National Diabetes Month

Did you know that November is National Diabetes Month?  It is important to understand the causes and risks that either influences or causes diabetes.  Diabetes is a condition where the body does not make enough insulin or it does not use insulin well and can be a factor to many other health problems, such as eye, nerve, kidney, and more complications with the body.  It can either be type 1 (body does not produce insulin, usually genetic) or type 2 (higher blood glucose levels, usually rises higher than normal) diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes can usually be prevented by proper nutrition and exercise.

About 29 million people in the U.S. have diabetes.  It is treatable in many ways, either through insulin pumps, injections, diet, physical activity, and much more.  To learn more about this condition please visit National Diabetes Education Program. 

Ways that type 2 diabetes can be prevented are:

• Choose healthy food options that are usually high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Exercise for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day such as fast-paced walks, jogging, biking, and more.

• Stay at a healthy weight, if you are overweight, focus on losing weight to reduce risks and if you are at a healthy weight focus on maintaining weight.

With trying to stay healthy through the holidays it may be hard, but here is a diabetic friendly meal that is healthy and gluten free!  Here is a hearty baked chicken meal:

• 4 Chicken Breasts

• 4 Cloves of Garlic

• 1 lb. Green Beans (trimmed)

• 2 Lemons (thinly sliced)

• 8 Red Potatoes (small & quarted)

• 1 Tsp Black Pepper, Freshly Ground

• 1 Tsp Kosher Salt

• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

Directions:

• Set oven to 450 degrees F.  Coat large baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.  Arrange lemon slices in single layer in the bottom of the dish.

• Combine any remain oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.  Add the green beans and toss to coat.  Using a spoon or tongs, remove green beans and arrange lemon slices on top.  Add the potatoes to the same olive-oil mixture and toss to coat.  Using a slotted spoon or tongs, arrange the potatoes along the inside edge of the dish or skillet on top of the green beans.  Place the chicken in the bowl with the olive-oil mixture and coat thoroughly.  Place the chicken, skin-side up, in the dish or skillet.  Pour any of the remaining olive-oil mixture over chicken.

• Roast for 50 minutes.  Remove the chicken from the dish and place the beans and potatoes back in the oven for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

• Enjoy!