Shirataki Noodles with Cashews and Chiles

Looking through Sam’s book I was immediately attracted to his recipe for Shirataki Noodles with Cashews and Chiles. By trade I am a Photographer, and I must say that all of the photography in “The Sweet Life” is very appetizing to the eye.

Shirataki Noodles (which are made from Tofu) are very low in Carbohydrates. I have used them before and what I love about them is that they are a lot more “Diabetic Friendly” then regular Pasta, which is often a “No No” for a Diabetic Lifestyle.

It was very easy to make, and with all of the ingredients it sounded as if it would be kind of sweet and kind of spicy. The recipe called for two jalapenos, but since I often can’t handle too much heat I decided to just use one, which ended up being the perfect amount of spice for me.

The Cashews (One of my favorite Nuts) gave it just the right amount of crunch, and all of the other flavors married beautifully together. Also it is only 227 calories per serving, so it would even be OK to go back for a second helping.

I had a cold when I made this dish, and it seemed to help sooth me (like any good comfort food should) and I am actually feeling a lot better now.

Thanks Sam!

 If I haven't said enough yet to any of my readers, Go buy "The Sweet Life" by Sam Talbot, You will be glad that you did, wether you are diabetic or not!

Blood Sugar Question?

I have a question regarding my fasting blood sugars and I would love for someone to answer it for me!

As many of you know I work bartending 4 nights a week, and on these nights I am at my job from 8pm until 3am.

Sometimes I use this time as my (8 hour) fast, and take my reading around 3:30am.

On nights that I don’t work I usually eat my last meal around midnight, stay up for a few hours more, and then take my reading when I wake up around 10am or so.

I feel like I am eating as consistently as possible, however I find that my blood sugars at 3:30am (after my shift) are right on the money, usually ranging from 85 – 100, but my morning blood sugars (after eating at midnight, then sleeping and waking around 10am) are higher ranging from 120-150.

Can anyone tell me why this is?

The only big difference that I can think of is while I am at work I am fairly active, and when I sleep during my fast I am not.

Could this make such a drastic difference in my numbers?

Any explanation would be very helpful!

Sam Talbot's Guacamole

For several years now I have just loved Guacamole! It is made from Avocados which are high in monounsaturated fat (the good fat) and also a good source of potassium and vitamins B, E and K.

For those of you that don’t know me I even have a tattoo of an Avocado on my arm.

I often make Guacamole and all I do is mash up a couple of Avocados with some Lime Juice and a little salt and pepper. This method has always worked just fine for me, but as I was looking through Sam Talbot’s book I saw his recipe and decided to change things up and give it a try.

Sam’s recipe has some interesting ingredients in it, things that I would have never imagined, but I must say that it was really delicious (very chunky and full of flavor).

So far his book has been very informative with thoughtful recipes and tons of information that will be useful to diabetics of all kinds.

I’m very pleased to add this alternative Guacamole recipe to my “always increasing” repertoire. As you can see in the picture I do much better when I portion out a serving (On a salad plate rather then a dinner plate). This keeps me from overeating, something that is very easy for me to do, especially when it is this delicious.

Exciting New Book

It has been a little while since I have written a blog entry.

I was fairly successful through the holidays.

I did not work out quite as much as I should but I did resist a lot of food temptations, while still indulging on the things I really wanted just a little bit.

My blood sugars were elevated slightly, but were not too crazy.

However around October/ November I had a phase where they were very consistent and I need to get back to that.

Now a new year is here, and although I have not set any "Resolutions" I am now just starting to get back in to the gym a little bit more, as well as eating out less and cooking at home a little extra.

(Better healthwise, and ultimately much cheaper)

I am very excited about the book that I got in the mail this week!

"The Sweet Life" by Top Chef Contestant and "Fellow Diabetic" Sam Talbot

I have just barely looked through it as of yet, but the recipes look really delicious and fairly easy.

He has also filled the book with plenty of tips and personal insight and I know that it will be a book that I will enjoy reading cover to cover.

Perhaps I will prepare a couple of the dishes in the book and share my experiences in an upcoming blog.

I hope that all of you have had a Happy New Year so far!

Butternut Squash and Asparagus

I have continued to eat out, but lately I have also been trying to prepare more of my own food at home.

I recently purchased two big bundles of Asparagus at the new-ish produce market on 1792 and roasted them in the oven with a little olive oil, salt and pepper.

I also made the recipe for Butternut Squash, Apples, Cranberries and Walnuts from the latest issue of DIABETIC COOKING. It came out really tasty and seems like a Thanksgiving Explosion when I put it in my mouth.

My blood sugars have been great, I have enjoyed cooking and eating, and I am currently down to 177 lbs. My goal is 169, which would mean that I was down 30lbs. from my heaviest weight.

8 more lbs. to go!

I'm getting close...

My most recent Doctor's visit proved that the extra exercise I have been doing is paying off!

My Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and LDL are all "In Range"
My HDL which was previously 35 is now 39 (40 and above is considered "In Range")
and what seems to be the most important regarding my Diabetes....
My Hemoglobin A1c was 7.2 on my last visit, she requested for me to try to get it under 7, and it is currently 6.6 !!!!!
She tells me that if I keep up the good work that she will reduce my medication.
That is my new goal, I have been diligent about keeping records of fasting sugars and am continuing the working out (trying for every day)
Now I just need to tighten up on my diet and get through the holidays without going overboard.
I will try to do a Food-related blog soon!

until then....

Unsweetened Iced Tea

A big glass of unsweetened Iced Tea is delicious! That is all for now