How To Treat Your Favorite Diabetic, On Valentine's Day And Beyond
Home How to treat your favorite diabetic, on Valentine's Day and beyond How to treat your favorite diabetic, on Valentine's Day and beyond This is my second year of being a type 2 diabetic - my surgeries and other cancer treatments having somehow pushed me over the edge from the prediabetic range. Although diabetes is a very widespread disease ( more than 100 million Americans are diagnosed with type 2 or pre-diabetes , a staggering number), many people have no idea what it's like to live with it, and how diabetics keep it under control. Yes, us diabetics do have to be careful about our sugar intake, or anything that makes our blood glucose levels spike. But for most of us, unless we are at a very serious stage of the illness, manage to live with it pretty well. What gets to me more sometimes is the way people react when I tell them I have diabetes. Too many times I've had people look at me with eyes full of pity, saying things like "Oh, you can't have anything nice to eat anymore". And yeah, having this diet or another pushed at you constantly isn't so fun either. Holiday times are particularly hard for a diabetic, since everything and everyone wants to push sugary snacks at you, from 12 days of Christmas Cookies to chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies. But somehow Valentine's Day is especially difficult, since it's become closely associated with chocolate gifts and sweet things in general. So, for those of you who have diabetics in your life, here is how I, as one of them, would like you to treat us, on Valentine's Day or the rest of the year. Take it with a grain of um, sugar. Believe it or not, most of us don't feel as if our lives are over because we can't indulge in a big box of chocolates, or a plateful of cookies, or three slices of cake, or whatever our furtive s Continue reading >>
Have A Diabetes-friendly Valentines Day!
Valentines Daythe Hallmark holiday of romantic love. People everywhere use this holiday as a day to express their love to others by sending greeting cards, flowers, valentines, and lots and lots of chocolate. Also, people feel obligated to dine out and feast on gourmet meals with their loved ones. However, this high-pressure holiday is not about indulging in chocolate or about treating yourself to a 5-star restaurant; it is about spending time with the one you love. So although this holiday can make people with diabetes feel left out or want to dig into too many sweets, just remember to try to spend it by valuing the holidays true meaning. There are still many ways for people to celebrate and enjoy Valentines Day while keeping their diabetes under control. Valentines Day is one of the most manufactured holidays of the year. Its hard not to feel suffocated by all of the stocked shelves with elaborate displays of sappy greeting cards and sugar-coated sweets whenever you step foot into a convenience or grocery store. This year why not skip the conventional box of chocolates or flowers to create a handcrafted, thoughtful gift of your own for your loved one with diabetes? Your loved one will appreciate you taking the time and effort to make a gift with deeper meaning than just purchasing an average box of chocolates that could throw their blood glucose levels out of control. You will also probably be saving money which is always a plus, especially during the holidays. Here are a few sites to get your creative juices flowing . However, if people with diabetes are tempted to treat themselves to some sweets this Valentines Day there are still ways to splurge smartly. Look for low-carb versions of your favorite treats, which will allow you to savor some sweets with less of an i Continue reading >>
Sugar-free & Gluten-free Valentine Dessert Recipes
Sugar-free & Gluten-free Valentine Dessert Recipes Valentine's Day is another holiday that is usually full of unhealthy candy and desserts. Although you might not think so, it is possible to have delicious healthy Valentine treats that not only taste good but are also healthy. There are so many real food bloggers that create their own awesome dessert recipes that have no junk in them. I've created this list of recipes I would like to try, they all look so delicious so I wanted to share them with you. These recipes are all suitable for the candida diet and for diabetics unless noted where a substitution should be made. While on the candida diet or if diabetic, the only sweeteners that should be used are stevia or xylitol ( read more about Candida here ). With these diets even natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey aren't appropriate. Maple syrup and honey will contribute to candida growth if you are out of balance and it will spike blood sugar for diabetics. Anyone on a real food diet that does not have candida overgrowth or diabetes can obviously use the natural sweetener options with no problem. Natural sweeteners are a healthy alternative to white sugar. Chocolate Chip Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies So, will you try some of these delicious looking treats for Valentine's Day this year? Holidays are usually the time when we are tempted to eat foods that don't support a healthy lifestyle. Having some yummy and healthy options around instead of the junk is the way to stick to your healthy eating plan. Even I get off track sometimes too, it's not easy to keep to a healthy diet 100% of the time. Recently, I felt the need to go on a whole foods, nourishing cleanse because I wasn't feeling myself. It has really helped me to get back on track and regain my energy so now Continue reading >>
Have A Heart-healthy, Diabetes-friendly Valentine's
Have a Heart-Healthy, Diabetes-Friendly Valentine's I love Valentine's Day and not just because it's a chance to celebrate romance. I like any excuse for a fancy dinner with the people I love. I prefer to eat at home on Valentine's because I don't like to fight crowds. And, when we had children at home, I wanted to include them in our special meal. Traditionally, I set the table with red and pink linens and flowers, and we enjoy a candlelight dinner of seafood, artichokes and chocolate. The precise menu varies, but those are usually the basics. My kids are no longer home, but I continue this tradition for my husband and me. As we get older, it becomes more important to consider our dietary habits, even on special occasions. We're fortunate that we don't have any serious restrictions, but we are trying to eat more seafood and veggies and limit things that could raise cholesterol. That means our basic menu is still pretty goodjust need to limit the butter on the artichokes. For those with diabetes, Amy Riolo, spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association's new book Quick Diabetic Recipes for Dummies , offers suggestions for a homemade diabetes-friendly and heart-healthy Valentine's dinner. Quick Diabetic Recipes for Dummies has hundreds of quick and easy diabetes-friendly recipes and includes the best food choices for diabetes, the basics of diabetes nutrition and how to find a meal plan that works for you. Riolo, an author and chef, along with the American Diabetes Association, offers these recipes for a gourmet meal that will make you and your sweetheart happy, even if one of you has diabetes. And remember, you're not alone: over 30 million Americans have diabetes. Whip up some or all of these dishes and enjoy a special day with your sweetie! Start with shrimp and Continue reading >>
Valentines Day And Diabetes
Posted on February 7, 2011 by American Diabetes Association There is no need to skimp on the traditional romantic and decadent aspects of Valentines Day just because you or your sweetheart has diabetes. In fact, keeping your sweethearts diabetes in mind (or keeping your own diabetes in control) is another way to show you care. Here are a few ideas to get you started: From now until February 13, you can send flowers and $20 from your purchase will benefit the American Diabetes Association. What says I love you better than flowers that also say, I am supporting the cause to Stop Diabetes? Click here to get started! Diabetes can affect nearly every aspect of your life, including the bedroom. Did you know that both men and women can suffer from diabetes-related sexual dysfunction? This is one of several aspects of diabetes that can create barriers in your relationship. Because diabetes can have an impact on your relationship, the authors of Sex and Diabetes: For Him and For Her recommend you open up about your feelings when it comes to diabetes: The more that you and your partner know about this disease and what you can do to attain better control and reduce your risk of complications, the more comfortable you should both feel about the future that you can share together. Discuss your concerns with your partner. If you suspect that he or she feels negatively about your diabetes, talk about it. You may be right about your partners feelings or you may discover that this is now how he or she feels at all. An honest and open discussion will hopefully provide you with information that you can use to help strengthen your relationship. Remember, there is no reason to blame yourself or your partner for anything related to diabetes. This Valentines Day, Ive decided to skip the rese Continue reading >>
Sweet! 15 Diabetic-friendly Holiday Dessert Recipes
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Taste of Home These sweet cookies feature white chocolate and cranberries for a delightful taste. The red and white coloring add a great holiday feel to any cookie tray. Recipe shared by Donna Beck, Scottdale, Pennsylvania. No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats Taste of Home This quick and tasty dessert is perfect for a road trip. The treats won't stick to your hands, so you'll crave more than one. Keep them on hand in the refrigerator for an easy snack. Recipe shared by Sonia Rohda, Waverly, Nebraska. Frozen Pistachio Dessert with Raspberry Sauce Taste of Home Raspberry sauce lends bright color and flavor to this cool and creamy pistachio treat. It's a beautiful, delicious dessert that's sure to impress. Recipe shared by Suzette Jury , Keene, California. Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com Makeover Marbled Orange Fudge Taste of Home Orange Creamsicles, you just got a makeover! This time, all the taste is packed in amazing fudge form, so you can enjoy all the flavor in one bite. Recipe shared by Jana Moses, West Linn, Oregon. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake Taste of Home This light and airy cheesecake is great for entertaining. The chocolate crust lends a unique flavor that complements the sweet strawberry filling. It always earns praise and adds a touch of elegance to the table. Recipe shared by Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky. Key Lime Mousse Cups Taste of Home Light, lovely, and laced with a splash of tart key lime juice, these fancy little phyllo cups are so refreshing served as an after-dinner dessert treat...and they take just minutes to whip up! Recipe shared by Suzanne Pauley, Renton, Washington. Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com Ganache-Topped Chocolate Cake Taste of Home Although this cake looks very elegant and like something y Continue reading >>
Valentines Day Gift Guide For People With Diabetes
Valentines Day Gift Guide for People With Diabetes Valentines Day Gift Guide for People With Diabetes Valentines Day is upon us, and if youre looking for the perfect gift for that PWD in your life, we have some ideas. A thoughtful gift goes a long way this time of year, and the point is to show someone that theyre loved, not necessarily that theyre diabetic. These are just suggestions with a diabetes twist, letting your loved one know that you love them entirely, from head to toe, including that busted pancreas in between. Does your Valentine have a sweet tooth? We have some delicious options in our A Sweet Life database that are decadent without the blood sugar destruction powers. Bake up some brownie batter truffles , or our turtle brownie bites , or dont bake these no-bake chocolate brownie energy bars as a gift. Check them all out! Jewelry is always a good go-to gift for any Valentine, but you can add a special spin by adding the gift of protection for your PWD. A medical alert bracelet or necklace is a beautiful gift for your loved one and also helps them stay safe in case of an emergency. The folks at StickyJ Medical and Laurens Hope have designs for men, women, and children that say, I love you while simultaneously saying, And I want to help protect you. And if your loved one already has medical alert jewelry, you can go one step further with a diabetes-themed piece of jewelry. Like this glucose molecule necklace a great way to keep glucose on you at all times! (But please make sure you include a jar of Glucolift or other glucose tabs, so theyll have a glucose source they can actually eat.) You can also purchase an anatomically correct, sterling silver pancreas pendant , if thats your thing, or a pancreas lapel pin . The Internets t-shirt game is strong when it Continue reading >>
Valentine Recipes With Diabetes
Posted by ADW Diabetes | Feb 12, 2015 | Diabetes Management , Diet & Nutrition | 0 | Valentines Day can be a time of temptation for people with diabetes. Sweet treats seem to be everywhere and overindulgence can lead to blood sugar fluctuations. Consider a few healthy tips and recipes to make this Valentines Day the sweetest one ever. From convenience marts to department stores, there are a variety of colorful Valentines Day goodies to avoid. Talk to your loved ones and let them know they should not buy candy or other sugary foods as gifts for you. Explain your need to minimize your intake of such items to avoid blood sugar fluctuations. Let them know there are fantastic sugar-free options such as sugar-free candy and sugar-free cookies . Suggest other gift ideas that do not involve food such as flowers, jewelry and gift certificates. If you have kids with diabetes, help give out diabetes-friendly Valentines with small toys or pencils rather than candy. Talk to your childs teacher about having candy in the classroom. Discuss what to do about candy with your child who has diabetes type 1. Give your child sugar-free candies or healthy snacks such as trail mix to eat while the other kids are having regular candy. Keep in mind the real reason for celebrating Valentines Day. Focus on sharing time and love with the people you care about rather than food. Plan a day that does not include food such as ice skating or going to a movie. Consider the rule of one. If there is a platter of candy and cookies have just one to satisfy your cravings. Make sure to test your blood sugar throughout the day. Plan a meal for the people you love that is home cooked. This gives you greater control over the level of sugar and carbohydrates in the food you serve. Read nutritional labels carefull Continue reading >>
Valentine's Day Meal Ideas
Diabetic Living / Diabetic Recipes / Popular Share the love by whipping up dinner for your Valentine's Day date with these delicious diabetes-friendly recipes. We've paired diverse dishes with drinks and desserts perfect for dinner for two or parties of more. Plump scallops are topped off with a rich blend of mint, almond, and Parmesan cheese in this dish for two. This meal pairs well with a vanilla panna cotta dessert that is just as decadent. Get the dessert recipe on the next slide! Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Strawberries This sweet diabetic dessert is a luxurious end to a rich dinner. Using fat-free half-and-half cuts the calories in this creamy Italian-inspired dessert. This restaurant favorite features all the takeout flavors you crave for only 28 grams of carb per serving. Finish this easy dinner for two with a creamy chai tea featured on the following slide. This black tea chai is spiced up with ginger and cardamom. Sweetened with honey and vanilla, it's the perfect drink to end a relaxing night. Make Valentine's Day a double date with this easy-to-whip-up Italian favorite. Two stuffed manicotti boast 6 grams of fiber and just 322 calories per serving. End the meal with a delicate orange custard featured on the next slide. The subtle nutmeg flavor in these low-carb custards is a perfect ending to a cheesy pasta dinner. Sweetened with vanilla and orange peel, this dessert has an unbelievable 92 calories and 15 grams of carb per serving. Petite Tenderloin with Chipotle Sweet Potatoes For a diabetes-friendly date-night dinner, serve mashed sweet potatoes as a side to juicy filet mignon. You wont believe this restaurant-worthy meal has just 24 grams of carb per serving. Chocolate Meringues with Chocolate Topper and Raspberries The winning flavor combination with Continue reading >>
Valentine's Day Meals
Its Valentines Day, so were bringing you a healthy meal plan that features several recipes for two to share with your special someone. 2/3 cup red or pink grapefruit sprinkled with: 1 packet of artificial sweetener (optional) Quick Herb-Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese 1 Spicy Grilled Cheese with sauted onions and mushrooms made with: teaspoon olive oil (for sauting mushrooms and onions) 1 3-ounce Fish Fillet with Fresh Rosemary 1 cup (packed) Beet and Arugula Salad with Feta 1 cup roasted Butternut Squash (toss with 1 teaspoon olive oil, Herbes de Provence and freshly ground black pepper before roasting) 5 ounces non-fat strawberry Greek yogurt topped with: Tips for adjusting the calories and carbohydrates in this month's meal plan. by American Diabetes Association & American Heart Association Brought to you by two of the largest health associations in America the recipes in this cookbook are simple, flavorful, and perfect for people with diabetes who also need to watch out for their cardiovascular health. Does the cold weather have you feeling less motivated to eat healthy? Find great meal ideas and recipes for simple winter cooking. Sample menus for a quick and delicious Valentine's Day dinner that you can make at home and share with your loved ones. Find tips to adjust the carbohydrates and calories in this month's meal plan to better fit your needs. If you don't already, receive monthly updates when new recipes, meal plans, videos, and healthy tips are available. Calculate the number of calories you should eat each day to maintain your present body weight: Please select an option before you continue. I don't do any physical activity other than what I need to do for my usual activities, such as going to work or school, grocery shopping, or doing chores around the ho Continue reading >>
Valentine Peanut Butter Cups {gluten Free, Dairy Free & Diabetic Friendly}
Valentine Peanut Butter Cups {Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Diabetic Friendly} A little sweet valentine candy for the peanut butter and chocolate lover in your life! They taste like a traditional peanut butter cup, but are a whole lot healthier and better for you! One little heart is only 76 calories so you can eat more than one if you like! 5 ingredients and only about 10 minutes to prepare with a short refrigeration time to harden. This little Valentine silicone mini mold is perfect for this recipe, but any mini cupcake pan will do. You could also use mini cupcake liner cups, but silicone helps these little candies pop out easily and without any trouble. I found these at Micheals, but Ive bought some online as well. See? Just invert once they have hardened in the fridge and whhaaa-llllaaaa! Perfect little size, dont you think? With chopped peanuts on top or without! The center is fantastic! I gave these to two unsuspecting friends who dont eat these kind of healthier treats..well, ever. They loved them! My friend only commented it tasted a little different as she has never had carob before. You can of course, change the carob chips to regular chocolate chips. The reason I chose the carob chips is quite simply I havent been able to find grain sweetened chocolate chips anymore at Whole Foods or online.The carob chips are sweetened with beet sugar made by Chatfields brand. So I saved myself some time buying the sweetened carob chips, but you could also make it with unsweetened carob chips and use stevia to sweeten them. Also if you dont have coconut oil you can use shortening. This recipe is easily adaptable and will be terrific either way you make it. Of course my way is the least amount of calories and fat, but hey, do what you like! I found unsweetened carob chips in the Continue reading >>
Valentine's Day Treats | T1 Everyday Magic
Brought to you by Lilly Diabetes | Disney Everywhere you turn this month, there are boxes of chocolates, conversation hearts and other cutesy confections lurking about. Even though the 14th of February is supposed to signify love, many parents of children with type 1 diabetes have anything but love for all this sweet stuff. When children feel left out of sugary holiday fun, Mom and Dad feel like theyve been shot with an arrow to the heart but not in a good, Cupid-style way. Ouch. Robyn Webb, M.S., editor for Diabetes Forecast magazine and author of a book on eating for children with type 1 diabetes, says having alternative Valentines Day sweets is a great solution. Sugar-free licorice, gum or lollipops especially in shades of red can be fun and festive treats, especially when placed in a heart-shaped box. Raw veggies dipped in non-fat yogurt or light salad dressing (Cut red peppers into heart shapes for added pizzazz!) Peanut butter on heart-shaped, whole-wheat crackers Or try her Valentines Day recipe for Chocolate Raspberry Sundaes from Diabetes Forecast. As long as your child eats sugary treats in moderation and you monitor blood sugar regularly to help minimize the disruption in blood sugar control, this Valentines Day can be one sweet holiday indeed. Disclaimer: The information in these articles is not intended as medical advice. Families should check with their healthcare professionals regarding individual care. Continue reading >>
Diabetic Friendlier Heart Shaped Popcorn Balls
With Valentine’s Day coming up really quick on us, you may be on the lookout for recipes for treats. Because I am diabetic, I try to make treats that are just a bit more diabetic friendly than some of the yummy recipes I see out there. I realize that not everyone is looking for this, so for this recipe, I have added in parenthesis this diabetic friendly substitute you could use in place of the listed ingredients. Keep in mind that the consistency might be a little different and not taste exactly the same as well as he conversion is not carb or sugar free, but lower glycemic, so adjust accordingly if this will not work for your specific diabetic diet. I realize popcorn itself is not that diabetic friendly to begin with, but sometimes, we just wanna be “naughty” and have a treat. It’s better than some things I could be eating, right? Popcorn itself doesn’t effect my blood sugar levels as much as some other things. Rice, for example, is like poison to me and makes my blood sugar skyrocket. These Heart Shaped Popcorn Balls would be great for a class party. You could really do them any color, but for Valentine’s Day, I like the red. Heart Shaped Popcorn Balls Continue reading >>
3 Diabetic-friendly Valentines Day Treats To Share With Loved Ones
3 Diabetic-Friendly Valentines Day Treats to Share with Loved Ones 3 Diabetic-Friendly Valentines Day Treats to Share with Loved Ones Mouthwatering recipes to enjoy on Valentines day. Can you believe that Valentines Day is next week? This holiday is usually filled with those famous chocolate heart boxes, romantic dinners out, and of course Valentines Day dessert. Find out how losing one gram of fat could destroy your diabetes If youre looking for creative ways to still enjoy some tasty treats this year, but dont want to overdo the sugar, youre in luck. I am sharing three diabetic-friendly Valentines Day treats that you can enjoy, plus ones that you can share with your loved ones. Why not make this Valentines Day healthy for the whole family? These treats are so delicious, no one will miss the sugar and artificial ingredients. Peanut butter cups seem to be a common gift during this romantic holiday, and although they are delicious, they arent exactly diabetic-friendly. Instead of the store bought option, try making your own, wrapping them up in a nice candy baggie, and adding a cute pink or red ribbon. You now have a perfect Valentines Day gift or just a healthier treat for yourself to enjoy. 1/2 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter Start by adding the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil to a stock pot over low heat. Stir to combine and continue to do so until melted. Linea mini muffin tin with liners. Add about a tablespoon of the chocolate mixture to the base of the muffin. Freeze for 10 minutes. Remove from the freezer and top with a dollop of peanut butter. Top the peanut butter with more chocolate and freeze for about 15 minutes until solid. Enjoy. Store leftovers in the fridge. Chocolate is the number one gift on Valentines Day, so why not make a healthier fudge Continue reading >>
A Valentine's Day Cake That Even People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Eat? It Can Be Done!
Sponsored Ad Content by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company A Valentine's Day Cake That Even People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Eat? It Can Be Done! by Rose Marie Walano 3:00 AM, February 12, 2018 Valentine's Day is all about hearts and love and that includes loving your heart to keep it healthy! That's why we partnered with the For Your SweetHeart campaign. Their spokesperson, Anne, is living with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, so shes careful even with Valentine's treats! to make heart-healthy choices with her food. "I do everything I can to manage my diabetes, but even then, my doctor said Im still at high risk of having another heart-related event," says Anne, who had a minor heart attack in 2001. "Because diabetes can get worse over time, I make sure to control my blood sugar, follow the treatment plan my doctor put together for me, exercise and eat right to stay as healthy as possible." But not everyone's quite as cautious! According to the campaign's studies, people with type 2 diabetes spend over 1,000 percent more time planning Valentines Day that's 3.5 hours on average! than they spend talking to their doctor about diabetes (just 19 minutes per visit). Beyond that, 79 percent want their loved one with type 2 diabetes to take them to dinner at a restaurant even though that can make healthy choices tricky! And only 40 percent prefer to have a discussion about seeing a healthcare provider to discuss how they can manage their heart disease, so that restaurant bit gets even more complicated. But Anne's here to help! She whipped up a healthier take on strawberry shortcake that's perfect for Valentine's Day. (It's even heart-shaped!) Her delicious recipe layers moist angel food cake with luscious whipped cream and strawberries (and youd never know its ma Continue reading >>
