Incredible Low-Carb Meals

    These low-carb main dishes are tasty and easy to make.  Keep track of the carbs you eat and stick to your individual guidelines to help control your diabetes.  Just click below and follow the slideshow for the recipes. 

      Diabetic Living-Incredible Low-Carb Meals

U.S. News Best Hospitals: Diabetes & Endocrinology 

Top-Ranked Hospitals for Diabetes & Endocrinology    

Best Hospitals Rankings Methodology     

More than 1,000 hospitals are listed in Diabetes & Endocrinology. All are experienced in treating difficult cases—a hospital is listed only if at least 114 inpatients who needed a high level of expertise in this specialty were treated there in 2006, 2007, and 2008, or if surveyed specialists recommended the hospital for such patients. The top 50 hospitals are ranked by score. Those below the top 50 are listed alphabetically.      

You can read the rest of this article by clicking below: 

U.S. News Best Hospitals: Diabetes & Endocrinology

Recipes from A Sweet Life

    I wanted to share a few recipes I found on A Sweet Life.  

     Peruvian-Style Roasted Chicken w/Sweet Onions 

     Garlic Lover's Roast Beef   

     A Healthier Tuna Salad  

     Oven-Baked Cauliflower 

     Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Truffles  

     The truffle recipe does mention you can use Splenda in place of the sweeteners mentioned.  Hope you enjoy these recipes!

A Sweet Life

    In my constant effort to find new information on Diabetes for this blog, I have come across another site I would like to bring to your attention.  It is called A Sweet Life and is full of diabetic news, information, and recipes for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.  Check it out and I hope you enjoy.

PA One of Ten States to Bear Brunt of Diabetes Burden

New Study Shows Ten States to Carry More Than Half of U.S. Diabetes Population and Costs Through 2025           

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 17, 2011) — A new study conducted by the Institute for Alternative Futures (IAF) identified California, Texas, Florida, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Michigan as “diabetes hot spots,” where the burden of diabetes will be greatest in the next 15 years.  “United States’ Diabetes Crisis: Today and Future Trends,” is the first study to provide detailed diabetes prevalence and cost forecasts individually for all 50 states. The study was commissioned and funded by Novo Nordisk to provide insights into how the growing diabetes epidemic will spread geographically in the United States and how this demographic shift might affect local economies.                            

      You can read the rest of this article by clicking below: 

      Ten States to Bear Brunt of Diabetes Burden / A Sweet Life

Flat Belly Diet! Diabetes

Amazon.com: Flat Belly Diet! Diabetes   

    

Editorial Reviews          

Product Description   

The magic ingredient behind the New York Times best-selling Flat Belly Diet!—monounsaturated fatty acids (or MUFAs)—may not only target stubborn belly fat, but may also help treat the underlying cause of type 2 diabetes: insulin resistance. The 5-week program includes a sensible diabetes-friendly diet that teaches you how to incorporate pasta, chocolate, and other “forbidden” foods—along with a MUFA at every meal—into over 150 sumptuous, satisfying dishes.

Flat Belly Diet! Diabetes also includes a gentle walking-based exercise plan, stress reduction exercises, advice on how to work with one’s doctor and diabetes management team, and a journal to help track blood sugar. In just 5 weeks, 11 men and women who tried the plan lost as much as 12 pounds, improved their A1c levels, and lowered their cholesterol and blood pressure levels. 

About the Author 

LIZ VACC ARIELLO is the former editor-in-chief of Prevention, the nation’s #1 healthy lifestyle magazine, and coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Flat Belly Diet! She resides in South Orange, NJ.

GILLIAN ARATHUZIK, RD, CDE , works as a nutrition diabetes educator at the Joslin Diabetes Center. She lives in Holliston, MA.

STEVEN V. EDELMAN, MD , is the director of the Diabetes Care Clinic at the VA Medical Center and founder of Taking Control of Your Diabetes. He lives in San Diego, CA.      

     Check out the Amazon.com Carousel on my blog site for more book choices.

Diabetic-Friendly Recipes from the AHA

     The American Heart Association
   
    Breakfast and Fruits:
  
     Baked Apple Frittata     
  
     Individual Three-Cheese and Vegetable Quiches        

     Salads:  

     Cucumber and Onion Salad with Mint            

     Chipotle Chicken Salad  

     Main Dishes:
    
     Sunday Pork Roast with Vegetables 

     Lemony Tilapia and Asparagus Grill  

     Sides:

     Tex Mex Corn and Zucchini    

     Lemon Green Beans with Parsley and Almonds   

     Desserts:              

     Spiced Peach Packets with Frozen Yogurt   

     Nutty Chocolate Pudding with Banana Slices  


     Well, this should give you plenty of choices for your weekend meal planning.  I hope you enjoy these recipes!  Have a great weekend everybody!

My Diabetes Health Assessment

    People living with Type 2 Diabetes are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).  We know this, right?  In just a few minutes, you can learn your risk for having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years.  

     Please note:  This assessment is only meant for people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.  This assessment is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice from your healthcare provider. 

     American Heart Association-My Diabetes Assessment

How to Slash Sodium

    As diabetics, we know that we always have to be concerned about heart health.  One way to keep our heart healthy is watching our sodium intake.  If everyone in America cut their salt intake to no more than 1,500 mg a day (the equivalent of 2/3 of a teaspoon), 16 million cases of high blood pressure would be prevented every year. 

     This article gives you everything you need to know to lower your sodium intake for better heart health: 

      Slash the Salt?-dLife Foodstuff               

      I recommend reading this three-page article.  It gives alot of important information and helpful tips on how to slash our sodium intake.  As always, before making any change to your diet or routine, check with your physician.

Carb-Friendly Recipes for Spring

    Chicken Caesar Pitas-Diabetic Connect     

     Raw Broccoli Salad                    

     Sweet n' Easy Fruit Crisp Bowls            

   

Skim Milk, Salmon w/Tarragon Mayo and a Healthy Bed-Time

  

Skim Does a Body Good
   

Once upon a time, milk was milk. It came from a cow, in one type, usually in a glass bottle. But as with every other consumer product today, you have a surprisingly large number of choices when it comes to buying milk. Some variations are recent, such as organic milk, milk with nutrients like omega-3 acids, milk packed in glass, plastic, or paper, even flavored milk. But the most important choice of all is which of the four levels of fat should you get.

Is there really that much of a difference between whole and skim milk and the different percentages in between? The answer is a resounding yes—and that difference can have a big impact on your health.

Compare the calories and fat in an 8-ounce glass of milk for the four usual suspects you see in your grocer’s refrigerator:
Whole milk    150 calories    8 g fat
2% milk    120 calories    4.5 g fat
1% milk    100 calories    2.5 g fat
Skim milk    80 calories    0 g fat

If you think these differences in fat content don’t sound like a lot, consider that most fat in milk is saturated fat, the biggest contributor to heart disease and high cholesterol in our diets. American adults tend to think about milk consumption only from the carton to the glass—and most of us don’t actually drink a lot of milk. But we do consume a lot of milk in things like ice cream, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, soups, and the ultimate culprit, cheese. The fat and calories in milk really add up when you factor in all the other milk sources.

Let’s say you decide to switch to skim milk. If you drink two glasses of whole milk every day, you’d save 140 calories per day. Although that doesn’t sound like much, over a year’s time those calories are the equivalent of nearly 15 pounds. The extra fat and calories from 1% and 2% add up, too. If you drink two glasses of 1% milk a day, that’s 150 grams of fat per month instead of 0 grams of fat from the same amount of skim! 

 

Salmon with Tarragon Mayo

Flavored mayonnaise is a wonderful way to boost the taste of fish. And by using the poaching liquid from the salmon to make couscous, you not only make the side dish harmonious with the fish, but delectable as well.

Ingredients
4 (4 ounce) salmon steaks or fillets
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 to 2 bay leaves
Strip of pared lemon zest
4 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
1 cup couscous
4 tomatoes, roughly chopped
3 scallions, chopped
2 cups watercress, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper

Serves 4

Preparation
1    Place the salmon in a deep-sided, nonstick skillet. Pour the wine over it and add the bay leaves, lemon zest, and seasoning to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and poach the salmon until just cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. It should still be very slightly translucent in the center.
2    Meanwhile, stir together the mayonnaise, yogurt, grated lemon zest, and tarragon. Season lightly with salt and pepper and spoon the mixture into a serving bowl.
3    When the fish is cooked, drain off most of the cooking liquid into a measuring cup, and add enough boiling water to make 1 1/2 cups. Cover the pan with a lid to keep the salmon warm, off the heat.
4    Pour the diluted fish broth over the couscous in a bowl and leave for 3 to 4 minutes for the liquid to be absorbed. Fluff up the couscous with a fork and stir in the chopped tomatoes, scallions, and watercress. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over it, and stir to blend everything together. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5    Serve the warm salmon with the couscous salad and the tarragon mayonnaise.
Per serving: 463 cal, 15 g fat (3 g sat), 46 g carbs, 33 g protein, 4 g fiber, 73 mg chol, 247 mg sodium

 

A Healthy Bedtime Check-in

 

What is your going-to-bed ritual? Each of us has one. Whether it includes reading, writing in a journal, or just brushing our teeth and getting into our jammies, these are precious moments in which we focus entirely on ourselves. Which makes bedtime the perfect time for self-reflection.

An honest assessment of how you did today against your healthy lifestyle goals, done in the quiet of your own bed—and entirely unspoken—will not only help you focus on what’s important in your life, but make you far more committed to doing even better tomorrow.

Here are some questions you should consider asking yourself each night before closing your eyes. The answers you give can help you focus on what you need to do to control your diabetes. Don’t underestimate the power they can have on your health and happiness!

Did I…

• follow the diabetes regimen I agreed to with my doctor?  
• take my medicines as I’m supposed to?     
• walk as much as I could have?       
• make time for a little extra movement?        
• floss my teeth?       
• get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air?       
• take at least 15 minutes to really relax and unwind?      
• avoid sitting for more than an hour at a time?       
• laugh out loud?      
• stay positive?    
• spend quality time with family, friends, or coworkers?        
• get angry or stressed when I shouldn’t have?    
• show love or gratitude to someone?        
• accomplish the things I wanted to?      
• watch too much TV?    
• waste time on my laptop, cell phone, or iPad?    

All of this information comes from the Reverse Diabetes Newsletter.  You can subscribe to this newsletter by following the link below.  Just click on Newsletter on the page and you can subscribe there.

Reverse Diabetes on Facebook  

New Recipes from Diabetic Diet Recipes

    I found another site for diabetic recipes and wanted to share some of them with you.   The site is Diabetic Diet Recipes and here are some of their recipes: 

     Carribean Chicken                                                Low-Fat Buffalo Wings   

     Seasoned Baked Cod                                           Beef Vegetable Soup   

     Chicken Taco Casserole                                       Radish Salad            

     Sweet Potato Bread                                              Berry Pudding Cake       


     I did notice that a couple of these recipes do call for small amounts of sugar.  If you are uncomfortable using sugar, I am sure you can substitute an artificial sweetener.

     Cucumber Crunch            

    

Remember!! Today is Alert Day!!

    As I posted the other week, today, March 22, 2011 is the American Diabetes Association Alert Day.  If you want to know your risk for this disease click on the link and take the Diabetes Risk Test.  If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, click on the link and join the movement to help end this devastating disease and to share your story about how diabetes has affected you and your family.

Type 2 Surges in Those Under 20

     A disturbing trend-Today, about 3,700 Americans of 20 receive a diagnosis annually of what used to be called "adult-onset" diabetes.  That relatively small number makes it a rare disease in children, but it represents a trend with larger ramifications. 

      In a little more than 10 years, that number went from nothing to something.  That's something to worry about.                                                  

      Read more about this in an article in today's The Washington Post National Section:

      Type 2 Diabetes Surges in People Under 20

Make Spring Your Healthy Season

     Spring has officially sprung!  At least, according to the calendar.  Although, we have been blessed with some much needed warmer temperatures here lately.

      With the seasons changing, I thought it was a good time to bring you a message for a healthier you this Spring.  I read this quote today and I want to share it with you.  "He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything."  The article didn't reveal who said this but I thought it was fitting.  Spring is a season of hope, I think.  The hope for all things new.  It's a rebirth of nature and it can also be a rebirth of our attitude towards our health.  It's time to shake those winter blues and embrace a more positive and healthy mindset.  New thinking for a new season. 

      We already know that exercise is very important for us as diabetics.  Spring gives us many more options than we had during the winter.  Longer days and warmer temperatures give us more opportunities to get outside.  Gardening, walking, mowing (push-mowing), other yard-work, playing outside with our kids and grandkids are just some of the ways we can get more sunlight and more exercise.  Spring also brings a new season of healthy veggies and fruits to enjoy also.  I will try to bring you some seasonal recipes that are easy and delicious.    

      Now that the weather will be nicer, it will also give you more opportunity to enjoy time with your friends and family.  Get out as much as possible, have fun and laugh alot.  Laughter really is one of the best medicines.  Ask a friend to join a gym with you, or walk with you.  It makes exercise more bearable to have a buddy who will support you and you will be more accountable if you have scheduled this time with your friend. 

       Most of all, stay positive.  A good attitude will make it easier and once you see how good it makes you feel, you won't want to stop until you are the healthiest you can be.

Pancakes are Back on the Menu and The Healthy on Tomatoes

    Pancakes are Back on the Menu-ReverseDiabetes 
     Here are some hints on how to make pancakes diabetic-friendly:

     1.  Switch to buckwheat cakes:  If you have never had buckwheat cakes, you don't know what you are missing.  I grew up on these.  My grandmother used to make them for us on her griddle.  Yum!  I have a bag of buckwheat flour in my refrigerator right now.

     2.  Make homemade whole-wheat pancakes (or waffles) with a few teaspoons of wheat germ. 

     3.  Add fiber-rich foods to the batter.  Great choices include raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, apples or granola. 

     4.  Beware of butter and maple syrup. 


     Tomatoes-ReverseDiabetes 

     I love tomatoes.  I grow my own during the summer.  I can't stand the tomatoes you buy in the supermarkets during the winter.  They are hard and have no taste.  For me, a tomato has to be fresh, red-ripe and juicy.  It's the only way to eat them.  Here's what ReverseDiabetes says about the tomato:

     These juicy fruits (yes, tomatoes are fruits) are low in calories (just 22 per tomato) and carbs (less than 5 grams each).  They're also rich in vitamin C, which helps protect the body from blood-sugar damage.  Tomatoes also have lycopene, a nutrient that's a member of the beta-carotene family that has proven blood-sugar stabilizing effects.  

     These two posts are on the same page in the link.  Just scroll down to see both.

Japan Disaster and Insufficient Insulin Supply

    Roughly 7.3% of Japan's 127 million people have diabetes (that's nearly 9 million).  This information comes from an article written by Elizabeth Snouffer today called Japan Disaster and Insufficient Insulin Supply in the Northeast-Diabetes 24/7.  She writes that she has been asked how people with diabetes in Japan are managing.  Honestly, she says, it's hard to ascertain even the most critical questions, such as-how many are missing, or dead?  Japan doesn't know yet.  The public's welfare is hanging by a thread, people in the area where the tsunami hit don't have enough water or food, and are suffering the freezing cold with inadequate housing.  Diabetes seems very far down on the list indeed, but soon when life-lines begin to reappear, things will normalize and we may understand just how difficult it was for people who survived (or did not survive) the disaster with chronic illnesses like diabetes. 

    You can follow the link I gave to read the rest of the article.  I just wanted to take a moment and look at another aspect of this disaster that people don't always hear about.  So many people have already been injured, killed or are missing.  Those who survived face possibility of death from lack of food and water, and for many diabetics, the balance of life and death could hang on whether they can get insulin in time.  The main concern for diabetics would be acute hyperglycemia, DKA and death.  Because of the destruction, finding medical units who can dispense the insulin would be impossible without a virtual network.   The Japan Diabetes Society, according to this article, has been utilizing various means to communicate with as many patients and doctors as possible via the web, mobile phones and emergency (government) crews.  Main concerns are those who need insulin but do not have any.  Something is being done.  The article goes on to give other measures that are being taken. 

    The devastation will continue for some time and for many of Japan's chronically-ill people who cannot receive the medication they so desperately need, many more may die.   Please keep the people of Japan in your prayers and we can only hope a solution to getting insulin to the people who need it will be quickly found.

Pasta Salad Recipes

    Pasta salad is a favorite of mine, especially in the Spring and Summer.  Light dressings, fresh veggies and even some lean protein can make it a light lunch or supper.  Remember you can always substitute whole wheat, low carb, or whole grain pastas for any white pasta in these recipes.   

     dLife-Dilled Pasta Salad 

     dLife-Ham and Carrot Pasta Salad  

     dLife-Simple Italian Pasta Salad         

     dLife-Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad  

     dLife-Chicken Pasta Salad           

     I will be bringing you some more pasta salad recipes over the next several months.  It won't be long until picnic season so we will need some good recipes for that.  Enjoy!

Should You Drink With Diabetes?

    I am not a big drinker when it comes to alcohol.  I like to have a couple of drinks every now and again, but have never been one to drink to get drunk.  If I am driving and go to a bar, I drink soda, iced tea or coffee.  I go once in awhile with friends to listen to music.  You can hear some of the best live music in bars.  

     Alcohol is a loaded issue.  Moderate drinking has actually been shown to be protective against type 2 diabetes.  But if you have diabetes-type 1 or type 2-alcohol can either be good for you or dangerous, depending on a number of factors.  Navigating the drinking catch-22 takes a very educated patient.  Check your knowledge here with this quiz, and make sure you are making the best choices for you: 

     dLife Foodstuff-Drinking & Diabetes Quiz  

     The information in this quiz is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.  Please click on click here in this link for the disclaimer.

10 Diabetic Desserts

    Okay, I know, we go from an article on artificial sweetners to 10 Diabetic Desserts that uses them.  I'm not telling you to make all ten desserts in one day.  But we have to have some fun with food.  Don't you think?  Some of these look yummy too.  Strawberry-Banana Delight and Mocha Ricotta Tiramisu just to name a couple of them.

     Reader's Digest Version-10 Diabetic Desserts       

     Just follow the slideshow to some delightful endings to your meals.  Enjoy!!

Artificial Sweetners

    There is alot controversy about the use of artificial sweetners.  Diabetics are told to reduce and sometimes eliminate the use of sugar all together, depending on the severity of the diabetes and the physician.  What other choices do we have?  I, myself, try not to use alot of artificial sweetner, but sometimes you just have to sweeten some things.  There are quite a few options on the market today.  This article breaks down natural sweetners, artificial sweetners and sugars.  As always, discuss options with your physician.   

      Reader's Digest-Sugar Options: All About Artificial Sweetners

American Diabetes Association Alert Day

    The American Diabetes Association has posted an event for March 22, 2011.  Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day "wake-up" call asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

     Go to the link below to find out more:  

     American Diabetes Association Alert Day                              

     If you have diabetes, you can help spread the word by inviting your friends to this event or sharing the Diabetes Risk Test when it launches next Tuesday.

Is Surgery Best Option for Type 2 Diabetes?

    I'm not sure I am a fan of bariatric surgery specifically for treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.  Current guidelines recommend bariatric surgery only for severe to morbid obesity. 

     Scientists at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center will be among the first to test bariatric surgery specifically for treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.  They are seeking to determine how well surgery can control diabetes compared to currently approved treatments.  

     The study is the first of it's kind to include patients who are on overweight or mildly obese.  Previous research has indicated that gastric bypass surgery in severly obese individuals can improve or normalize blood glucose levels, reduce the need for medication, and lower the risk of diabetes-related death.  

      Here is the link to this article so you can form your own opinion about this possible treatment for Type 2 Diabetes:    

      American Diabetes Association-Trial Will Test Whether Surgery Is Best Option for Type 2 Diabetes

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

     I looked up any local walks in or around our area here in PA.  The only two I found are in Frederick, MD and Harrisburg, PA.  Here is the info for both: 

     Capital Region Step Out:  10/2/2011-Harrisburg, PA  City Island at Metro Bank Park
                                             Registration Starts:  10:30 am     
                                             Walk Starts:  12:00 noon      

     Frederick, Md Step Out:   10/9/2011-Frederick, MD  Baker Park 
                                      Registration Starts:  Still to be determined 
                                              Walk Starts:  Still to be determined 

     I will keep checking to see if a walk closer is scheduled and update you if I find one.  For more information on this walk for diabetes, here is the link:  

     Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

                                            

It's Saturday and I Have a Great Recipe for You

    Yes, it's Saturday and I know I don't usually post on weekends; but I spent so much time researching something last night for this blog, it just got too late.  I couldn't find what I was looking for anyway.  That's my luck!  It's been a good day so far.  Today was my day to volunteer at the center, so I was there from 10-2.  Tonight I am meeting friends for dinner......looking forward to that.  The best thing about this Saturday, though, is the fact that I didn't have to work.  I always love a day off. 

      I received this great recipe today and I really wanted to share it with you.  It's a recipe for diabetic ice cream and better yet peach ice cream!  I love peaches.  So check out the following link: 

      Cooks.com-Homemade Diabetic Peach Ice Cream

The Hormone Connection

    Insulin was the first hormone discovered by scientists back in the 1920s.  And it has been a lifesaver in diabetes treatment and management.  But in recent years scientists have been making even more amazing discoveries about how other hormones also play a critical role.  These hormones work together like a finely tuned symphony to keep glucose control tight and to keep your body going. 

    Remember to eat healthy foods, stay active, and check your blood sugar regularly.  Talk with your doctor about the best ways to manage your diabetes and stay in the best of health.  

    Here is important information in this Diabetes Photo Gallery from dLife:

    dLife-The Hormone Connection

Dinner Recipes

    I am constantly in search of good, easy recipes; especially with the schedule I have to keep.  I hope you find these convenient and easy for your family meals. 

     The Diabetic Skillet/Baked Shrimp Scampi 

     The Diabetic Skillet/Chicken Strips Parmesana  

     The Diabetic Skillet/Macaroni and Cheese with Veggies                  

A Few Great Recipes

    I love beef and barley soup.  It's one of my favorites.  Here is a great recipe for your slow cooker. 

     dLife Recipe-Slow Cook Beef and Barley Soup  

     I love zucchini too.  It's great sauteed with other veggies or roasted.  Here is a baked zucchini recipe. 

     dLife Recipe-Oven Baked Parmesan Zucchini          

     I have to include a great dessert recipe.  Look at the name of this cake: 

     dLife Recipe-Almost Better Than Sex Cake  

     ENJOY!!

Managing Sick Days

    One thing I found out this winter is that it is definitely hard to manage bronchitis and diabetes together.  We are supposed to stick to meal schedules but yet are too sick to eat.  Not only does it affect our meals, having the flu, cold, bronchitis, or any infection can raise our blood glucose levels.  If our blood glucose levels get too high, we can develop health conditions that can put us in a coma.  These illnesses also decrease our energy levels making it hard to exercise too.  Read through the information in this Diabetes Photo Gallery for some guidelines to follow when you are under the weather and just need to stay home.  


     dLife-Managing a Sick Day

Call to Congress-March 10, 2011

    This article explains how 200 Diabetes Advocates from across the nation are gathering today in Washington, DC in preparation to storm Capitol Hill tomorrow and ask Congress to help Stop Diabetes.           

      Call to Congress/Diabetes Stops Here

Diabetes in the Movies

     This is kind of neat, I think.  This is a photo gallery of movies where diabetes is the star, co-star or just plays a role.  If you are looking for a movie you can relate to as a diabetic, check these out:  

      dLife-Diabetes in the Movies

Packable Snacks

    It's always hard to find good healthy snacks for our children's lunch box and our own.  Here is a selection of 12 packable snacks for our kid's lunch boxes and ours.  It doesn't hurt keep your children's blood sugar level in check even if they aren't diabetic.  Healthy habits at a young age will lead to healthier adults who might not have to worry about becoming diabetic.  Just follow the slideshow in the following link:  

    dLife-12 Best Packable Snacks

   

Lunch Recipes

    I thought I would post some recipes for some lunch foods.  It is very important that we have good food while we are working.  We need to have good choices of foods to take for our lunches and to serve to our families also.  Remember these recipes are not just good for diabetics but for anyone.   Enjoy!!

    The Diabetic Skillet/Egg Salad Sandwiches              
   
    The Diabetic Skillet/Hummus and Veggie Dippers     

    The Diabetic Skillet/Tiny Pasta Salad            

    The Diabetic Skillet/Salmon with Pineapple Mango Salsa   

Diabetic Recipes eBook

    This Diabetic Recipes Cookbook has 800+ recipes for diabetics.  You can purchase and download to your kindle with the link below.   


     Amazon.com: Diabetic Recipes Cookbook

A Trying Week

    Wow!  This has been some week so far, and it is far from over.  It is not the ideal schedule for a diabetic.  Of course, my schedule never is.  As of 7:15 tonight, I already have worked 33 hours this week and I still have 26 hours to go.  It's almost impossible to stick to any kind of meal schedule with these hours.  Eleven hour days means I spend the largest majority of my day at work.  It is so hard trying to figure out what food to take to eat.  Today, I ate a quick breakfast here at home.  I had a scrambled egg wrap and a banana.  I took a Healthy Choice Meal for lunch (just check the labels for carbs, sugar and fat), and some low-fat soup and an apple for a snack at 4:00 this afternoon.  Now, here it is almost 9:15pm and I'm waiting for my chicken to finish baking in the oven so I can have dinner.  This is crazy!  

     I am really getting tired of getting off work at 7:15pm.  It's almost 8:00 before I get home and if I have to cook something, almost 9:00 before I can eat.  It's really getting harder and harder since being diagnosed to eat the types of food we are supposed to eat as diabetics.  Add overtime into an already awful schedule and it's impossible. 

     I guess I shouldn't complain, at least I have a stable job right now.  I know there are alot of people who don't.  It just adds extra stress when you have to worry about whether you have enough food and drinks at work.  It would be so much easier if I could leave my job for lunch and go to the store if I need something, but I can't.  I am not allowed to leave at all, so if I don't take what I need, I have no way to get it. 

     I am still new to this disease and still new to figuring out a schedule and food to fit that schedule, so hopefully I will be able to come up with a healthy balance.

Making Perfect Pasta

    Making homemade pasta is something I have never tried.  It looks like it would be fun to try.  This is a complete guide to making great pasta and it gives you directions to making your own fresh pasta.  There are also some recipes too.  Enjoy! 


     Making Perfect Pasta/Diabetes Forecast Magazine

Are Carbs the Enemy?

    When it comes to diabetes, there may be no topic more fraught with controversy than carbohydrates.  This is a very confusing subject for me and I'm sure it is for a lot of you also.  I think we should explore all the information out there and talk to our physicians about what is best for us.  But, we have to have the latest information to do that.  We have to keep up so we know what questions to ask and know what options there are for us.  We have to be in charge of our diabetes.  This is why I try to give you information from many different sources.  Read this article, and talk to your physician about whether you should make adjustments to your diet. 

    Are Carbs the Enemy?/Diabetes Forecast Magazine

Make Sure Your Senators Hear From You

    The Senate will consider proposals to fund federal health programs for FY 2011, which could include a vote on H.R. 1, the FY 2011 appropriations bill that could cut the heart out of diabetes research and prevention programs. 

      Make sure your senators hear from you about the impact cuts in public health funding could have on individuals living with, or at risk for diabetes.  


      Oppose Shortsighted Cuts/American Diabetes Association