Yummy Splenda Peanut Butter Cookies

Easy to make cookies with a nice soft texture. You will want to make double batches because they won't last. 

DON'T be tempted to use more flour. The batter is very soft, which is why you need to refrigerate it before scooping onto the cookie sheet.









INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup Splenda Sugar Blend
1/4 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1/2 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix Splenda and softened, until smooth and without lumps.
2. Add egg and mix.
3. Add peanut butter and mix.
4. Add remaining ingredients and mix.
5. Cover and refrigerate until the batter is firm (1 to 2 hours)
6. Heat oven to 370 degrees.
7. Scoop out small balls ... about 1 1/2 inches in diameter
8. Using a fork, gently press each dough ball.
9. Bake 10 minutes or until light golden brown ... do not over bake.
10. Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes and then transfer cookies to wire rack and cool to room temperature.

My advice is to make two batches because the first one will be gone before the cookies cool!

NOTE: It is important to use the Splenda BLENDS not the Splenda Granulated Sugar. White Sugar Blend. Splenda's White Sugar Blend has been especially designed for baking. It provides functional properties for your baked goods - such as browning, volume, texture and moistness.

Source: http://www.squidoo.com/splenda-cookies

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

How To Get The Worst Night's Sleep Of Your Life

Tooga via Getty Images

If you're searching for the elusive good night's sleep, you've probably already tried a few old standbys. Maybe you swear by a warm bath or regular exercise or a calming cup of chamomile tea. Hopefully you've already committed to leaving your cell phone outside your bedroom.

But you can try all the natural sleep aids in the world without much success if you're still making any of the classic sleep mistakes.

Want to reap more and better sleep -- and ward off stroke, obesity, diabetes, memory loss, cancer and early death in the process? 

Head over to Huff Post Healthy Living and find out what NOT to do

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/15/worst-nights-sleep_n_4891065.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living

Diabetics - Walk Your Way to Fitness

Want an easy, accessible way to stay fit with diabetes? Try walking for exercise. Find out the benefits of walking and how to start a walking program.

Chicago-based diabetes educator Toby Smithson, RDN, LDN, CDE, knows a lot about exercise for diabetes — in part, because she has diabetes herself. 

An important message she shares with others who have diabetes: Walking for exercise is important.

In fact, one of the most effective ways to prevent and control diabetes is literally as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

The benefits of walking are far-ranging. Walking for exercise does the following:

• Burns calories, which helps you lose and control weight
• Builds muscle, which helps you burn calories
• Exercises the heart, decreasing risks of heart attack and stroke
• Improves insulin resistance and changes how the liver processes glucose and fat
• Improves your lipid profile, increasing “good” HDL cholesterol
• Lowers blood pressure
• Boosts mood
• Helps prevent cancer and lowers risk of osteoporosis
• Raises your heart rate

Read complete article at Everyday Health

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

57% of Type 1 Diabetics Expect Cure by 2024

This press release is an announcement submitted by PRWEB, and was not written by Diabetes Health.

New York, NY (PRWEB)

More than half of people who havetype 1 diabetes or have a family member or close friend with the disease expect a cure to be found in the next 10 years, according to a semi-annual survey conducted by the Juvenile Diabetes Cure Alliance.

The findings, outlined in a new report a new report (see link below) from the JDCA, show that 57% of people in the type 1 diabetes community think a cure will be discovered in the next decade. Another 30% expect a cure in the next 25 years.

However, research from the JDCA has found that the current research pipeline likely won't deliver on those expectations unless there is a shift in prioritization. 

The nonprofit donor advocacy organization has identified only six type 1 diabetes research projects out of the 332 currently in human clinical trials that have the potential to deliver a cure by 2025.

The survey also found that only 50% of diabetes donors feel informed about how their gifts are being used. Phil Shaw, general manager of the JDCA, said charities and researchers aren't keeping the diabetes community adequately informed about cure progress.

"The survey identifies an opportunity for diabetes charities to better communicate with donors about the impacts of their gifts," Shaw said. "People with type 1 diabetes think a cure will be found in the next decade, which means diabetes foundations should align their research with those expectations."

When asked to choose between a "practical cure" that would allow people with diabetes to live a normal life with the disease in the next 15 years or an "idealized cure" that would completely eliminate the disease in 50 years or more, 83% of survey respondents said they prefer the more immediate solution. Despite this, JDCA research has found that only 2% of donations currently go toward practical cure projects.

In order to align donor expectations with progress toward a cure, Shaw said nonprofits and research centers need to focus on near-term projects and ensure that they are full funded and fully resourced.

"Diabetes charities have a responsibility to donors to shift funding toward projects that will deliver a cure in our lifetime," Shaw said. "They should prioritize research based on the likelihood of finding a cure for people currently living with diabetes, not future generations."

The JDCA's third survey of the diabetes community polled 251 U.S. adults who either have type 1 diabetes or have a family member or close friend with the disease. To download a copy of the survey report and additional JDCA research, visit the JDCA reports page at http://www.thejdca.org/publications-2/reportsbydate/.

About the JDCA

The JDCA is an independent analyst of the type 1 diabetes charitable universe and brings a business-like perspective to help donors focus research toward a practical cure. The mission of the JDCA is to achieve a type 1 practical cure before 2025 by steering donor contributions to the most effective charities.

The JDCA report is available online at: http://www.thejdca.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Cure-Attitude-and-Trends-Survey.pdf

Source: Diabetes Health

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

10 Drugs That May Cause Memory Loss

For a long time doctors dismissed forgetfulness and mental confusion as a normal part of aging. 

But scientists now know that memory loss as you get older is by no means inevitable. Indeed, the brain can grow new brain cells and reshape their connections throughout life.

Most people are familiar with at least some of the things that can impair memory, including alcohol and drug abuse, heavy cigarette smoking, head injuries, stroke, sleep deprivation, severe stress, vitamin B12 deficiency, and illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease and depression.

Are you having trouble remembering things? One of these meds may be the problem

1.  Antianxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines)
2.  Cholesterol-lowering drugs (Statins)
3.  Antiseizure drugs
4.  Antidepressant drugs (Tricyclic antidepressants)
5.  Narcotic painkillers
6.  Parkinson's drugs (Dopamine agonists)
7.  Hypertension drugs (Beta-blockers)
8.  Sleeping aids (Nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics)
9.  Incontinence drugs (Anticholinergics)
10. Antihistamines (First-generation)

Find out how each of these drugs can cause memory loss - along with alternatives at AARP.ORG

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

Diabetic Friendly Quesadillas

Quesadillas con Frijoles Refritos - Low-Carb Mexican inspired favorite 

Easy tortilla snacks, filled with refried beans, salsa, corn and cheese, with a fraction of the fat and calories of the usual fare.

Time: 25 minutes (15 minutes prep)










Ingredients
1 cup fat-free refried beans

2 tablespoons hot salsa, plus more for dipping

12 6-inch corn tortillas

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/3 cup chopped scallions

3/4 cup finely grated Monterey Jack cheese, (3 ounces)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Combine refried beans and 2 tablespoons salsa in a small bowl.

Place a tortilla directly on a stovetop burner (gas or electric), set at medium, and toast, turning frequently with tongs, until softened, about 30 seconds. Wrap in a kitchen towel to keep warm while you soften the remaining tortillas in the same manner.

Lay 6 of the softened tortillas on the prepared baking sheet. Divide the bean mixture among these tortillas, spreading evenly. Sprinkle each with corn, cilantro and scallions, then cheese. Top with the remaining softened tortillas and press to seal.

Bake until lightly crisped and browned, about 10 minutes. Cut each quesadilla into 4 wedges. Serve hot, with additional salsa for dipping.


Nutritional Facts
Servings - 6
Calories - 224
Added Sugars - 0g
Carbohydrates - 35g
Cholesterol - 13mg
Dietary Fiber - 6g
Fat - 6g
Monounsaturated Fat - 2g
Potassium - 169mg
Protein - 10g
Saturated Fat - 3g
Sodium - 285mg
Carbohydrate Servings - 2
Exchanges (2 1/2 starch - 1/2 high-fat meat)

Recipe Source: Diabetic Connect

Broccoli Salad with Peanut Dressing

Love broccoli, bell peppers, red onions and peanut butter - this one sounds like a hit to me!

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets
1 medium red bell pepper, cut in thin strips, about 1 cup
1/3 cup red onion, cut in thin crescents
3 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter, natural and unsweetened
2 tsp. roasted sesame oil
1-2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp. agave syrup
Pinch of salt
Ground black pepper
Red pepper flakes, optional

Directions

Place steamer basket in large saucepan. Add water to depth of 1 inch. Cover and bring the water to boil. Add broccoli, cover and steam over medium-high heat until tender-crisp, 3 minutes. Transfer broccoli to mixing bowl. Add bell pepper and onion.

In small bowl, combine peanut butter and sesame oil. Add vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce and agave and whisk until dressing is smooth. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over vegetables and use fork to toss until salad is well coated. Sprinkle on red pepper flakes, if using, and mix to combine. Cover, and refrigerate the salad for 1 hour before serving, or up to 24 hours. Toss well before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 146
Protein: 6 g
Sodium: 255 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g 

Source: Diabetic Gourmet

Diabetic Shock

Common signs and symptoms:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Feeling shaky
• Hunger
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Pounding heart; racing pulse
• Pale skin
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Appears to be drunk, when they are known to not haven been drinking

There may be other signs that present, but these are fairly common.

Treatment for hypoglycemia is fairly straight forward. The suffering person simply needs glucose (sugar). Candy, cake frosting, glucose in a tube, etc all works well. Also rest is encouraged in order to slow a persons activity from burning more calories as they recover.

Like always, this isn’t the be all end all for medical treatment. It just gives you something to do rather than do nothing, during a medical emergency. I highly encourage everyone to educate themselves, as much as possible, in first aid, because, in the end, the definition of a survival situation, is a direct threat to life. And the point is not to ever get into a survival situation to begin with.

Full article at Outdoor Self Reliance

Google Smart Contact Lens Measures Glucose

Google said the sensors on the smart contact lens are so small they look like bits of glitter

Source: Pinterest

Google has said it is testing a "smart contact lens" that can help measure glucose levels in tears. It uses a "tiny" wireless chip and a "miniaturised" glucose sensor embedded between two layers of lens material.

The firm said it is also working on integrating tiny LED lights that could light up to indicate that glucose levels have crossed certain thresholds.

But it added that "a lot more work" needed to be done to get the technology ready for everyday use. "It's still early days for this technology, but we've completed multiple clinical research studies which are helping to refine our prototype," the firm said in a blogpost.

"We hope this could someday lead to a new way for people with diabetes to manage their disease."

Read full article at BBC

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.

Easy to Make Diabetic Buttermilk Biscuits

Happy New Year!

Started off my day with these delicious biscuits, and wanted to share the recipe

Diabetic friendly, buttermilk biscuits are a southern favorite that goes with any meal! 

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp sugar
5 tbsp low-fat margarine
1 cup buttermilk
nonstick cooking spray
wax paper

How it's made:

Preheat oven to 400°. In a medium mixing bowl combine 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. Stir until well blended, then cut in margarine using a fork or pastry blender. 

Once small balls begin to form add buttermilk and stir until moist. Spread out wax paper and coat with remaining flour. Transfer dough to wax paper and knead until smooth. Dough should be soft and light to the touch. Pat dough out to 1/2 thickness, then cut out biscuits using a 2 inch round cutter. Lightly grease baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. 

Arrange biscuits on baking sheet and bake for 10 - 12 minutes. Let biscuits cool on wire rack for 3 - 5 minutes before serving.

Makes about 20 biscuits.


Recipe & Photo Source: Diabetic Health & Wellness