The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, plays his food game, ‘Serve, Taste or Trash,’ at the fifth annual Summer Streets – NYC. Here’s how you play: Mr. Divabetic lists 3 fruits and vegetables. Among the three food options, you must choose which one you’d serve, which you’d taste, and which you’d be willing to trash.
For this food game, the choices are melon, red pepper, and eggplant.
Nearly seven miles of New York City’s streets, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, will be opened up for everyone to play, run, walk, and bike.
Mr. Divabetic is a 2011 WEGO Health Activist Award finalist and the happy healthcare host of Diva TalkRadio. Diva TalkRadio is Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel where tens of thousands of fans, followers, and listeners turn to laugh a little and learn a lot. The channel features a line-up of live and archived programs and specials. Guests include healthcare professionals, beauty, image/style, fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders, and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of, and being affected by diabetes.
Learn how to become your own ‘Diabetes Bodyguard’ on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast with musical inspiration from one our all-time favorite divas, Whitney Houston.
Enjoy an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’” before the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of The Bodyguardsoundtrack album features the hit song, I’m Every Woman, echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with diabetes.
Throughout the podcast, we will talk to experts about ways to safeguard you and your family from experiencing diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, blindness, and amputation.
Guests include Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE, Constance Brown Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Mindy Bartleson, T1D, blogger at “There’s More to the Story”, and author, Hairstylist & Salon Owner, Karline Ricketts, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’.
When you have diabetes, high blood sugars over time can lead to structural changes in the eye’s lens, accelerating the development of cataracts.
You may not notice cataracts since symptoms can be minor until clouding affects the center of the eye, then cataracts can progress rapidly. Other causes of cataracts:
Family history
Eye injury
Eye surgery
Repeated eye injections
Spending a lot of time in the sun without UV sunglasses
Using certain medications, such as corticosteroids
Know the Symptoms
Cloudy or blurry vision
Seeing double in one eye
Seeing halos around lights
Being extra sensitive to light and glare
Having trouble seeing well at night
Bright colors seem faded
How to Prevent Cataracts
Wear sunglasses with UV protection
Do not smoke—and if you currently do, quit!
Thankfully, cataract surgery can help reverse a cataract caused by diabetes. This short outpatient procedure involves removing and replacing a damaged lens with a healthy artificial lens.
We’re sharing ideas on lifestyle adjustments that can help you live your best life while managing your diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
The main themes of Divabetic’s diabetes mystery podcast Gypsies, Tramps & Peas are positive body image and summertime diabetes self-care tips.
Here’s a quick synopsis: 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 fish. Was 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?
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.
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie, and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.
This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Today I’m thinking of my boss, Luther Vandross, on the anniversary of his passing. Luther changed my life twice. First, he hired me to be his assistant, and then his stroke, related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, made me a diabetes advocate.
In 1995, he moved me from San Francisco (where I worked in Regional Theater) to New York City to become his full-time assistant. It was two years after I worked on my first Luther tour, Never Let Me Go, in 1993.
It was a dream come true for a kid who loves soul music from Rochester, NY (I was a diehard WDKX listener) without professional connections. In 2003, I became his caregiver after he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes which led me on a path as a diabetes advocate.
My lack of knowledge regarding my grandmother’s diabetes and self-care dismissed concerns I might have had that mismanaged diabetes could destroy someone’s quality of life and health until it was too late. Calling diabetes ‘a touch of sugar’ is like saying a Great White shark is a Goldfish.
Luther was a generous, kind, funny, and hugely talented man. But sadly, I witnessed him struggle with food addiction. In reflection, I feel Luther’s behavior was similar to other addicts. He was either sober, abstaining from carbohydrates, or using, binge eating. No one talks about food addiction as they discuss or glorify drug use. But in my opinion, Luther was wrestling with a monster just as powerful and seductive as cocaine. Unfortunately, he lost the battle. He felt trapped in his body, and it caused him physical, mental, and emotional heartache.
But that’s not the whole story. Luther was a complex, multi-dimensional man, just like a multi-dimensional artist who was a successful songwriter, producer, vocal arranger, and vocalist. On many of his biggest hits, he showcases all of these skills.
The first time I met him, the sheer magnitude of his talent blew me away. He embodied the American Dream to me. He never had a Plan B because he felt if he did, then he wouldn’t pursue his dream. His bravery has influenced my life decisions and given me the strength to pursue my dreams.
Every July 1st, I renew my desire to help those at risk, affected by, and living with diabetes to ‘keep their house a home’ by learning to delay or prevent a mismanaged diabetes complication such as stroke.
Enjoy Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests, including Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and Chuck Flowers.
By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album, Give Me the Reason, in 1986; he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.
Luther Vandross’s fifth album, Give Me the Reason, comprised nine tracks, including the hits: So Amazing,There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Loveand Give Me The Reason. We chose to spotlight this album because this is the first time Luther showcased his 100-pound weight loss on the album’s cover. He was not able to maintain or sustain the weight loss. Luther lost and gained at least a hundred pounds more than eight times while I worked for him. We’re discussing yo-yo dieting, self-love, and the power of positive talk can help you overcome feelings of failing or self-loathing related to body shape and size.
Today, I continue to present diabetes outreach with dazzle! Divabetic’s robust schedule includes newsletters, blog posts, virtual programs, and podcasts. I also work full-time for violinist Itzhak Perlman. Since Mr. Perlman, who has polio, uses a motorized scooter, I spend most days dealing with accessibility issues regarding air and ground travel and hotel accommodations. Mr. Perlman’s exuberance for life, humor and kindness, not to mention talent, make it all worthwhile. Although soul music and Rhythm and Blues will always be my first love, I’ve learned to appreciate classical music.
Itzhak Perlman is truly amazing! And yes, Mr. Perlman has listened to and enjoyed Luther’s music.
Over the past 20 years since Luther’s stroke, I have lost none of my passion for helping others at risk, affected by and living with avoid a similar fate to Luther’s. I am still keenly interested in eradicating the shame and blame associated with type 2 diabetes and elevating the conversation surrounding food addiction.
Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reasonalbum courtesy of SONY Music.
Our friends at Splenda have done it again! They’ve made it possible to indulge in a taste of Summer without guilt. Enjoy this Watermelon Mojito Mocktail recipe by Splenda.
Ingredients
4 cubes of fresh watermelon
4 mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon of Splenda Liquid Sweetener
1 ounce lime juice
5 ounces of lime seltzer water
Instructions
Add watermelon, mint leaves, and Splenda Liquid Sweetener to a cocktail shaker and muddle to release the juices.
Add lime juice and ice and shake until chilled.
Strain over ice-filled glass. Top with lime seltzer water.
Garnish with a watermelon slice and fresh mint.
Get nutritional information and more great recipes at Splenda!
What is A Mocktail?
A mocktail is a cocktail-style beverage made without alcoholic ingredients. It’s an elevated version of the standard non-alcoholic drink. It’s also crafted with sodas, juices, herbs, syrups, and the same mixology methods and tools used for regular mixed drinks. The final product is a non-alcoholic beverage that should be enjoyed and savored, just like a well-mixed cocktail.
Alcohol and Diabetes
Many people with diabetes enjoy an alcoholic beverage. But when drinking alcohol is combined with the medications most often used to treat diabetes—particularly insulin and sulfonylureas, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can result. While a glass of wine with dinner probably isn’t a big deal, two mojitos on an empty stomach at happy hour is.
Ironically, several symptoms of hypoglycemia—such as slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty walking—are also symptoms of being drunk; it can be difficult to tell the two apart. And if you often have hypoglycemia unawareness, a condition you don’t recognize you’re going low, drinking becomes especially dicey. Timing may also be an issue, as hypoglycemia can strike hours after your last drink, especially if you’ve been exercising.
What Exactly is Moderate Drinking?
It’s one drink daily for women and up to two per day for men. However, that “drink” is much smaller than some think, just five ounces of wine, a 12-ounce beer, or one and a half ounces of 80-proof spirits.
The information above is not a strict and steadfast rule. There are no universal guidelines for drinking alcohol for people with diabetes. Talk to your doctor about your drinking habits and seek their help developing your guidelines.
Alcohol and Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is linked to diabetes. Over time, mismanaged diabetes damages the small blood vessels, causing the walls of the blood vessels to stiffen and malfunction. These changes contribute to high blood pressure.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily raises blood pressure. Repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases in blood pressure.
What is Splenda ZERO Liquid Sweetener?
Splenda ZERO Liquid Sweetener has zero calories and dissolves easily in hot and cold beverages, sauces, glazes, and more. Its convenient size makes it easy to take with you anywhere, and its leak-free flip-top lid means no mess when you toss it in your purse, backpack, or briefcase Splenda delivers a variety of great-tasting solutions to help you achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
We’re discussing healthy lifestyle swaps for people with diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.
With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
Need a Summer tune?
Kylie Minogue has taken over the airwaves in my home with this catchy song!! Add it to your workout tape.
Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her poem about habits on Divabetic‘s Healthy Swaps podcast. We’re offering simple ideas to help you live your best diabetes life on our podcast.
We understand many people deal with diabetes distress and feel overwhelmed by the rentlessness of diabetes.
Feeling this way about your diabetes is understandable and it’s a natural reaction for anyone that’s been diagnosed with a long-term health condition.
Lots of people feel like this sometimes but it’s important you get help. If you don’t get support to help you cope, you’re more likely to reach burnout and that can be really serious. Please let us join you on the journey.
Habits by Lorraine Brooks
To do somethig once
Doesn’t make a habit yet
You have to repeat
Some habits are good
Like eating our vegetables
And counting our carbs
Bad habits die hard.
Our chooices become lifestyles.
And sometimes are poor
What is a habit
A behavior that binds us
But you can break free
To age with kindness
Cmes from having good habits
From when we are young.
I dont mind aging
Because I have formed habits\
That serve e well now
I’m aging like wine
Rich and mellow and sparkling
My habits paid off
I know I’m OK
I have worked hard to get here
And I will not quit
Be Kind To Yourself
Try to manage your expectations about your blood sugar levels and A1c test results and set smaller, more realistic goals.
It also helps to stop using phrases like ‘good’ or ‘bad’ blood sugar – as this can constantly feel like you’ve done something wrong. Talk about high or low blood sugar instead.
Taking time for yourself, like booking a massage or setting an evening aside for a long bath can help you relax.
We’re sharing healthy swap ideas on this episode of Divabetic‘s podcast. With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin in this YouTube video. Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
This year marks two decades since the release of Luther‘s soulful and emotional ballad “Dance with My Father.” It’s also the twentieth anniversary of Luther’s devastating stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Luther suffered a stroke at age 52.
I found Luther on the floor of his Fifth Avenue apartment after he suffered a stroke. Many have speculated that Luther experienced the stroke several hours before my arrival. Sadly, his stroke damaged Luther’s motor skills and mental abilities, leaving him unable to perform on stage again.
At the time, I had no idea that mismanaged diabetes could cause such tragic health outcomes even though, I had a family history of diabetes. When the media reported that Luther suffered a stroke but failed to mention it’s linked to diabetes, I felt was angry. I wanted to warn Luther fans about the connection so they could avoid a similar fate. Luther’s stroke changed the course of my life. I became Lutehr’s caregiver, a passionate diabetes advocate, and the founder of the nonprofit, Divabetic. Every day I strive to help inspire and empower people with diabetes to take charge of their diabetes health. I know it’s not easy. Some days are more challenging than others, mainly when unexpected setbacks occur. But ignoring your diabetes is not the answer.
“Dance With My Father” is a testament to the power of mismanaged diabetes to decimate a family tree. Luther lost his father at a tender age due to mismanaged diabetes too.
I lost my father four years ago to bone cancer. I am grateful for the many years my father and I spent together working on Divabetic outreach. We saw the power of educating the generations in families to prevent diabetes health complications from occurring.
“Dance With My Father” is co-written by Luther Vandross and GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Richard Marx, and resonated with millions of listeners worldwide, touching hearts and earning Vandross a posthumous GRAMMY for Song of the Year in 2004.
https://youtu.be/OiNSRU-smNI
To honor Luther’s enduring music legacy, Primary Wave Music, The Luther Vandross Estate, and Legacy Recordings/Sony Music have released the song in high-resolution Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience that fans can stream and download from several platforms.
Visit LutherVandross.com to create and share personally customized Father’s Day memories using the ‘What My Father Taught Me’ meme generator with the hashtag #DanceWithMyFather20. Additionally, on the site, you can purchase items from a limited edition gift guide, encapsulating the soul of this unforgettable song. Commemorate Father’s Day and Black Music Month by celebrating this iconic piece of Black music history. Let’s unite as fans, saluting Luther Vandross’ lasting legacy and the special connection between fathers and their children.
I will take every opportunity to raise awareness for diabetes and diabetes health-related complications such as stroke.
Senior Writer and Editor of Jet Magazine, Clarence Waldron, talks about his stroke and its recovery.
Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.
Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation. You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.
Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.
“How are you feeling today? I hope you’re doing well and taking good care of yourself. ❤️ Remember to prioritize your well-being and find moments of joy in your day. Wishing you a wonderful day ahead filled with positivity and happiness,” 🙏🏾 posted Ben Vereen, living with type 2 diabetes, on social media. The Broadway legend often shares positive messages on social media to motivate and encourage people.
After the initial panic from his diagnosis lessened, he began to seek help. “Once my doctor told me what I had to do, I knew the regimen. He provided that comfort zone and made it very easy for me. I was able to maintain my performing schedule, I still do.”
Type 2 diabetes means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly. And while some people can manage their blood sugar levels with meal plans and exercise, others may need medication or insulin to manage it.
In an interview with Diabetes Self-Management, Ben Vereen said, “The community has been so inspirational. Right after I was diagnosed, I had a show in Vegas. I thought, how am I gonna get through this? This is why we have to speak up. I get there and a stagehand I’ve worked with for years said, “I heard you have diabetes.” He said, “Don’t worry about this, you’ll get through it, I have diabetes, too. Many of us here have it — we’re gonna watch you.” Knowing someone else walking this path was comforting. I felt better knowing that if I had questions, I had someone I could turn to. As Patti LaBelle told me, “I have it, it doesn’t have me.”
Ben changed his eating plan. “I became a vegan, that’s what worked for me. I exercise, too, but I already did exercise so that was easy. My mantra: Everything in moderation. Moderation is key.”
He doesn’t adhere to a one size fits all mentality when it comes to managing diabetes but instead recommends tailoring self-care to meet your needs. “Do what works for you. Then share your story with the community so maybe someone with the same fear can be educated and not feel alone.”
With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
Please feel free to call-in comments at 1-347-215-8551. Diva TalkRadio’s signature show is one you want to hear live every month.
Today, Red Velvet cake, cupcakes, and cookies seem everywhere. But do you ever wonder where the recipe comes from?
My research found that a popular cookbook, The Joy of Cooking, debuted a red velvet cake in 1943. Irma S Rombauer, the cookbook author, shared the recipe but admitted in the text that she doesn’t care for the cake!
However, many researchers argue that red velvet cake predates the cookbook. They believe red velvet cakes were first served during the Victorian Era. Cocoa was used to help break down the coarse flour. As a result, the flour was softer, and the cake was described as velvety. Some argue that the chemical reaction between the cocoa and acid gives the cake its red color. The velvety texture and scarlet coloring led to the creation of Red Velvet Cakes. But the traditional recipe was changed due to WWII food rations. Bakers scrambled for alternative ingredients to use in their recipes. As a result, some bakers chose to use beet juice in their cakes. Beets work as a filler that keeps the cake moist.
I’d also like to add my two cents about the origins of Red Velvet Cake. My research points to Red Velvet Cake having African American origins. The enslaved people believed that the red color represented Christ’s blood and that the cocoa powder would bring them good luck.
Below, our friend, Stacey Harris, known as The Diabetic Pastry Chef, shares her sugar-free version of a Red Velvet Cake. One of Stacey’s surefire secrets to successfully substituting artificial sweeteners in your recipes is using more than one kind. Using two types of artificial sugar substitutes tends to eliminate any bitter aftertaste.
Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl; set aside.
In the bowl with an electric mixer, combine sugar-substitute and vegetable oil. Add in the rest of the wet ingredients and mix well.
Add dry ingredients in thirds to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add batter to greased and floured 9×13″ pan. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan and the center springs back when touched.
After cooling, sprinkle top with sugar-free confectioners sugar such as Swerve Confectioners. Serve cake cut into squares topped with whipped cream or whipped topping.
Red velvet cakes on wooden board
Although red velvet cake is generally linked with Valentine’s Day, it is also served at Juneteenth parties. For Juneteenth celebrations, the color red represents the struggle and bloodshed of the enslaved as well as the ultimate resilience of the people.
Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.
Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.
Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation. You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.
The whole conversation around the risks of consuming sugar, added sugars, and artificial sugar substitutes is confusing for anyone, especially those with diabetes.
The health risks associated with consuming too much sugar in your foods and drinks are alarming. But sugar is sneaky. When you think you figured it out, you look closely at nutrition labels, only to discover manufacturers have ways of hiding sugar in foods and drinks marketed as ‘healthy.’
When you know, a 16 oz bottle of Coke contains almost ten teaspoons of sugar; you think you’re making a better choice by reaching for a Diet Coke or Coke Zero. But recent studies suggest that fake sugars can also have unexpected effects on your gut and metabolic health and even promote food cravings and insulin resistance, leading to Type 2 diabetes. Not to mention, quitting Diet Coke can lead to headaches and withdrawal symptoms. I know because I’ve experienced the vicious cycle of quitting Diet Coke several times without much success.
And what about these murmurs that diet drinks make you fat? Morning TV shows love to share results from studies that have found using artificial sweeteners and drinking high amounts of diet soda is associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. One study also reported a link between the high consumption of diet drinks and the increase in belly fat in older adults.
Drinking water is a great alternative. But if you’re like me, you enjoy a carbonated drink from time to time. So what do you do? A glance at the cold drinks shelves at my local bodega reveals a plethora of diet drinks. Every company offering a popular sugar-sweetened beverage now offers a sugar-free alternative. Each contains a list of ingredients a mile long with names only a scientist could understand.
If you’re wondering why sugar substitutes seem more prevalent in our food and drink choices, one reason could be the Food and Drug Administration’s proposal to stop companies from labeling a food “healthy” unless it adheres to strict new limits on added sugars. Savvy companies can conform to the proposed rules by replacing added sugars in foods with artificial sweeteners.
“When companies reformulate their foods to contain less sugar, it leads them to use more non-nutritive sweeteners,” said Jotham Suez, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told the Washington Post.
Studies show that when countries such as Chile and Australia instituted similar policies to reduce sugar consumption, there was an increase in artificially sweetened foods and beverages.
“These low-calorie sweeteners are ubiquitous in the food supply, and so people often aren’t even aware that they’re consuming them,” said Allison Sylvetsky, an associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at George Washington University.
Many sugar substitutes are often hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar. Some are synthetic, while others, like stevia and monk fruit extract, are referred to as “natural” because they’re derived from plants.
The confusion surrounding what to do makes me feel like I’m talking from two sides of my mouth. Divabetic has hosted several Sugar-Free Baking Programs on Zoom, and we have shared dozens of Sugar-Free Dessert Recipes. Both of these offerings have proven to be very popular with our community. We’ve even rewarded our followers with free gift baskets of popular artificial sweeteners. But after seeing the new findings, I’m unsure how to proceed.
The World Health Organization cautioned people to limit their intake of sugar substitutes because of their potential for “undesirable” long-term effects, including detrimental effects on gut and metabolic health.
What the heck is Gut Health?
Gut health refers to the health of the entire digestive system — the parts of our body responsible for breaking down our food into individual nutrients we use to run our bodies.
If you suffer from frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn, your gut has difficulty processing food and eliminating waste. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut.
Health Studies Seem To Only Make It More Confusing!
According to a Cedars-Sinaistudy, one type of bacteria in the gut may contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes, while another may protect from the disease. The researchers admitted it is too early to know how people can change their microbiome to reduce their diabetes risk.
In the meantime, experts recommend using artificial sweeteners sparingly because science changing all the time. Many of these old and new sugar substitutes seem destined to spur ongoing concerns and confusion. All we can hope for is to use them in moderation as we strive to live our best diabetes lives.
On Divabetic’s podcast, Clarence Waldron shares his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Writer and Editor from Jet Magazine, and his memories of legends Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.
Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
When I was growing up Jet Magazine was everywhere — barbershops, salons, and waiting rooms. The digest-size magazine featured pop culture stories, What’s On TV, Wedding Announcements and Anniversaries, the (in)famous Jet Beauty of the Week, and Jet’s Top 20 Singles.
Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the American Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.
Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.
You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.
Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’sLive At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.
Get It Right is Aretha Franklin’s twenty-ninth studio album, released in 1983 by Arista Records. It was produced by Luther Vandross, following his successful teaming with the singer for the Gold-certified album, Jump to It. Album highlights include I Wish It Would Rain, I Got Your Love, and Every Girl Wants My Guy.
