 Fruit,” says Jill Weisenberger. She adds, “Researchers in Finland found that berries were associated with less risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Men who consumed the most berries were 35% less likely to develop the disease.”
Ingredients
  • 1 cup plain nonfat strained yogurt (Greek or Icelandic)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries or frozen mixed berries with cherries
  • 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice
  • 2 tablespoons nonfat milk or any tart juice (cranberry, pomegranate, cherry)
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients in a blender or a container for an immersion blender. Process until smooth.
Notes: If you are not using frozen fruit, you will need to add several ice cubes to make the smoothie thick.
Nutrition Information: Serving size: 11/2 cups Calories: 205 Fat: 0g Trans fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 30g Sodium: 100mgFiber: 5g Protein: 22g Cholesterol: 0g
Q: Bill Wahl’s also serves burgers. What’s a satisfying healthier burger alternative?
A: experiment with veggie burgers for a dose of fiber and plant protein over a traditional burger heavy in unhealthful saturated fats. Something my family really enjoys is serving a turkey burger inside the center of a large portabello mushroom.
Prediabetes 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!

Jill Weisenberger’s comprehensive guide, ‘Prediabetes: A Complete 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,” this book will allow you to choose your own path to wellness, help you gain a greater sense of wellbeing, boost your confidence in your abilities to maintain a healthful lifestyle, and potentially even help you reverse prediabetes and avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. You’ll be feeling better than you have in years! Inside, you will learn to:

  • Identify your risks for developing type 2 diabetes
  • Set personalized and meaningful behavioral goals
  • Identify and build on your motivation for a lifestyle reset
  • Create positive new habits
  • Change eating habits for weight loss and greater insulin sensitivity
  • Choose wholesome foods in the supermarket and when away from home
  • Tweak your favorite recipes
  • Reduce sedentary time
  • Start or improve upon an exercise plan
  • Reduce emotional eating
  • Organize and track your progress with tools included in the book
  • Much more

Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND is a great resource for all things nutrition, food and diabetes. Whether she’s speaking, writing, chatting on social media, appearing on TV or working with individuals, her candid and energetic approach appeals to busy people, and her sound nutrition and fitness advice gets results. In fact, her appreciation for science and ability to translate science into actionable information earned her a place in US News & World Report’s 10 Dietitian’s You Need to Follow on Social Media.
TUNE IN: On Tuesday, July 10th, we’re talking about the ‘FOOD POLICE’ on our 8th Year Anniversary podcast featuring music by Patti Austin at 6 PM, EST. How often have you been confronted by family members, co-workers and friends on inappropriate food policing? If you get defensive they quickly turn the tables on you. They insist that you are being too sensitive, or that they are doing it out of love, or that they aren’t ganging up on you—they just all care about you so much. What can  you do? We will be discussing this topic with 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.