Food for Thought : Administrative Professionals Day

My son's administrative  assistant      we thank you Anita for  keeping him in line .

Today is Administrative Professionals Day .The observance is a day to recognize the work of secretaries , administrative  assistants , receptionists  and other administrative assistants  support  support professionals . Anyone who has ever had  an administrative assistant knows the values of their  contribution  to any organization . Typically , the job requires long periods of sitting at a desk , high stress  and sometime eating  in front of a computer , all which do not promote  optimal health . While  flowers  and candy are a frequently given , showing someone  you care about their health can mean much more . Here are a few tips  to help you celebrate  celebrate the day in a healthy way .

Help make it easier for employees to take physical activity breaks . Schedule  activity breaks  within the work day that employees can get away  from their  desk for a short walk  or stretch break . Physical activity is great for overall health  , and makes us all more productive .

Going to lunch ? Forgo the buffets  and fried foods . There are plenty  of places that offer healthier options . Fruit baskets  and similar items  are great gifts for the day .

Create a healthy work place . Have  fresh fruits or vegetables  available  and promote healthy lifestyles .
                                                  Three Bean Salad with Wild Rice

Three bean salad with wild rice that can be made ahead and tastes great at room temperature. Perfect for picnics, potlucks and leftovers!
 Serves 8-10    Time: 30 minutes

3    cups cooked wild rice blend, cooled
1    (14-ounce) can kidney beans (dark or light), rinsed and drained
1    (14-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1    (14-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1    (10 ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
1    red bell pepper, diced
2    jalapenos, diced (if sensitive to spice, remove seeds and membrane and just add 1)
1/2   red onion, diced
1/2   cup freshly chopped cilantro
2      tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1      tablespoon honey (sub agave to make vegan)
2      limes, zest and juice
1/2   teaspoon kosher salt

1 .  In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, black beans, peas, bell pepper, jalapeno, red onion, and cilantro.
2 .  In a small bowl, large measuring cup, or mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, honey, lime zest, lime juice, and salt. Pour over the salad, then toss gently to combine. If time allows, refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
3 .  Salad will taste best eaten within two days but can last three or four tightly covered in the refrigerator. Freeze, tightly covered, for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

I like to think my son for the  swell job he did  in my absent .  Now my dear son , it is not  what you do with  the ladies if you catch them ,   it is  the thrill of the hunt , never steered you wrong  , love you dearly  my son .

A proud grand-poppa              G .

Chicken Breast Cutlets

Prep Time: 10 minutes           Cook Time: 20 minutes        Serves 4

4      boneless chicken breast cutlets  or small chicken breast halves, slightly flattened
1      large egg
3/4   cup milk, low fat is fine
2       tablespoons hot sauce, such as Frank's, Texas Pete, or Tabasco
1      large egg
1     cup all-purpose flour
1     teaspoon Cajun seasoning, preferably salt-free
1     teaspoon salt (1/2 teaspoon of the seasoning contains salt)
1     teaspoon ground black pepper
vegetable oil, such as canola or peanut oil
salt

1 .  In a large bowl whisk the egg with the milk and hot sauce.

2 .  In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the flour, Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.

3 .  In a large heavy, deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350° F 

4 .  Heat the oven to 200° F if serving will be delayed for a short time or if you are doubling the recipe and must cook in batches.

5 .  When the oil is hot, dip a chicken cutlet (or flattened small chicken breast half) in the egg and milk mixture.

6 .  Fry each side  3 minutes or until done .

Heart Healthy

Maxy sez : Diabetes by the Numbers

By Jennifer Acosta Scott Reviewed by Farrokh Sohrabi, MD

Staying healthy with type 2 diabetes is a numbers game. Get the scoop on the health indicators you should be measuring and why.
When you have type 2 diabetes, you’ve got to know your numbers. It’s not just about blood sugar. To successfully manage diabetes, there are several measurements that you should take, or have taken, on a regular basis. Keeping track of the following numbers can help you live well with type 2 diabetes and lower your risk of complications.

Blood sugar levels. This is probably the type 2 diabetes measure you’re most familiar with. Testing your blood sugar regularly allows you to see how certain foods, exercise, and other activities affect your blood sugar levels on a day-to-day basis. Many people with type 2 diabetes need to test once or twice a day to make sure blood sugar levels are in target range. If your blood sugar is very well controlled, you may only need to check a few times a week, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The American Diabetes Association recommends aiming for a blood sugar level between 70 to 130 mg/dl before meals and less than 180 mg/dl one to two hours after a meal. To keep your blood sugar within this range, follow a healthy, well-rounded diet and eat meals and snacks on a consistent schedule. If your blood sugar is not well controlled, talk to your doctor about adjusting your diabetes management plan.

A1C level. This is a blood test, typically given at doctor's appointments, that measures your average blood sugar levels over a longer period. “It gives you a picture of what’s been going on over the past two to three months,” says Dawn Sherr, RD, a certified diabetes educator and spokesperson for the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Essentially, your A1C result shows how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.

Depending on your results, you may need to have the test from two to four times a year. For most people, an A1C level of 7 percent or less is ideal. If your A1C level is higher, you and your doctor may discuss making changes to your diabetes treatment plan. Healthy lifestyle practices, like consistent blood sugar control and regular physical activity, can help keep your A1C levels low.

Blood pressure. Monitoring your blood pressure is another important way to maintain your health. “People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease, and blood pressure is a big factor in that,” Sherr says.

Your blood pressure should be checked several times a year — ideally, every time you see the doctor who is treating your diabetes, Sherr says. Most people with diabetes should aim for a blood pressure of less than 140/80. To prevent high blood pressure, cut back on salt in your diet, exercise regularly, and quit smoking. Some people with type 2 diabetes may need to take medications to lower their blood pressure.

Cholesterol. This is a substance in your body with two components. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as bad cholesterol; it can build up in your arteries and contribute to heart disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is called the good cholesterol and has a protective effect on your arteries. Your doctor will perform a blood test once a year to check your cholesterol levels, though you may have it checked more often if your numbers are high, Sherr says.

A test result of less than 100 mg/dl of LDL cholesterol is ideal, while HDL cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women. Triglycerides, a type of blood fat that can increase your risk of heart disease, should be less than 150 mg/dl for both men and women. If your cholesterol levels are outside these ranges, you can improve them by losing excess weight, exercising, and eating a healthy diet that’s rich in fresh produce and low in fat.

BMI. Short for body mass index, this is a measure that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have. Since managing weight plays a role in controlling type 2 diabetes, a healthy BMI is important.

Your doctor will probably review your BMI annually, but you can also calculate it yourself by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, and then multiplying that number by 703. Online calculators are also available to do the math for you. A healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9 — anything over that is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 is considered obese.

However, the measurement may not be accurate for some people, such as those with a large amount of muscle. “The BMI score can sometimes be deceiving and not the best way to look at the health effects of someone’s weight,” says Fernando Ovalle, MD, an endocrinologist and professor of medicine at University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Medicine. In these cases, other measurements may be used, such as waist-to-hip ratio and abdominal circumference.

Microalbumin. This test measures the amount of protein, or albumin, in your urine, which helps your doctor know how well your kidneys are working. Your doctor should administer this test at least once a year.

The test compares the level of albumin with the level of creatinine, a waste product. Your albumin-to-creatinine ratio should be less than 30, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. To keep your microalbumin results within a healthy range, it’s important to keep your kidneys healthy. High blood pressure and high blood sugar can both damage your kidneys, so controlling those factors will go a long way toward preventing kidney problems — and many other health problems — in the future.

Food for Thought : April is National Pecan Month

The pecan is a concentrated source of energy . Pecans  are a natural , high quality source of protein and contain very few carbohydrates . Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins  and minerals , as well  as fiber . Pecans  have some  other health benefits  too . Pecans contain antioxidants  which means they may help reduce  your risk of heart disease , diabetes  and some forms of cancer . They can help lower  cholesterol  levels . Think outside  the pecan pie  when looking  for ways to enjoy pecans . Here are a few tips  to help you get more  pecans in your diet ;

Add Pecans to cooked hot cereals . Pecans are great in pancakes , waffles  and muffins  mixes .

Stir some pecans into your stir-fry . Roasted pecans are delicious  in tuna  and chicken salad . Sprinkle  pecans on casseroles  and vegetable dishes . 

Remember  that pecans can pack a powerful calorie punch . Make sure  you are practicing  good portion control .
                                                                  Creole Pecan Pie :

Makes 8 servings        Prep :35 minutes     Total :  4 hours  (includes making pastry and cooling pie)

Make pastry dough  or buy one  from the supermarket :

3/4 stick unsalted butter
1-1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2 cups pecan halves (1/2 pound)
Accompaniment: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

1 . Preheat oven to 350°F with a baking sheet on middle rack.
2 . Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 12-inch round and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim edge, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang. Fold overhang under and lightly press against rim of pie plate, then crimp decoratively. Lightly prick bottom all over with a fork. Chill until firm, at least 30 minutes (or freeze 10 minutes).
3 .Meanwhile, melt butter in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in corn syrup, vanilla, zest, and salt. Lightly beat eggs in a medium bowl, then whisk in corn syrup mixture.
4 . Put pecans in pie shell and pour corn syrup mixture evenly over them. Bake on hot baking sheet until filling is set, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Cool completely.
COOK'S’ TIP:
Pie can be baked 1 day ahead and chilled. Bring to room temperature before serving .

Mr. Humble  sitting in for Grand-poppa .
The Reno Rascals are having a great time  , expect them home  tomorrow .  I were informed  they  love chasing the ladies .  My first thought  were  , what the hell was they going to  do with the ladies  if they were luckily enough to catch them . Friends  and readers  they are  over 80 years old . 
My kids want to go to Seguin , Texas  to see the giant pecan .  Readers , it sure looks real .  
 See you next time . 

Ranch Style Chicken Mac and Cheese... Definition of comfort food

Ahhh, the comfort of mac and cheese. It's simple to make and fairly cheap. Serve this version of an old standby to your family, and it will quickly become a favorite. The kids are getting good carbs and they always love this recipe.

 Ingredients:

1/2 (16-oz.) package cellentani pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
1 (8-oz.) package Velveeta, cubed
3 cups chopped cooked chicken ( I just get rotisseried chicken pieces from the supermarket in advance...much easier ) 
1 (10 3/4-oz.) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream ( or sub. low fat cottage cheese ) 
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese


Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes and green chiles and prepared cheese product; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until cheese melts. Stir in chicken, next 4 ingredients, and hot cooked pasta until blended. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 10-inch cast-iron skillet or 11- x 7-inch baking dish; sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.

3. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly. I always serve a bit of garden salad with pasta. It makes the meal more colorful and gives the diner contrasting textures for their palate. Bon appetit !

Happy Birthday Aunt Jeannie

 Have  a happy birthday  , enjoy  all the good things  .We love you , hoping all your dreams  and wishes  come  true .

Jonny , Sha , Jenny , Man Carano

Chris , Sheryl , Bubba  Landrieu

Maxy sez : How to Manage the Emotional Toll of Type 2 Diabetes

Many people living with diabetes — including those who are managing it with great success — report that one of the toughest parts is that diabetes never takes a day off. And that means you can’t either. Living with type 2 diabetes every day can make you feel discouraged, angry, sad, stressed, or even depressed.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), studies show that people with diabetes have a greater risk of depression than people without diabetes. Depression is a serious and painful condition that can affect those you love as well as yourself. In addition, depression can interfere with effective diabetes self-care. 

Common Emotional Side Effects

Don’t want to talk about your diagnosis
Sleep disturbances
No longer taking care of yourself
Feel like diabetes is running your life
Losing interest in activities and hobbies
Withdrawal from family and friends
Sudden weight loss or gain
Trouble concentrating
Tired all the time
Thinking about dying or ways to hurt yourself
If you have three or more of these symptoms, or if you have just one or two but have been feeling bad for two weeks or more, it's time to get help. Check in with your care team or ask your local office of the ADA about counselors who have worked with people with diabetes.

Don’t give up on yourself — and don’t give up on your diabetes-care team. When the going gets rough, turn to trusted people in your life, such as your spouse, loved ones, and friends. Find a diabetes support group — (your certified diabetes educator (CDE) can help with this) — and find out how other people are handling these feelings.

Food for Thought : Money-saving tips to stretch the shelf life of your food

The average family throws out nearly 122 pounds of food per month and wastes $590 per year on food that eventually spoils. However, many common perishables remain safe way past their sell-by dates. From milk and eggs to produce, find out which storage tips will do the trick and try these tips to make food last longer. And for an easy reference you can keep on your fridge, download the Make Food Last Longer Guide.
Fresh Herbs :
DO : Wrap in paper towels to absorb moisture, and place in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer.
DON'T :DON'T: Refrigerate basil, which is damaged by the cold; stand it in water on a sunny windowsill.
EGGS :
DO: Store eggs in their original container on a refrigerator shelf. This will make them last for three to four weeks past the sell-by date.
DON"T: Store eggs on the door, where eggs are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.
LUNCH MEAT:
DO : Store meat in the meat compartment—it is specially designed to keep cool air in and can help meat last three to five days past the sell-by date.
DON'T :Forget to reseal the package.
TOMATOES:
DO : Store cherry and grape tomatoes in their original containers in the refrigerator. Ripen large varieties on the counter—cold temperatures halt color, flavor, and nutrient development. Once bright red, store them in the fridge.
DON'T: Place ripe tomatoes near vegetables, as they give off ethylene.
HARD CHEESE :Hard Cheese
DO : Wrap in moisture-proof plastic or foil. This will help it keep two to four months past the sell-by date.
DON'T: Throw it away at the first site of mold. If the outside of hard cheese has visible mold, trim DO:the mold and a half-inch area of cheese below it.
YOGURT:
DO:Store yogurt at around 39 degrees F, an appropriate temp for your fridge. This will help it keep 10 to 14 days past its sell-by date.
DON'T:Be deterred by separation—simply stir and enjoy.
MILK:
DO: Hit the dairy aisle right before checking out to minimize the amount of time milk is left unrefrigerated, and store it on a shelf pushed far back, where the air is coldest.
DON'T: Store it closer to or on the door; the air tends to be warmer there.
ALLIUMS:(onions, shallots, garlic)
DO: Store in a warm, dry place like your counter top.
DON'T:Place them near ripening fruits; alliums contain strong sulfur compounds, which taint other produce when kept in close vicinity. Also, don’t store them in the fridge—exposing them to cold and moisture will initiate rotting and rooting.
WATERMELON:
DO:Ripen on your counter top for about a week, which nearly doubles the melon’s lycopene and beta-carotene levels, according to a USDA study. Pop it in the fridge a day before eating.
DON'T:Store it near other fruits. Watermelon is easily damaged by ethylene, a gas released by fruits that speeds up deterioration. (Ever wonder which is the healthiest summer fruit, strawberries or watermelon? Click here to find out.)
MUSHROOMS:
DO: Place unwashed mushrooms in a paper bag in your refrigerator. Keeping them cold and dry disfavors bacterial growth and the paper bag protects against dehydration.
DON'T: Wash prior to storage.
STONE FRUITS:(nectarines, cherries, plums, peaches)
DO: Ripen on the counter and transfer to the refrigerator. To prolong the life of stone fruits, remove their pits and boil the fruits in simple syrup for a few minutes, cool, and store in an airtight container in the freezer.
DON'T:DON'T: Refrigerate these fruits while they’re still firm or they’ll never ripen.
GRAPES:
DO:Store in their original ventilated plastic bag, remove bruised or damaged fruit, and wrap with paper towel to absorb excess moisture that promotes mold growth.
DON'T:Wash until right before eating; doing so in advance encourages mold development.
LEAFY GREENS:
DO:Pat them dry before storing, as excess moisture contributes to decay. Wrap in paper towels, place in a plastic bag, and store in the crisper.
DON'T: Keep them in close proximity to ethylene-producing fruits like tomatoes.
BERRIES:
DO:DO: Store in their original clam shell containers, which increase ventilation. Remove bruised or moldy berries from the batch; they’ll speed up decay among the rest.
DON'T:Wash berries prior to storage for the same reason as grapes.
APPLES:
DO:Store in plastic bags in the refrigerator crisper to lock in moisture. Puréed apples mixed with sugar keep well in the freezer, as do slices of apple that have been sprinkled with lemon juice to prevent browning.
DON'T: Store near vegetables, which can be damaged easily by the ethylene the apples produce.
POTATOES:
DO:Keep baking potatoes like Yukon Golds or Russets in a cool, dark place and store smaller varieties like red potatoes in the fridge.
DON'T:Store baking potatoes near direct sunlight, which stimulates the growth of a toxin that can be dangerous in large amounts. Also keep smaller-size potatoes away from apples and pears, which will take on the tuber’s earthy flavor.
ASPARAGUS:
DO:Refrigerate them upright with the bottoms wrapped in a damp paper towel and a plastic bag loosely covering them.
DON'T:Submerge these green sprigs in water; this method actually increases bacteria growth, hastening decay. 
CARROTS:
DO: Remove leafy tops to prolong storage. Peeled baby carrots can go anywhere in the fridge, but larger carrots with skins are much more sensitive to ethylene.

DON'T:Store large carrots next to fruit—after a week or two they’ll become bitter and nearly inedible due to the ethylene from the fruits.










Mr. Humble sitting in for grand-poppa . Poppa ,Harvey and Larry going to Reno to visit  their  friend  it's a trip they take  together each year , Poppa and friends are leaving  Wednesday night  , their  driver is very dependent  . Poppa asked  Mac to stop at the corner  , there  are  three ladies  waiting to go with them . Mac informed me  , I smile , told Mac to keep driving those old men wouldn't last  to the Texas state line and it's only 50 miles away , maybe less . Those guys  are  over  80 years-old . Their friendship have last over  60 years .

Beaver Tail Fried Bread---- you can't eat just one

Called a "beaver tail" or an "elephant ear" by Canadians, this flattened fried dough is brushed with butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar . This recipe was given to me  by a  friend  from Cambridge , Canada  . It's  simple  and deliciously  good . 
Makes 8
For the dough:

1/4 cup warm water
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup warm whole milk
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 egg
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
Oil, for deep frying
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Topping:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar

1 .  3/4 teaspoon cinnamon .
2 .  In a large mixing bowl, add water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. If your yeast does not foam, start again (the water could be too hot or yeast could be expired). 
3 .  Stir in whole milk, salt, vanilla, egg, and oil. Mix until ingredients are well incorporated. Add flours one cup at a time and mix until a dough begins to form. 
4 .  Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, adding flour as needed until the dough is no longer wet and sticky. 
5 .  Form into a ball and let rise in a covered, greased bowl for 1 hour, or until dough as doubled in size. Once dough has risen, heat your oil to 350 to 375° F in a pot or frying pan that is high enough to allow the oil to be 2 inches deep. 
6 .  Meanwhile, place the melted butter in a bowl near the fryer. Mix together the cinnamon and the sugar and place in a bowl nearby. Cut dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball. 
7 .  Roll out dough to into a flat oval shape that is between 1/2 to 1 centimeter thick. (The dough will puff up once it hits the fryer.) 8 .  Fry dough for 1 minute on each side, until golden brown, then transfer to a paper towel to drain excess oil. Brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat frying the ovals, one at a time, until you have used up all your dough. 
TIP :
Close your eyes, pretend you are surrounded by ferris wheels and carnival games and take a bite into summer.

Heart Healthy

Mushroom-Sage - Chicken Casserole

Total time: 1 Hour, 40 Minutes                 Makes 6 servings

1/2      cup butter, divided
6         skinned and boned chicken breasts
3         shallots, chopped
2         garlic cloves, minced
1         pound assorted fresh mushrooms, coarsely chopped
1/4     cup sherry
3        tablespoons all-purpose flour
2        (14-oz.) cans chicken broth
1        (6-oz.) package long-grain and wild rice mix
1/2     cup grated Parmesan cheese
2        tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1        tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1/2     teaspoon salt
1/2     teaspoon pepper
1/2     cup sliced toasted almonds
Garnish: fresh sage leaves

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Melt 1 tablespoon. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add half of chicken, and cook 3 minutes or until browned; turn and cook 1 minute. Transfer to a plate. (Chicken will not be cooked completely.) Repeat procedure with 1 tablespoon butter and remaining chicken. Wipe skillet clean.

2. Melt 2 tablespoons  butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots, and sauté 3 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring often, 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in sherry, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute.

3. Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, and add rice (reserve flavor packet for another use), next 5 ingredients, and shallot mixture. Spoon into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish or disposable foil pan. Top with chicken.

4. Bake at 375° for 30 to 35 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of chicken registers 165°. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with almonds.

TIP :
Let this dish stand a few minutes after baking so the rice will absorb the liquid, yielding a creamy texture.

Heart Healthy

Maxy sez : Morning to Night Diabetes Management

 By Dennis Thompson, Jr. Reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH

Good diabetes management depends on following a routine that runs throughout your day — from the time you get up until your head hits the pillow again at night. That's because blood sugar levels are in constant flux during the day. They rise after meals and taper off during physical activity. The key to successfully managing type 2 diabetes and its symptoms is to keep your blood sugar levels as stable as possible. That's where a routine comes into play. Here are diabetes management tips to help cover every part of your day:
In the Morning :
Check your blood sugar. If you have type 2 diabetes, you should check your blood sugar level every morning before you eat anything, says Marjorie Cypress, CDE, president of health care and education at the American Diabetes Association. This gives you a good baseline idea where you stand and allows you to make adjustments throughout the day.

Eat breakfast. If you skip breakfast, you're already starting your day on the wrong foot. "Many people tend to skip breakfast, and it's one of the most important meals of the day," Cypress says. "You skip breakfast and you get hungrier and hungrier, and that's one of the reasons people tend to overeat later in the day." Eating regular meals will help keep your blood sugar levels steady, but skipping meals and then binging will cause spikes.

Give your feet a once-over. Diabetes can cause your feet to lose feeling because of nerve damage. In extreme cases, a person with diabetes can end up having to have a foot amputated if an unnoticed cut becomes severely infected. Check your feet for any sores or cuts each morning. Also check your shoes before putting them on to make sure there's nothing in your shoe that could cause a sore. You might want to check your feet at bedtime, too.
In the Afternoon : 
Take a lunch break. Don't eat lunch at your desk — that's a sure way to rush and feel stressed. Instead, sit down somewhere else and eat, then take a short walk afterward. Plan a healthy lunch ahead of time or you might resort to unhealthy fast food. You get a triple-win against diabetes with a lunch break: The regular meal and the exercise help keep your blood sugar level stable, and you can release some pressure from work.

Have healthy snacks on hand. Afternoon snacking is a good way to set yourself up for healthy eating once you're home. "Most people like to snack in the afternoon, and I think that's important because you don't want to get home and start grabbing anything because you're so hungry," Cypress says. By having a sensible snack, you can help keep your blood sugar steady by avoiding a binge later on.

Get a little extra activity. Physical activity is crucial to blood sugar control. When you're active, your cells burn blood sugar through a process that doesn’t rely on insulin. Activity also lets your body use insulin more efficiently. Take the stairs instead of an elevator. Get up from your desk and go talk to co-workers instead of emailing them. Experts recommend getting 30 minutes of physical activity each day, but it doesn't have to be all at once, says Don Kain, a certified diabetes educator with Oregon Health & Science University. Every time you get up and move around, you're adding to your 30-minute total. If you're worn out from work, he says, try to fit in a short walk in the late afternoon.
In the Evening :
Eat a sensible dinner. Don't overeat at dinnertime. Eat a meal that's about the same size as what you ate for breakfast and lunch. The actual amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables you should eat will depend on the meal plan that's best for you. As with earlier in the day, maintaining a steady intake of food will make you less vulnerable to blood sugar spikes, especially if you're eating healthy foods.

Work out while you watch TV. Keep moving even as you veg out in front of the tube. Do sit-ups or push-ups during commercials, or march in place. Lift light weights during the show. Even physical activity that’s not aerobic can still aid in your body's ability to use insulin efficiently and maintain stable blood sugar. "Contracting your muscles can help regulate your blood sugar," Cypress says.
At Bedtime :
Check your blood sugar again. Here's where you see how your diabetes management routine pays off. "Checking your blood sugar at bedtime gives you a good idea what happened during the day," Cypress says.

Brush and floss your teeth. Brush in the morning and at night, and floss every night. "People with diabetes are at increased risk for periodontal disease and general dental problems," Kain says.

Apply some lotion. Keep your skin moisturized to prevent peeling, cracking, and developing sores that can be symptoms of diabetes. Apply lotion every night before bed.





Happy Birthday Little Sister

  Sister Stands For :

'S'  stands for sincerity , that your world is filled with ,

'I'  stands for innocence ,

of your mind that makes you  so rich .

'S'  stands for strong , that describes your heart best ,

'T'  stand for talented ,

That makes you stand out from the  rest .

'E'  stands for encouraging , just the way  you always do , 

'R'  stands for rare , and our dearest sister  that's true .

Happy  Birthday to you !

Jonny , Sha , Man Carano 

We love you  very much 

Lots of love and birthday wishes

 Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Brian

Food for Thought : The History of The Twinkie

      1933 - Twinkies were introduced by The Continental Baking Company in Indianapolis, which also made "Wonder Bread" and had a snack line your probably familiar with called Hostess. One of their bakers named James A. Dewar got the idea for the "Twinkie" while he delivered one of their products, a cream filled strawberry shortcake. The machines to make these sat idle when the strawberry season was over so he came up with an idea to use them to make a snack cake filled with a banana filling, and only charge a nickel for a package of 2. It was good idea as money was tight for people during the great depression.

     
     Dewar came up with this name when driving by a billboard that had an ad for shoes from the "Twinkle Toe Shoe Company". He shortened the name to ....Twinkies....

1940's
      Just like the song went "Yes We Have No Banana's " popular during the WWII because bananas were rationed, Hostess had to come up with a different filling.
     They switched to vanilla creme and it was popular so they never changed back.

1950
      The Twinkie rose to popularity in the '50's in great part due to Hostess sponsoring the Howdy Doody show, featuring the twinkie.
      During the 60's when there were huge fears of a nuclear attack, Many bomb shelters were built. Twinkees were one of the most popular items to have because it was said that they "stay fresh forever".
      It has become an American Icon, even president Clinton put one in a time capsule.

They remain as Hostess best selling snack cake producing half a billion a year!
                                     Golden Pound Cake Twinkles

Recipe by:  Mamie  Landrieu :
 "These are little cakes made from a golden pound cake recipe that is very simple and always turns out great. You can add chocolate chips or whatever you want to the batter."
Prep :45 minutes       Cook  :20 minutes     Ready In: 2 hours   

1          teaspoon vanilla extract 
3          cups all-purpose flour 
1          teaspoon baking powder 
1/4       teaspoon salt 
1          cup milk 
1/4       teaspoon salt 
2          teaspoons hot water 
1         (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme 
1/2      cup vegetable shortening 
1/3      cup confectioners' sugar 
1         teaspoon vanilla extract 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 
1 .   Grease 2 12-cup ladyfinger cake pans or canoe pans.
2 .   Cream butter and white sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy; mix in eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a separate bowl; gradually mix flour mixture into butter mixture, a little at a time, alternating with milk to make a smooth batter. Spoon batter into prepared cake pans.
3 .   Bake in the preheated oven until the snack cakes are golden brown and set in the middle, about 20 minutes. Let snack cakes cool about 10 minutes before turning out to finish cooling on wire racks.
4 .    Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of salt in hot water in a small bowl and set aside. Mix marshmallow creme, vegetable shortening, confectioners' sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on high until filling is fluffy. Beat the salt solution into the filling. Pipe filling into cooled snack cakes.
Cook's Tips:
You can add 1/2 bag of mini chocolate chips to batter if you like. If you add chocolate chips, bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
For chocolate filling variation, melt down 2 squares of non-sweetened baker's chocolate and add to the cream filling. 

A proud grand-poppa                    G .



Maxy sez : 6 Ways to Prevent Low Blood Sugar at Night

By Jennifer Warner Reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH

Nighttime dips in blood sugar levels are common among people with diabetes. Authors of a 2013 study published in the journal Quality of Life Research noted that people with diabetes — type 1 or type 2 — experience low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while sleeping more frequently than many doctors realize.

Nighttime hypoglycemia can be caused by a number of different factors, from exercising too close to bedtime to drinking alcohol in the evening. If untreated, low overnight blood sugar levels can lead to headaches and loss of sleep — and in extreme cases, seizures or even death. The good news is that preventing low blood sugar while you sleep can be achieved with a few simple steps:

1. Check your blood sugar before bed. “For everybody with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it’s absolutely critical that they check their blood sugar before going to bed to make sure they’re not going to have an episode of low blood sugar during the night,” says Helena W. Rodbard, MD, medical director of Endocrine and Metabolic Consultants, a private practice in Rockville, Maryland, and past president of the American College of Endocrinology.

If your blood sugar levels are low at bedtime, eat a healthy snack before going to sleep. The size of the snack should be in proportion to the dip in blood sugar. For instance, a small drop in blood sugar requires only a small snack. If you use an insulin pump, consider reducing the active dose of insulin.

2. Know the signs of low overnight blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycemia usually develop when blood sugar levels drop below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). They include shakiness, sweating, confusion, erratic behavior, headache, and lightheadedness. With nighttime hypoglycemia, you may wake up with these symptoms or with a higher blood sugar reading that results from the body’s response to an overnight low. However, some people experience what’s referred to as “hypoglycemia unawareness,” which means that they don’t feel the symptoms of low blood sugar.

Talk with your doctor about ways to recognize nighttime hypoglycemia, especially if you think you may have difficulty detecting it. “It’s a dangerous condition because people can’t tell when their blood sugar has dropped, since they may not have symptoms,” Dr. Rodbard says. “The body can get desensitized to it.” People with hypoglycemia unawareness are also less likely to wake up as a result of nighttime dips in their blood sugar.

3. Don’t skip dinner. Skipping dinner or having only a light supper is one of the most common causes of nighttime dips in blood sugar, Rodbard says. Eat a healthy, well-balanced dinner every night and pay attention to portion sizes.

4. Avoid excessive exercise late at night. Regular exercise is recommended, but strenuous exercise right before bedtime isn’t because it can cause blood glucose to drop overnight. This means you should avoid exercising within two hours of bedtime. If your blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dl at bedtime after exercise, double your regular bedtime snack to prevent an unwanted dip while you sleep.

5. Limit alcohol at night. Alcohol consumption can also increase the risk for nighttime hypoglycemia. In general, drink only in moderation — no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men — but don't wait to indulge with a before-bed nightcap. If you do have a drink in the evening, enjoying it with food can minimize the chance of low blood sugar while you sleep.

6. Be prepared. If you frequently wake up with symptoms of low blood sugar, have something available at your bedside, such as a soda or some juice, so you can react immediately without getting out of bed to treat it.


If low blood sugar at night is a common problem for you, talk to your doctor about changing your diabetes treatment plan to better control your nighttime glucose levels.