Desserts You Didn’t Know You Could Eat with Diabetes

Don’t be fooled by the elegant photo. This diabetes-friendly ice cream cake takes just a few easy steps. The secret to this decadent cake: sugar-free cake mix and no-sugar-added ice cream. 

Blueberry-Lemon Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 16 - ounce box sugar-free yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 10 - ounce jar lemon curd
• 4 cups no-sugar-added vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
• 1 cup assorted fresh berries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly coat a 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray; line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl combine the next five ingredients (through lemon zest). Beat with a mixer on medium for 2 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 38 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
3. Spread lemon curd over top of cake; spoon ice cream over lemon curd, smoothing top. Cover and freeze overnight.
4. Remove from freezer, let stand 5 minutes before removing sides of pan. Top with berries.

Makes 20 servings
Serving Size: 1 slice each
Carb Grams Per Serving: 30

View All The Desserts You Didn’t Know You Could Eat with Diabetest at Diabetic Living Online


Happy Holidays!

Diabetic Carrot Cake Recipe

Here's what you will need:

• Butter-flavored cooking spray
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature (you can put the eggs in warm water for 10-15 minutes, or you can leave them out for an hour or so)
• ½ cup fat-free plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp canola oil
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt (optional)
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 4 oz unsweetened crushed pineapple with juice
• ¼ cup dark raisins  

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Lightly coat a 9 x 13 cake pan with cooking spray. Dust with flour and tap out excess.
3. Whisk together egg whites, yogurt, canola oil, applesauce, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt (if you’re using it), nutmeg, and cinnamon.
5. In 3 parts, add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated (don’t over-mix).
6. Mix in the shredded carrots.
7. Drain the juice from the pineapple. (If you want, you can keep the juice—makes a nice drink.) Stir the drained pineapple and raisins into the cake batter.
8. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
9. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a tester (a knife or a toothpick) inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Slide a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Invert onto the rack to cool completely. When the cake has cooled, you can frost it, if you want. NOTE: Cake Only:  If you frost this, the nutritional info will change (of course).

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
103 calories (20% calories from fat)
3g protein
2g total fat (0.2g saturated fat)
19g carbohydrate
1g dietary fiber
123mg sodium

Diabetic Exchanges
1½ carbohydrate (1½ bread/starch)


Photo and Recipe Source: Endocrine Web

Diabetic Friendly Breakfast

As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it's great to have several delicious options to keep you going until lunch. 

Low Carb Cauliflower Hash Browns

Replace potato hash browns with this cauliflower alternative to make a tasty breakfast side that only has 13 grams of carbs.

- Calories 319
- Total Fat 26 g
- Saturated Fat 10.5 g
- Total Carbohydrate 13.7 g

Click here for recipe

MORE great diabetic friendly breakfast recipes at Diabetic Connect

Infographic: Carb Controlled Snacks

Watching your carb intake can be challenging at first, but a little bit of knowledge and preparation will help you get used to making better choices in no time. 

Here are 13 diabetes-friendly snack ideas to incorporate into your meal plan.

Infographic Source: SparkPeople

Possible Link Between Artificial Sweeteners and Type 2 Diabetes

A new study identifies a possible link between artificial sweeteners and Type 2 diabetes . . . 

Photo Credit: www.today.com


While diet soda might seem like an innocent way to satisfy your sugar cravings, those artificial sweeteners could come with their own set of risks. 

Research has been conflicting as to whether dieters are actually successful at losing weight when they switch to sugar substitutes, and some studies have even linked diet soda to increased risk of heart disease or stroke. 

Now, scientists have found that these sweeteners may lead to Type 2 diabetes, as well. The reason? Surprisingly, it might come down to changes in the composition of your gut bacteria.

View complete article at Real Simple

Infographic: Alternatives to Sugar

Refined sugar is in SO much of what we eat on a daily basis. It has infiltrated our whole wheat bread, for goodness sake! 

But good news...you can easily swap in healthier alternatives.

Watch the video at the site below for even more ideas for sugar substitutions and learn how to begin cutting refined sugar from your daily diet!

Swanson Vitamins

Diabetic Kitchen Tips & Tricks

At first, people with type 2 diabetes may find it challenging to follow a healthy diabetes diet. It's normal to feel that many of your favorite dishes are now off limits due to restrictions on sugar, fat, carbohydrates, salt, and other ingredients.

However, there are many ways to tweak recipes to better accommodate a diabetes diet. You can also pursue healthier cooking methods that give the flavor you desire while helping to manage diabetes.

Goals of a Diabetes Diet

Following a healthy diet for diabetes is about choosing foods that will help you control your blood glucose levels and manage your weight. 

For people who are overweight, losing weight is an important part of managing diabetes, and a healthy diet along with exercise can help you do it.

Continue reading "Goals of a Type 2 Diabetes Diet" at Everyday Health

Diabetic Chicken Recipes

Remember to skin it before or after cooking. 

Chicken Veggie Dish

Ingredients

• 12 ounces boneless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces cauliflower
• ½ pounds mushrooms
• 8 ounces flour
• 3-4 medium-sized green onions
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry
• 3 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 8 ounces broccoli flowerets
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon arrowroot
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger root

Preparation

Skin the chicken and cut it into small pieces, after removing fatty substances. Dice the mushrooms and chop the green onions into one inch pieces. In two tablespoons of water, dissolve the arrowroot and set aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep non stick pan and stir-fry the chicken on high heat. When the chicken is thoroughly cooked, transfer it into a plate and let it warm. In the same pan, stir-fry cauliflower and broccoli for 2-3 minutes. Put in the green onions, sherry, soy sauce, mushrooms and ginger-root and cook on medium heat, while stirring continuously. Pour in the dissolved arrowroot, chicken and sesame oil, and mix well. Cover with a lid and let it cook thoroughly. Garnish it with peanuts and serve hot.

Low-Fat Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 1 teaspoon caper juice
• 12 ounces poached chicken
• 1 watercress
• 3 teaspoons dried leaf basil
• 4 small green onions
• 4 large romaine lettuce leaves
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• pepper- as per taste
• 1 teaspoons capers
• 1-2 tomatoes
• Pita bread

Preparation

Chop the green onion and basil into small pieces, and slice the chicken into large chunks. In a small bowl, take caper, tomato paste, caper juice, yogurt and pepper. Add watercress and mix well. Take a salad bowl, and place the onions, chicken and basil in it. Pour in the seasonings, and mix well. Top it with tomato slices and leftover watercress. Spread on romaine leaves and serve with pita bread.

Veg-Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients

• 4 ounces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• ¼ teaspoon horseradish
• 3 teaspoons low salt, low fat mayonnaise
• 4 ounces mushrooms
• ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic
• 4 multigrain crisp rolls
• 2 medium-sized onions
• butter flavored cooking spray
• 2 teaspoons ketchup

Preparation
Preheat the oven at 350 degrees. Grill the chicken for 5-10 minutes and turn it frequently so that the whole chicken is cooked thoroughly. Take it out of the oven and let it cool so much as to become warm. Chop the mushroom, onions and garlic into thin pieces. Take a non-stick pan and grease it with the cooking spray. 

When the oil gets heated, add onions and mushrooms, and fry on medium to low heat. Put in the garlic and stir for 2-3 minutes. When the mushrooms are fully cooked, take it off the heat and keep aside. By this time the chicken must have become warm, so chop it into small slices and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the fried mushrooms, onions and garlic and blend well. Put in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish and mix well. Stuff this into the rolls, and enjoy the delicious veggie chicken sandwich.

These chicken recipes have all the essential nutrients and at the same time are planned keeping in mind the needs of diabetic patients. 

Source: http://theturbulencetraining.com/diabetic-chicken-recipes.html

Quinoa Health Benefits

Nutrients in Quinoa
Quinoa is a great source of manganese  and magnesium. It’s a very good source of protein source as well as vitamins E and B2, and dietary fiber. It’s a good source of iron, copper, phosphorus and zinc. 

Quinoa has been considered as a crop for NASA’s Controlled Ecological Life Support System due to its high protein values and unique composition of amino acids. 

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Our bodies require amino acids to make structural proteins as well as produce hormones and neurotransmitters. Although our bodies use a multitude of amino acids, we only need nine essential amino acids in our diet.



Health Benefits of Quinoa 1 – Quinoa for Weight Loss

Health Benefits of Quinoa 2 – Quinoa for Celiac Disease

Read more here http://www.aboutnutritionfacts.com/health-benefits-of-quinoa.html

Consumption of Raw Sugar Leads to Toxic Glycation

We’ve all heard it many times by now - the consumption of refined sugar is killing people. 

And it’s true. As a matter of fact, I often refer to sugar as the “American diet culprit” — a statement that I stand behind 100%.

But how exactly is sugar killing us? Or let me ask it this way: What is sugar really doing to our cells and tissues that is so very harmful?

Below, we’ll answer this by investigating the pathological reaction involving sugar. We’ll also explain how you can prevent it from happening to you, naturally.

Sugar Reacts to Cause Dangerous Glycation

First off, sugar is very reactive … chemically speaking. It readily combines, or reacts, with cell-surface proteins and fats. This reaction is called glycation and it’s not a good thing at all.

Every molecule of protein and fat in your body has a distinct structure and form. If the structure or form is changed, even just slightly, the result can be complete dysfunction of the protein or fat.

We call this the “structure-function” relationship of molecules. The need for a specific structure to perform a function can easily be envisioned if we think about the way a key has to fit into a lock.

In fact, the “lock and key” model in biochemistry is used to describe the need for a perfect match between a protein enzyme and its binding site. In another example, think about it on a more grand scale.

Look at your hand. It has a very detailed and specific structure to it. Crushing your hand in an industrial accident and breaking all of your fingers, changes your hand’s structure.

In a “crushed” form, your hand cannot function as a hand. Your hand has lost its “structure-function” relationship.

Sugar Destroys Structure-Function Relationships

The same is true for proteins and fats on the surface of your cells. When sugar reacts with a surface protein, say a receptor for a hormone, it changes the receptor’s structure and ultimately its function as a specific hormone receptor.

What does this mean to the cell? Well, the hormone, which carries a specific message for the cell, can no longer pass on its message. And keep in mind that the hormonal message could very well be essential for the cell’s function and survival. And that’s just one example.

Destroying the structure of a cell-surface protein or fat through glycation will destroy its function. The cell membrane becomes damaged and the cell dysfunctions. This inevitably is followed by tissue damage, organ failure, and organism death.

Bottom-line: Too much sugar undergoes a dangerous reaction called glycation. So let’s take a look at some ways of preventing it.

Carnosine Sacrifices Itself to Protect Your Cells

Carnosine is a unique small protein, called a dipeptide, which can interfere with the glycation process.^1,2 It probably protects against glycation in two ways. 

First, it may, in a sense, “sacrifice itself.” Instead of sugar reacting to critical cell proteins, it will attack supplemented carnosine instead. I like to call it the glycation martyr. 

Secondly, carnosine seems to have an ability to help “unfold” (return to normal) the structure of glycated proteins. In a laboratory study, researchers showed that glycated alpha-crystallin (a protein) unfolded and returned to normal structure after carnosine was added.¹ 

Supplementing with 1 gram a day of carnosine may help people with sugar issues reduce the amount of glycation their cells and tissues experience.

Benfotiamine Manages Normal Sugar Reactions

Another way to prevent glycation is to make sure sugar undergoes normal metabolism — meaning it’s used properly for energy or safely stored away for later use. This is wherebenfotiamine comes into play — a fat soluble form of vitamin B1. It can help ensure sugar is correctly metabolized.³

Benfotiamine is a co-factor for the enzyme transketolase — which is critical to blood sugar metabolism. In a landmark study, it boosted healthy transketolase activity in cell cultures. The result was activated glucose metabolism, resulting in healthy blood sugar levels and less sugar available for glycation reactions.³ 

The researchers concluded that benfotiamine could help inhibit advanced glycation reactions, maintain healthy endothelial, retinal, kidney and nerve cell function.

Special Forms of B6 Inhibit Glycation

Sub-forms of vitamin B6, like pyridoxamine and pyridoxal-5’-phosphate, have been shown to protect critical cellular fats and proteins against glycation reactions.⁴

They probably work similar to benfotiamine by helping our cells manage sugar better and stopping glycation early on, before too much damage occurs. In any case, research has clearly shown that supplementing with them can minimize glycation reactions.

A team of biochemists at the University of South Carolina, for instance, were able to show that these sub-forms of B6 trap reactive metabolites formed during the initiation of glycation. They then chaperone them harmlessly into the urine before too much damage occurs.⁵ 

Sugar – How Sweet It Isn’t

So here’s the takeaway: Sugar is not a sweet, innocent compound. It’s highly reactive and can cause great structural damage to critical proteins and fats. Once structurally damaged, these proteins and fats cannot function properly.

So what can you do to protect yourself? First, start off by eating less sugar. Then, also consider supplementing with the triad of anti-glycation nutrients mentioned above — carnosine, benfotiamine and special forms of vitamin B6.

References:

1. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2004 Jul 1;427(1):110-5.
2. Exp Gerontol. 2009 Apr;44(4):237-42.
3. Nature Med. 2003 Mar;9(3):294-9.
4. J Lipid Res. 2006 May; 47(5): 964-74.
5. J Biol Chem. 2003 Oct 24;278(43):42012-9.

Source: Life Extension Blog

Oat Fiber For Diabetes

A number of studies demonstrate that individuals with high whole grain consumption had from 28 – 61% less risk of type 2 diabetes in comparison to people with the lowest whole grain consumption. 

One study of individuals with type 2 diabetes that ate foods high in oat fiber had a much lesser rise in blood sugar compared to other individuals who ate bread or rice.

Oats are a great source of phosphorus, selenium and manganese. They’re a good source of soluble dietary fiber, iron and magnesium, vitamin B1.



Find about more about the nutritional facts of Oats, along with Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts, Seeds, Grains, Spices and Herbs - http://www.aboutnutritionfacts.com/health-benefits-of-oats.html

7 Easy Breakfast Ideas for Type 2 Diabetes

For many people, breakfast is the most neglected meal of the day. 

But if you have type 2 diabetes, breakfast is a must, and it can have real benefits. In fact, researchers at Purdue University recently found that eating foods at breakfast that have a low glycemic index may help prevent a spike in blood sugar all morning long - and even after lunch. In the study, people with diabetes who ate almonds as part of a balanced breakfast felt more full and had lower blood glucose levels after both breakfast and lunch.

And on top of the blood-sugar benefit, a good breakfast helps kick-start your morning metabolism and keeps your energy up throughout the day.

Pressed for time? You don't have to create an elaborate spread. 

Head over to Everyday Health for seven diabetes-friendly breakfast ideas to help you stay healthy and still get out the door on time.

How to Make Healthy Recipes for Diabetics

Diabetes Treatment with Various Teas

Tea is a rejuvenating drink at any time. However, most people are uninformed there’s a number of various teas and lots of have particular qualities which help improve several aspects of your well being, particularly if you have Type 2 diabetes. 

Image Credit - Diabetes Portal

Black tea is probably the most commonly used teas for a lot of reasons. It’s enjoyable to consume and it is easy to find in the stores. Diabetes treatment with various teas it includes antioxidants called thearubigins and theaflavins which could:

• Shield against the common cold
• Relieve congestion, and has
• Glucose-inhibiting properties to help control Diabetes type 2

Some studies additionally say it is able to reduce the potential risk of having a stroke and could guard against lung cancer for smokers, so it is great diabetes treatment. 

Green tea extract is very popular as well as contains antioxidants. It includes flavonols to safeguard your retinas from the harm caused by high blood sugar. It’s believed to also prevent damage caused to your bloodstream because of high-cholesterol. Some flavonols are resistant against insulin that is helpful for diabetics.

Read full article at Diabetes News Portal

Plant Based Diet For Type 2 Diabetes May Prevent Kidney Disease

Can plant based diets help prevent kidney disease for people with Type 2 Diabetes?

Choosing soy protein (such as tofu and soy beans) and other vegetable protein sources instead of meats may mean a lower risk of kidney disease for people with Type 2 diabetes. 

Learn why there are so many benefits to a vegetarian diet

Fruit Juice Increases Diabetes Risk

Eating more whole fruits, particularly blueberries, grapes and apples, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, with greater fruit juice consumption having an adverse effect. 


 Increasing fruit consumption has been recommended for the prevention of many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. However, studies have generated some mixed results. Read more

Diabetic Cupcake Recipes : Recipes for Diabetics

Danger of Skipping Breakfast

You will eat more later in the day - But missing your morning meal also has even bigger health consequences . . . 

You know that breakfast has plenty of benefits: It boosts your energy, curbs your midday cravings, and helps keep you at a healthy weight. 

But if you’re still skipping the first meal of the day, there’s another perk you’re passing up: 

Missing even one breakfast each week increases your risk of type 2 diabetes by 20%, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Photo Credit - Women's Health Magazine

Researchers from the Harvard University School of Public Health analyzed the eating habits and health outcomes of 46,289 women over the course of six years. At the end of the study, they found that women who skipped breakfast here and there had a 20% higher risk of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes than those who ate it on a daily basis. 

The risk is even higher for full-time working women who missed their morning meal sometimes - 54%. The importance of a daily breakfast held up after the researchers adjusted the results to account for the effects of age, BMI, carbohydrate consumption, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, and working status.

Another study of more than 3,000 men and women published in Diabetes Care found that eating breakfast frequently also lowers the risk of obesity and high blood pressure. That same University of Minnesota study revealed that only 35% of participants actually ate a meal every morning, though.

Why is eating breakfast so important to your health? 

Turns out, it’s all in the timing. “When you go to bed, your insulin level is flat—not too low, not too high,” says lead study author Rania Mekary, PhD, research associate at the Harvard University School of Public Health in the department of nutrition. When you don’t ‘break the fast’ in the morning, your insulin level drops - so when you have lunch later in the day, it’s more likely to spike, then crash again.

Over time, this constant flux in insulin levels can cause your body to build up an insulin resistance, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, you can cut your risk significantly by sticking to a daily breakfast schedule. You should aim to eat within an hour or two of waking up, says Mekary - and coffee or tea alone won’t cut it.

While even unhealthy breakfasts were better for lowering diabetes risk than no breakfast at all, researchers found the best outcomes resulted from daily breakfasts that were low in sugar and high in nutrients like fiber and protein.

Need some morning meal motivation? 
Head over to Women's Health Magazine and try one (or more) of the tasty, healthful recipes 

Top 10 Foods You Should Eat This Summer

If you're wondering what the best foods are to eat with diabetes this summer, check out our top picks for fresh and flavorful summer eats that will keep you cool and your body nourished.


From fresh fruits to sizzling vegetables, you'll love knowing that you're taking care of your body and your diabetes while feasting on the power foods of summer. Visit your local farmer's markets for the best in seasonal fare.

First on the list is Watermelon

Refreshing, tasty, and hydrating, watermelon needs no dressing up to provide the nutrition and flavors we crave. 

Summertime is when watermelons are best in quality and price. Watermelons come in all shapes and sizes, and they have thick green rinds that are spotted or striped.

The inflammation-fighting antioxidants in watermelon may reduce risk of complications of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and arthritis. 

Photo Credit - Diabetic Living






Watermelon is also high in vitamins C and A (in the form of beta-carotene) and the antioxidant lycopene, known for reducing risk of macular degeneration and prostate cancer. Potassium, which helps muscle and nerve function, regulation of the body's electrolyte and acid-base balance, and reduction of high blood pressure risk, is also a benefit from eating watermelon.

With about 92% of weight coming from water, watermelon also contributes to fluid intake -- especially important during warm weather. Even with its sweet taste, watermelon fits into a diabetic meal plan.

One cup of watermelon has 45 calories and 12 grams of carb. Most watermelons purchased in the West are grown in California and Arizona; Florida, Texas, and Georgia are also leading producer states.

Check out the next 9 foods, and lots of healthy recipes for each one

Sherri Shepherd Co-Host on ABC’s Writes Book on Diabetes

Kale and cauliflower don't exactly inspire big laughs – unless you're talking to Sherri Shepherd.

"If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be liking kale, I'd have laughed you out of the room," she said during a recent phone interview, her voice rising with vigor. "Freaking kale? Let's face it, when you break up with someone, you do not want a bowl of asparagus. I've never heard anybody say, 'I'm so depressed, can you give me a plate of asparagus and broccoli?'"

But as she describes in her new book, "Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes (Even if You Don't Have It)," getting acquainted with those veggies became necessary. Shepherd, a comedian and co-host of ABC's "The View," was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2007. 

The formal diagnosis came after years of ignoring doctors' warnings that she was prediabetic – a wakeup call that led to her current pro-veggie mindset: "The other night, my husband sautéed the kale in olive oil with green, red and yellow peppers," she said. "And it was good! So now I'm a kale addict. I always challenge people to do things that are a little bit different with their veggies."

Shepherd, 46, who's 5 foot 1 and weighs 157 pounds – down from 197 several years ago – originally needed three medications to control her diabetes. Now, she's learned to control her blood sugar with a healthy diet and regular exercise. She spoke with U.S. News about how she reached that point, as well as her advice to others.

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