Everything you need to know about HbA1c
Hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c, A1c… You have probably heard these letters and numbers before. However, what do they actually mean? What is an HbA1c test? What is a “normal” HbA1c level? What can you do to lower your HbA1c? These are great questions. Well, we’ve put together everything you need to know about HbA1c here. What is the HbA1c test? Hemoglobin is the part of your blood that carries oxygen. It’s what gives your blood its red color. When glucose is processed by your body and enters your bloodstream, a small amount of it...
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Handy Guide to Portion Control
Many people living with diabetes learn how to count carbohydrates in order to manage their blood sugar, and others are asked to watch their weight. But one of the easiest ways to miscount carbs or calories is by underestimating portion sizes, so here are a few handy tips. Measure now, feel good later Using a food scale and measuring cups can save you a lot of worry. This way, you'll know that you had a half-cup of brown rice with 22 carbs and 100 calories1, instead of "about" that much and "20-ish carbs...
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Reconciling Gluten Intolerance And Diabetes
An estimated 1% of the general population live with celiac disease. And there is a significantly higher prevalence of the disease in people living with type 1 diabetes. For those people who have two autoimmune diseases, gluten-free eating is anything but a fad. What is gluten, exactly? Contrary to what the recent dietary trend would have you believe, gluten is not bad itself. This protein, present in wheat, rye, triticale and barley, helps bind bread and other baked goods, which is why it’s found in many processed foods....
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Colourful, Flavourful, Wonderful
Do you find your lunchbox uninspiring? Are you fed up with the sad ham, cheese and lettuce sandwich and its carroty escort? Here are some tips to put a bit of delight back in your little airtights. Basically Save yourself some stress in the morning by preparing your lunch the day before, at the same time as dinner or right afterwards. For example, you can set aside an extra serving of your evening meal to have for lunch the next day. That way, you’ll be less tempted to resort to the quick fixes of store-bought meals or fast food restaurants!...
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Cholesterol: What Is It Good For?
It’s a fact that diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Adding high cholesterol into the mix can result in quite a threat hanging over your head. But you should know that not all fats are created equal—and that some are even good for you. Here’s a quick overview. What it actually is Cholesterol refers to a group of lipids (fats) called lipoproteins that are both produced by your body and found in your diet. They play an important role in keeping various body functions running smoothly, especially hormones and digestion...
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Can there truly be a "healthy chocolate cake?" We think so.
With diabetes, there's nothing you can't eat. It's all about moderation. Still, if you can reduce the fat while boosting the nutrients in a food without noticing the difference—or even improving on the result—that's a huge win. In this recipe, believe it or not (believe it!), beets add moisture without extra fat, and no one will be the wiser. It's so good, it doesn't even need icing! Chocolate Beet Cake Ingredients (serves 16) 3-4 medium beets 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped 1 cup vegetable oil, divided 3 large eggs 1 3/4 cups sugar 2 tsp...
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To The Great Outdoors!
What better way to enjoy nice weather than by having a picnic? With a bit of planning, you can have all the fun you want while properly managing your blood glucose. Summertime, and the playin’ is easy Your outing can combine good food and physical activity! If you’re out with friends, bring out your frisbee or your old hacky sack. Have you still got it since high school? Going out as a family, you can play ball with the kids! Remember to always protect your skin from the sun. Crunchy foods, dipping foods Bring an assortment of raw...
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Celebrating With Joy… And Moderation!
Thinking about Thanksgiving—which, in Canada, is celebrated on the second Monday of October—and autumn in general never fails to conjure up plenty of images: the last leaves, children’s red noses, a piping-hot cup of tea, a comfy blanket left on the sofa, a roaring fireplace. And above all, a huge meal with relatives and friends! But let’s be honest: that meal doesn’t always include healthy options and ideal foods for those living with diabetes. There’s no lack of images for that, too: the huge turkey with its roasted skin and overflowing stuffing, potatoes drowning in butter, the uncle who falls asleep on the couch having drunk...
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Dress up your Victoria Day menu
Salmon fillets on the grill may sound fancy, but it's as easy as grilling burgers (if not easier). These thick, meaty filets pair beautifully with fresh spring produce, so replace the arugula with any bright, fresh salad you like. If you're new to grilling fish, wrap fillets in foil or place them on a well-soaked cedar plank. Use your preferred seasoning on the fish. It's up to you—there are many ways to get this right! Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Ingredients (serves 4) 4 salmon filets, skin removed, about 150g each Salt and pepper Vegetable oil, for grill...
Read MorePages
Handy Guide to Portion Control
Many people living with diabetes learn how to count carbohydrates in order to manage their blood sugar, and others are asked to watch their weight. But one of the easiest ways to miscount carbs or calories is by underestimating portion sizes, so here are a few handy tips. Measure now, feel good later Using a food scale and measuring cups can save you a lot of worry. This way, you'll know that you had a half-cup of brown rice with 22 carbs and 100 calories1, instead of "about" that much and "20-ish carbs...
Read More Reconciling Gluten Intolerance And Diabetes
An estimated 1% of the general population live with celiac disease. And there is a significantly higher prevalence of the disease in people living with type 1 diabetes. For those people who have two autoimmune diseases, gluten-free eating is anything but a fad. What is gluten, exactly? Contrary to what the recent dietary trend would have you believe, gluten is not bad itself. This protein, present in wheat, rye, triticale and barley, helps bind bread and other baked goods, which is why it’s found in many processed foods....
Read More Colourful, Flavourful, Wonderful
Do you find your lunchbox uninspiring? Are you fed up with the sad ham, cheese and lettuce sandwich and its carroty escort? Here are some tips to put a bit of delight back in your little airtights. Basically Save yourself some stress in the morning by preparing your lunch the day before, at the same time as dinner or right afterwards. For example, you can set aside an extra serving of your evening meal to have for lunch the next day. That way, you’ll be less tempted to resort to the quick fixes of store-bought meals or fast food restaurants!...
Read More Cholesterol: What Is It Good For?
It’s a fact that diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Adding high cholesterol into the mix can result in quite a threat hanging over your head. But you should know that not all fats are created equal—and that some are even good for you. Here’s a quick overview. What it actually is Cholesterol refers to a group of lipids (fats) called lipoproteins that are both produced by your body and found in your diet. They play an important role in keeping various body functions running smoothly, especially hormones and digestion...
Read More Can there truly be a "healthy chocolate cake?" We think so.
With diabetes, there's nothing you can't eat. It's all about moderation. Still, if you can reduce the fat while boosting the nutrients in a food without noticing the difference—or even improving on the result—that's a huge win. In this recipe, believe it or not (believe it!), beets add moisture without extra fat, and no one will be the wiser. It's so good, it doesn't even need icing! Chocolate Beet Cake Ingredients (serves 16) 3-4 medium beets 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped 1 cup vegetable oil, divided 3 large eggs 1 3/4 cups sugar 2 tsp...
Read More To The Great Outdoors!
What better way to enjoy nice weather than by having a picnic? With a bit of planning, you can have all the fun you want while properly managing your blood glucose. Summertime, and the playin’ is easy Your outing can combine good food and physical activity! If you’re out with friends, bring out your frisbee or your old hacky sack. Have you still got it since high school? Going out as a family, you can play ball with the kids! Remember to always protect your skin from the sun. Crunchy foods, dipping foods Bring an assortment of raw...
Read More Celebrating With Joy… And Moderation!
Thinking about Thanksgiving—which, in Canada, is celebrated on the second Monday of October—and autumn in general never fails to conjure up plenty of images: the last leaves, children’s red noses, a piping-hot cup of tea, a comfy blanket left on the sofa, a roaring fireplace. And above all, a huge meal with relatives and friends! But let’s be honest: that meal doesn’t always include healthy options and ideal foods for those living with diabetes. There’s no lack of images for that, too: the huge turkey with its roasted skin and overflowing stuffing, potatoes drowning in butter, the uncle who falls asleep on the couch having drunk...
Read More Dress up your Victoria Day menu
Salmon fillets on the grill may sound fancy, but it's as easy as grilling burgers (if not easier). These thick, meaty filets pair beautifully with fresh spring produce, so replace the arugula with any bright, fresh salad you like. If you're new to grilling fish, wrap fillets in foil or place them on a well-soaked cedar plank. Use your preferred seasoning on the fish. It's up to you—there are many ways to get this right! Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Ingredients (serves 4) 4 salmon filets, skin removed, about 150g each Salt and pepper Vegetable oil, for grill...
Read More