August Diva Inspiration: Alicia Keys

Mr. Divabetic's Diva Inspiration for August

Our DIVA INSPIRATION for August 2011 is the sensational singer, songwriter, Alicia Keys, who just happens to be celebrating her 10 year anniversary of the release of her 5 -time Grammy Award winning album that launched Alicia’s career, “song in A minor.”

Here’s Alicia’s thoughts on her 10th year anniversary: “It’s incredibly surreal for me to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of songs in A minor. Looking back on the journey, I’m truly moved by my fans and friends who’ve been with me and have supported me throughout my career. This album is possibly the most pre- cious to me, as your first album only happens once, and so songs in A minor will always hold a special place in my life that’s filled with amazing memories. I’m so proud that the songs are still being enjoyed around the world, and I’m crazy excited to share, through the 10th Anniversary Edition, songs never heard before, and even more of my debut album with you.” – Alicia Keys

The original release of songs in A minor sold more than 11 million albums worldwide and garnered Keys with her first five, of 14 total, Grammy® Awards including Best New Artist, Best Song of the Year for “Fallin,” and Best R&B Album. With the 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, Keys’ fans will be able to re- discover this seminal album and explore previously unreleased and original bonus material, such as the tracks “A Woman’s Worth” remix featuring Nas; “Juiciest” mix tape version; “Fallin” the Ali soundtrack version; and the previously unreleased “Typewriter, “If I Was Your Woman” original funky demo version.

Tune in,  log on to Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, 6-6:30 PM to enter our random drawing to receive a free copy of  Alicia Key’s songs in A minor/10th Anniversary edition. Go to: divabetic.org or the Divabetic facebook fan page for more information.

Divabetic Club: Cleveland (Sneak some Zucchini on your Neighbor’s Front Porch Day)

Divabetic Club: Cleveland - Share Some Zucchini

Join us for  the  upcoming August Divabetic Club: Cleveland, when registered dietitian Jane Korsberg MS, RD, LD brings us up to date on the latest in diabetes and nutrition. Jane will also tell us about the BEAUTIFUL quilt she made and donated to Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland to benefit diabetes education.  You could win this quilt!  Raffle tickets are available for $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. All types of women touched by diabetes are welcome.   Feel free to bring a friend along!

Divabetic Club: Cleveland    

Saturday, August 6^th, 2011, 9:30 – 12 PM

Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland

(formerly the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland)

3601 Green Road, #100

Beachwood, OH

Diva Dates To Remember:

Sneak some Zucchini on your neighbor’s Front Porch Day!

Monday, August 8, 2011

For all you gardeners…no explanation needed!

Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

6 week workshop beginning Wednesday,  August 24  through  September 28, 2011, 9:30 – noon at Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland office

Get a new attitude about diabetes outreach. Start a Divabetic Club chapter in your area. Learn more about free Divabetic Clubs in Cleveland, OH,  Philadelphia, PA  and New York, NY – visit  us at  divabetic.org

 

Diva TalkRadio Rewind: Bacon vs. Sausage in a Food Aisle Face-off

Diva TalkRadio: Food Aisle Face-Off

Here’s the decision, courtesy of Judi Wilcox, one of Divabetic’s Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes Outreach.

Judi Wilcox, RD, CDE

Comparing bacon is like comparing colas. Remember that calories are coming from fat, and that is saturated fat. Sodium does not make pork or turkey bacon a bargain, but if you are bargaining for taste I choose the turkey bacon. Turkey bacon is generally lower in fat and calories. You can buy nitrate-free lower-fat organic turkey bacon at Whole Foods or grocers that offer organic selections.

Can you enjoy bacon on occasion?  Of course. Think of it more as a condiment then as an entrée. Whether or not your choice is turkey or pork, there are costs and benefits. While turkey bacon is lower in fat it may have more sodium and nitrites to enhance the flavors. Center cut pork bacon is cut closer to the bone so it may be leaner. On the other hand, turkey bacon is usually made from dark meat turkey which is higher in fat. Be mindful of the portion size indicated on the label because size matters in this face-off. In most cases, the turkey bacon usually is one strip and pork bacon is 2 strips. Now we cannot forget about taste.  Turkey bacon can taste as good as pork bacon depending on the brand.

All in all, this is a close call but I am going to go for the turkey bacon. Turkey bacon can taste as good as pork bacon depending upon the brand. If you really want to mix it up, try chicken sausage without nitrites. There’s less risk of cancer from products that are lower in fat, sodium or cholesterol and higher in protein.

Hands down the choice is moderation when you are talking bacon because what we’re really talking about is portion control. Pork or turkey bacon even a small portion packs a powerful punch of sodium, calories, fat and cholesterol. A small amount of this divalicious food can satisfy your craving.

Listen to Judi’s ringside decision on Diva TalkRadio Diabetes Roundtable here: http://ow.ly/5gOMQ

Next week, tune in for another rumble in the grocery store jungle between watermelon and corn-on-the-cob!  http://ow.ly/5xMCy

Mr. Divabetic’s Worry-Free Diabetes Wedding Advice

Diva TalkRadio: Diabetes Weddings

Here’s some diva-licious to help you to make sure my diabetes doesn’t get in the way of the biggest day of your life.

Worry-Free Diabetes Wedding Tip #2: Appoint a diabetes helpmate for the day of your wedding. This person could be a family member (sister, aunt, cousin) or good friend.  Try to avoid picking someone who will be as equally involved in the wedding as you like your maid of honor or mother. Their task is to remind you to check your blood sugars at various times throughout the day (before you take photos). If you let someone else focus on YOU then you’ll be able to relax and enjoy on your big day.

What happens to Julia Roberts on her wedding day in the film, “Steel Magnolias”  is sooooo ‘80‘s! Today, your wedding can be ‘diabetes’ drama free.

Get more glamorous glucose advice from real-life brides and our panel of experts in food, fashion and fitness! Listen to “The Divabetic Brides Guide to Diabetes” special diabetes radio podcast hosted by the marvelous Mr. Divabetic on DivaTalkRadio: Diabetes Radio this Tuesday, June 21/2011 6:00 PM, EDT.

Be On The Show: Share your blood sugar wedding stories: (347) 215-8551 #BlogTalkRadio  http://t.co/6z0WfFt

We’re podcasting with attitude! Tune in to a full year of Diva TalkRadio programs at www.divabetic.org

Mr. Divabetic’s Worry-Free Diabetes Wedding Tips for Divas

Diva TalkRadio: Diabetes Weddings

Here’s some diva-licious advice to help you to make sure my diabetes doesn’t get in the way of the biggest  day of your life.

Worry-Free Diabetes Wedding Day Tip #1: Stage a blood sugar dress rehearsal. Before the day of your wedding, recreate your planned schedule.  On your wedding day, do you plan to be working out? Waking earlier than normal for hair/makeup? How late do you plan on eating at the reception? Try to follow a basic outline from bridal pampering to ‘party hardy’ at your reception. Most experts recommend that you recreate your planned schedule at least  twice.

Get more great advice from real-life brides and experts in food, fashion and fitness! Listen to “The Divabetic Brides Guide to Diabetes” special diabetes radio podcast hosted by the marvelous Mr. Divabetic on DivaTalkRadio: Diabetes Radio this Tuesday, June 21/2011 6:00 PM, EDT.

Be On The Show: Share your blood sugar wedding stories: (347) 215-8551 #BlogTalkRadio  http://t.co/6z0WfFt

We’re podcasting with attitude! Tune in to a full year of Diva TalkRadio programs at www.divabetic.org

 

 

Divabetic Club – Cleveland: Living Like A Diva

Divabetic Club - Cleveland: Live Like A Diva

Our recent Divabetic Club – Cleveland aka ‘Diva Coaching Sessions’ led by MaryAnn Horst Nicolay BA, DTR,  was held at the Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland.  Here’s a quick recap:

Between her amusing tales of ‘diva’ life in Cleveland, guest presenter MaryEllen Eikman-Fiala talked with us about vast array of tools available to help us better manage diabetes.  MaryEllen share her favorite websites, books, magazines and movies, exercise programs, gardening, and meal plans.  Some of her ‘Diabetes Health Secrets’ including talking to  your health professionals, using test results smartly, becoming our own best advocate and learning to be happy with yourself (when you know you have done your best) were also included in this inspiring information packed session.

Join the next free Diva Coaching Session on Saturday, August 6, 2011, 9:30 AM – 12 PM. Please call (216-591-0800) and let us know if you are planning on attending. Everyone Welcome!

Diabetes Partnership Of Cleveland 

3601 Green Road, #100

Beachwood, OH

Can’t make it to the next meeting? Tune in, log on to Diva TalkRadio for the motivational support you need. It’s free! For info go to: www.divabetic.org  We’re podcasting with attitude!

Find out how you can start a Divabetic Club chapter in your area. Contact: mrdivabetic@gmail.com

Are You Juggling Or Struggling With Your Diabetes?

Are You Juggling Or Struggling With Diabetes? on Diva TalkRadio

This month on Diva TalkRadio, The Girl’s Guide To Diabetes asks the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, “What advice can you offer to women who feel they have  no time for their own needs?”

Share your story and let us know how well you do juggling your  responsibilities with  family, work, and home life along with your  health.

Tune in to hear what “the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach” (3 of the smartest and sexiest certified diabetes educators from across the country) have to say about this HOT TOPIC  as well as the other important issues facing women touched by diabetes. Plus, don’t miss out on the Broadway Baritone helping us to  pass the boa! with Ms. Angie, from Philadelphia. LISTEN NOW:http://t.co/CPbLOVf

Mr. Divabetic hosts an all new Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable program on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 6 – 6:30 PM, EST. Call-in to the Diva Hotline: (347) 215-8551 with your questions and comments.We’re podcasting with attitude!

For more info on Girl’s Guide to Diabetes (“Empowering women to live their best life with diabetes”)  go to: http://thegirlsguidetodiabetes.com

 

Nutritional coup: ‘My Plate’ replaces USDA’s Food Pyramid

New My Plate with First Lady Michelle Obama

Goodbye food pyramid, and hello “My Plate.”

The US Department of Agriculture, with an assist from first lady Michelle Obama, launched a new visual guide designed to help Americans have balanced diets in an era of high concern about obesity among adults and children.

As familiar as the food pyramid has been to generations of Americans, the USDA and the US surgeon general decided that a chart shaped like a dinner plate would better serve as a dietary guide.

“The new icon is simple and easy to understand, with more emphasis placed on fruits and vegetables,” Surgeon General Regina Benjamin said in a statement released Thursday. “This new tool can be a fun way to help individuals and families make healthier meal choices.”

The plate-shaped diagram, essentially in the form of a pie chart, may give Americans an easier way to envision a mix of food groups on plates or in bowls.

“As a mom, I can already tell how much this is going to help parents across the country,” said Mrs. Obama in helping to launch the chart. “When mom or dad comes home from a long day of work, we’re already asked to be a chef, a referee, a cleaning crew. So it’s tough to be a nutritionist, too. But we do have time to take a look at our kids’ plates.”

The food groups have been rearranged in an effort at user-friendly design. Dairy products, although considered an important food group, have been moved to the side in a round circle evocative of a glass of milk. The image of a fork sits handily to the left of the “central plate.”

Diva TalkRadio Rewind: OJ vs a Juicy Orange in Food Aisle Face-off

Judi Wilcox, RD, CDE

Here’s the decision, courtesy of Judi Wilcox, one of Divabetic’s Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes Outreach.

Hands down the orange is a knockout!

Because of its fiber content the orange is a better choice. One orange contains 3 grams of fiber and that is 11% of your need for fiber. The recommended daily amount of fiber for someone living with diabetes is 35 grams per day. It takes 3 oranges to make a glass of juice and the fiber gets left behind in the juicer. Juice concentrate is made from the whole orange so if you have to have juice, juice concentrate would be a better choice. Orange juice with pulp has no fiber because the fiber is removed during the juicing process, and while pulp is added back, it’s not enough to beat the orange! Both oranges and orange juice have Vitamin C, flavonoids/antioxidants, potassium, and the B supervitamin, Folate. One small orange (or 2 tangerines) has 15 grams of carbohydrate. There are 30 grams of carbohydrates in a glass of Juicy Juice, which brings up another discussion. What is juice? Read the label and identify 100% REAL JUICE, and not Sunny D, Kool-Aid, Fruit Punch, or Nectars. Many juices are made with high fructose corn syrup so be sure to read the list of ingredients.  A serving of juice is a 1/2 cup. Dilute it with water if you can’t resist to give it a fighting chance in your list of better food and beverage choices.

There are so many delicious types of oranges. My favorite is the Honeybell tangerine, a sweet, delicious and filling option to juice.

Listen to Judi’s ringside decision on Diva TalkRadio Diabetes Roundtable here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2011/05/10/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-mothers

Diva Reading Room: Bariatric Nutrition Guidelines

 

 

Bariatric Nutrition Guidelines Before and After Surgery
By Judi Wilcox, RD, CDE

Changes in your food intake after bariatric surgery can easily bring on low blood sugar.  It is easy to get full or skip a meal because the size of the stomach is smaller. You may not feel hungry and you may need to adjust your medications. This can get your eating plan out of sync.

After deciding to have a bariatric surgery consult with a registered dietitian, who is a Certified Diabetes Educator with bariatric experience before and after surgery. You should understand how to adapt the way you eat and get the best outcome from your surgery. Learn how to include fluids, protein and required vitamin and mineral supplements to improve your results. Consult with your diabetes doctor. Know your medications. Discuss a plan with your physician to start lowering medications as you lose weight and decrease your intake of food. To read this entire article, click here. 

Judi Wilcox, RD, CDE

 

Judi is a Diabetes Nutrition Specialist at the Diabetes and Nutrition Center of Memorial Regional Hospital, an accredited diabetes education program in Hollywood, FL. She is also a valued member of Divabetic’s Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes Outreach.  You can hear her every month on Diva TalkRadio Diabetes Roundtable. 

The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in the Diva Reading Room and this article are those of the author.