Dieting for Diabetes

Have you recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? Or have you had it for awhile and struggle to maintain normal blood sugar levels?

There are three important factors that can help reduce blood sugar and ultimately prevent side effects:

1- Lose weight, if needed. Extra weight (fat) increases inflammation. Maintaining a normal weight may help.

2- Focus on physical activity. Movement reduces blood sugar and burns calories. There’s no such thing as too little. A fifteen minute walk after lunch and dinner will do wonders to lower blood sugar.
3- Eat fewer carbohydrates. Carbs raise blood sugar. Think about your diet. Are you eating too much rice, bread, pasta, or sweets? Measure your portions.

Test your blood sugar two hours after you eat. If it’s more than 180 mg/dl, try eating fewer carbohydrates next time. If you eat fewer carbs at meals, you will be eating fewer calories. Eating fewer calories will help you lose weight. It’s a win-win for your weight and your blood sugar.  If you have questions about diabetes or losing weight, see a registered dietitian/nutritionist. We are the nutrition experts.

Prevent Foodborne Illness with the 2 or 1 Hour Rule

Obesity a Disease?

AMA says obesity is a disease

The American Medical Association is the latest in a growing list of groups that have  classified obesity as a disease. Whether or not one believes that obesity is a disease, there is reason to believe that the new policy will pave the way for prevention and better treatment that will ultimately save billions in health care costs.

Since the 1980s, the rates of obesity have been steadily increasing along with a rapid rise in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes currently costs the US a staggering  $174 billion a year. The first line of defense for treating pre-diabetes is weight loss and increasing physical activity. Obesity is a complex issue and impossible to fix in the one hour nutrition education session allowed by many insurance companies.

The time for registered dietitian nutritionists to shine is now. They can make a difference and save our country billions in health care costs. Prevention is the answer. Insurance reimbursement for lifestyle intervention/weight loss programs should be a priority – if not from a social welfare point of view, then certainly from a financial one.

Nothing Like Having Your Own Star

K-Earth 101's DJ "Shotgun Tom" Kelly

Congratulations to K-Earth 101's DJ "Shotgun Tom" Kelly for receiving the 2,496^th star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Quite an accomplishment! Stevie Wonder said a few words at the ceremony. The Star can be located on the corner of Hollywood and La Brea. K-Earth 101 plays the Greatest Hits on Earth! Of course!

It was my pleasure to meet famous radio jockey “Shotgun Tom” Kelly at a Book Publicist of Southern California meeting. He was introducing his close friend and talented actor Chuck McCann. Chuck’s new book, Chuck McCann Let’s Have Fun Scrapbook, contains never before seen pictures from his tv shows. http://amzn.to/19lPpTJ

It was a unique, entertaining, and fascinating evening to hear the personal stories about Hollywood legends, such as Laurel and Hardy.

Happy Memorial Day! Start Grilling!

Are you running out of ideas to eat healthfully? Fire up the BBQ. Grilling vegetables is a great way to add low-calorie nutrients to your diet. Don’t stop at vegetables! Grilled fruit is delicious!

Grilling vegetables is quick and easy. If you are new to grilling vegetables, start with familiar vegetables like onions and peppers. Grilled corn is one of my favorites. Brush the vegetables with oil, like olive oil or canola oil. Then sprinkle with a little salt and pepper or add your favorite herbs and seasonings. Are you growing rosemary in your garden? Try it. Do you like spicy? Try curry. Get out some the spices in the back of your spice rack and use them. Herbs and spices are full of antioxidants.

Grilled fruit is a tasty side dish or a refreshing dessert. I LOVE grilled pineapple. Think outside the box. Try peaches or grilled watermelon! Season the grilled fruit with cinnamon or ginger. Only your imagination can stop you.

Bon Appétit!

Snow? On Memorial Day? What's Up with that?

When was the last time you saw snow in May on Memorial Day weekend?

The weather may not always cooperate. But as long as you have some time off, make the most of it. Get some physical activity. For your health, aim for 30-60 minutes a day. A little cardio here, a little strength training there. It all adds up.

Whether it's snowshoeing, skiing, hiking or gardening, get outside and enjoy the fresh air. If it's raining, try bowling. It's lots of fun. If you are confined indoors, grab a hula-hoop or jump rope.

Did you know that standing burns more calories than sitting? You get the idea.

Any movement means improvement. Exercise your right to move!

I Can't Believe I Ate the Whole Thing

Has this ever happened to you? You are sitting at the computer or watching tv with a bowl of chocolate covered peanuts, when all of a sudden they’re gone.

You didn't mean to consume the entire bowl. You only wanted a snack. Maybe you were depressed. Maybe you weren't paying attention. Whatever the reason, the damage has been done.

To make matters worse, you weigh yourself the next day, and the scale went up a pound. Sometimes seeing the scale go up instead of down makes people get angry and they start eating more. This doesn't make sense. If you are trying to lose weight, why would you eat more?

This happens! Has it ever happened to you? What is going on? To me, it seems like you are punishing yourself for not being in control. 

This behavior is not conducive for losing weight. Right? Realizing that you are hurting yourself, can prevent it from happening again in the future.

Give yourself a break. If you were trying to help a friend, you wouldn't sabotage their efforts to lose weight by bringing over a cake and persuading them to eat it. So why do it to yourself! BTW: Control your portions. Eating a small amount will not cause the resulting problems.