Preparing for Difficult Days With Faith and Wisdom Sometimes emotions feel like riding a seesaw. There are moments when life feels balanced. We feel calm, strong, and able to think clearly. During those times, making good choices often feels easier. Then there are other moments when life shifts quickly. Stress rises. Fatigue sets in. Emotions feel heavy. The balance changes, and suddenly even simple decisions feel much harder. I think most of us know what that feels like. In

There was a time in my life when food became comfort. Not nourishment. Not fuel. Comfort. When I was depressed, overwhelmed, grieving, or emotionally and physically exhausted, food often became something I leaned on. Food felt easy. Food asked nothing from me. I didn’t have to talk to it. I didn’t have to explain myself. I didn’t have to tell it why I was hurting, exhausted, overwhelmed, or sad. For a moment, food felt like comfort. It felt like relief.

Many people living with diabetes also live with high blood pressure. In fact, these two conditions often go hand in hand. When blood sugars stay elevated over time, the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and nerves can all be affected. This is one reason why managing diabetes is about much more than simply watching glucose numbers. One thing I have seen over many years of nursing is that when people begin moving toward a more natural low-carb lifestyle, many start seeing improvem

This is such a simple, one pot meal with so much flavor. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. INGREDIENTS 3 Sea Bass fillets with skin 3 Tablespoons butter (or Margarine for lactose free) 3 Tablespoons garlic powder 3 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese (Nutritional Yeast for lactose free) 3 green onions (golf ball sized) 1 package of Savory Garlic riced Cauliflower 1 Teaspoon olive oil Heat oven to 400 degrees DIRECTIONS Put 1 teaspoon olive oil in cast iron pa and spread around on

One pot, 30-minute meal (includes marinating time) INGREDIENTS 6 boneless chicken thighs 1 Teaspoon fine salt 1 Teaspoon ground cumin 1 Teaspoon granulated brown sweetener (coconut sugar) 1/2 Teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 Teaspoon dried oregano 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar (I used garlic red wine vinegar) 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1/2 small onion, sliced SAUCE INGREDIENTS 1 Cup coconut cream 1/4 Cup Dijon mustard 2 Tablespoons coconut aminos (I used soy aminos) Minced Mint

I wanted to create a side dish that was a little different from the usual low-carb choices like riced cauliflower or salad. While those options certainly have their place, sometimes we all want something warm, hearty, and satisfying that still supports healthier blood sugar goals. Combining chayote and edamame created a dish with great texture, good fiber, and added protein while keeping carbohydrates lower than many traditional side dishes. Chayote, also known as vegetable p

Many people with diabetes have stomach problems such as bloating, gas, cramping, nausea, or diarrhea. Their first thought is often, “It must be my diabetes.” Sometimes diabetes can affect digestion, but diabetes is not always the reason. Sometimes the problem may be: • Lactose intolerance • Medication side effects • Another medical condition Lactose intolerance happens when your body does not make enough of the enzyme needed to break down lactose, which is the natural sugar f

I have been seeing many posts lately sharing studies that claim this medication or that supplement is the best way to manage diabetes—as if everyone should fit into one singular mold. After many years in nursing, I can tell you with confidence that healthcare simply does not work that way. I have never seen a medication, treatment plan, or dietary approach that is truly “one size fits all.” Yes, research matters. Studies matter. Medical advancements matter. But we also need

If you are living with diabetes—whether Type 1 or Type 2—you have probably heard a lot of advice from family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. Some of it may come from a place of love. Some of it may come across as criticism. "Get your life together." "You need to change your diet." "Why did you let this happen?" While those words may be painful to hear, I want you to consider something. The people saying these things are often afraid too. They may be worried about you

One of the most common questions people with diabetes ask during a hospital stay is, "If I have diabetes, why am I being served so many carbohydrates?" Many hospitalized patients receive a consultation with a Registered Dietitian. The dietitian's role is to assess nutritional needs and help create a meal plan that supports healing, recovery, and overall health. In many hospitals, this results in a "consistent carbohydrate" meal plan rather than a low-carbohydrate meal plan. A

This sauce goes beautifully with the Enchilada recipe I've posted. INGREDIENTS 3 Cups of unsalted chicken broth (I used better than Boullion) 3 Tablespoons tomato paste 1 Bay leaf 2 Teaspoon ground cumin 1 Teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 Teaspoon salt 1/2 Teaspoon granulated garlic (I used garlic powder) 1/2 Teaspoon onion powder 1/2 Teaspoon Stevia 1/4 Teaspoon Chipotle Chili powder (I used regular chili powder) 1/4 Teaspoon Instant coffee powder 1/16 Teaspoon ground cloves 1/16

I love enchiladas but the tortillas have way too many carbs for me. This was one of the first recipes that I learned to make from scratch...except for the low carb tortillas. INGREDIENTS 10 Low carb tortillas (I used Mission brand) 16 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese 16 ounces of shredded chicken breast (I used a rotisserie chicken to save time) 1/2 bunch of green onions sliced (optional) Chopped cilantro for garnish *Easy Low Carb Enchilada Sauce (1 full recipe) DIRECTIONS

When many people are first diagnosed with diabetes, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is, "Why me?" Whether you are diagnosed as a child, a teenager, a young adult, or later in life, hearing the words "You have diabetes" can be overwhelming. Suddenly there are new medications, blood sugar checks, doctor appointments, meal planning, and concerns about the future. It can feel as though your body has changed overnight. The truth is that diabetes affects everyone a lit

One of the most common questions people with diabetes ask is, "What is neuropathy?" In simple terms, neuropathy is nerve damage. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the small nerves throughout the body, especially in the feet and legs. Think of nerves as the body's electrical wiring. When those wires become damaged, messages between your brain and different parts of your body may not travel correctly. The good news is that not everyone with diabetes develops neuropa

As temperatures rise, many people with diabetes notice that their blood sugars seem higher than usual. They may be eating the same foods, taking their medications as prescribed, and following their usual routines. So what changed? One possible culprit is dehydration. When the weather is hot, your body loses more fluid through sweating. If those fluids are not replaced, the amount of glucose in your bloodstream becomes more concentrated, which can lead to higher blood sugar re

Having just made some Cole slaw and cut up more cabbage to ferment for Sauer kraut, I looked and saw how much more cabbage I had left over. I had the option of giving it to the chickens (they love cabbage) or making a side dish to go with the stuffed peppers I had just prepared to put in the oven. This is the recipe I decided to go with. Serves 4-6 Ingredients 1 small head cabbage, shredded (I used a 1.5-pound cabbage) 1 can Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, und

When most people think about diabetes, they think about blood sugar numbers, medications, doctor visits, and food choices. While these things are important, there is another side of diabetes that often remains hidden—the emotional and spiritual burden that many people carry every day. For some, diabetes begins with fear. Fear of complications. Fear of insulin. Fear of losing eyesight. Fear of kidney disease. Fear of amputation. Fear of becoming a burden to loved ones. Fear of

I hope you found the Chia seed information on a previous page good food for your brain. Now let's get some good food for your body. INGREDIENTS 1/4 Cup cacao powder 3-5 Tablespoons maple syrup 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon (optional) 1 pinch of salt 1/2 Teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 Cups unsweetened almond milk (we make our own) or you can use light coconut milk for creamy texture 1/2 Cup chia seeds (I grind the chia seeds for better absorption) DIRECTIONS In a small mixing bowl a

One of the most frustrating things about living with diabetes is seeing a high blood sugar reading when you've been trying so hard to do everything correctly. You've watched what you eat. You've taken your medication. You've avoided desserts. Yet the meter still flashes a number that leaves you wondering, "What did I do wrong?" The truth is, blood sugar is affected by much more than food alone. Sometimes the reason for a high reading has nothing to do with a lack of effort or

If you've ever seen tiny black seeds sprinkled into yogurt, smoothies, or oatmeal, you've probably seen chia seeds. Although small, these seeds are packed with nutrition and have been valued as a food source for thousands of years. What Are Chia Seeds? Chia seeds come from the plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. The plant is native to parts of Mexico and Central America. Long before chia seeds became popular in health food stores, they were an important food