Mealtime Monday and Then Some

Diabetes, Types 1 and 2, run in my family. Hell, it gallops at Mach-10 speed.

I was diagnosed at 8; I have cousins on both sides with Type 1 (genetic, not lifestyle). I have grandparents, great aunts, uncles and aunts with Type 2 (genetically predisposed if it gallops in your family, but also caused by lifestyle).

We welcomed another member into our "exclusive club" this weekend. I am not naming names, because I haven't asked this person's permission, and if you are part of the family, you already know. If you're not, it doesn't matter, you don't know them. Suffice it to say, most Americans will come in contact with diabetes sometime in their lives. Whether it's a close family member, friend or themselves, it's a non-partisan, non-religious, non-prejudice disease that can strike anyone.

Rule Number 1: Don't panic. This is totally controllable, and you can live a normal, healthy life for a very long time. If you don't believe me, stop and remember who's writing this blog, right now.

Rule Number 2: Life is a balancing act, this is part of the act. Balance what you eat, with medicine and exercise, and for the most part, this new "lifestyle" will be normal in a matter of weeks.

Rule Number 3: Ask for help. Support is key for anyone. No matter if you have a health issue or not, having someone to roll ideas off of, or ask advice from, is an important part of dealing with life in general. You'll become an expert on this new topic and at some point, be able to help others out in the future.

Rule Number 4: In this case, "I have Diabetes, but it doesn't have me." I know, kind of cheesy. I learned this while working as an intern with the American Diabetes Assoc. It's true--fill in your own blank if Diabetes isn't your current trial. "I have Cancer, or Mental Illness, or Heart Disease, but it doesn't have me."

Rule Number 5: Don't let a trial hold you back. One of the greatest parts of being human is the ability to adapt. Look at the state of the world. Aren't we all a little more grateful, and hopefully more giving after 9-11? If not, you got another set of problems you need to get help with.

Change is always constant. My Dad tells me it's really the only thing you can count on. So let the changes come, but don't let them hold you back from learning and trying new things.

If you are desirous of a healthier lifestyle here's a few ideas for this week.

Frittata
Whip up 4-6 eggs (or use substitute)
Chop up all the veggies you will eat: spinach, tomato, peppers, grated zucchini
Pour eggs into hot skillet, Add veggies to eggs once the eggs start to cook--the watery stuff will start disappearing.

Add 1/4 c. shredded cheese and finish cooking in pan. Cut into wedges and enjoy. Add salsa if desired

You can also whip the eggs, add the veggies and pour into a pie pan. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min and add cheese as you pull it out of the oven.

Grilled Pork chop and Veggies
Marinate your pork in whatever you like--I like low fat Italian Dressing--for 1-4 hours
BBQ meat

Toss favorite sliced veggies w/ 1 Tbsp. olive oil and grill on the bbq, or on a baking sheet in the oven. I usually do onion, carrot, zucchini, crookneck and/or broccoli.(425 deg for 45 min).

Turkey Sandwich
2 oz (slices usually) of turkey breast
1 oz Swiss cheese
1/2 tsp. chipolte mayo
lettuce, red onion, sprouts, spinach, cucumber and tomato
Earth grain Thin Buns or a tortilla

Put ingredients together on bread and pick a side like 1/2 c. fresh fruit, cottage cheese w/ fresh sliced tomato, pretzels or small bowl of soup--veggie soups or chicken noodle are low in carbs. Just read the labels of premade soups to judge portion size.

Happy Eating Healthy This Week!