New Focus of this Blog: Diabetes Self-Management Tips

Spring is here and that means warmer weather, spending more time outdoors and change.

As a healthcare journalist and RN, my passion is to help others lead a healthy lifestyle and achieve improved wellness.

Several years ago, while pursuing my Master of Science in Nursing degree, my field work and studies lead me to another nursing specialty…that of a diabetes nurse educator.

Diabetes nurse educators provide strategies and education to people living with diabetes so they can achieve improved blood glucose control. 

With better glucose control, it increases the likelihood of preventing and/or delaying the risk of developing complications from diabetes.

So, I just changed the title of this blog to reflect its new focus on diabetes self-management tips. 

While these tips are evidenced-based and work for many, they are for informational purposes only. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for any questions or concerns about managing your diabetes and any health condition you may have.

Until my next posting, make time for exercise, healthy eating (watch those portion sizes), getting quality sleep and safely enjoy the warmer weather :-)

Easy Black Bean Taco Recipe

Tacos anyone? If you’re looking for a heart healthy and quick meal, look no further than these black bean tacos. In addition to the black beans, these tasty wraps are also made with low fat cheese, romaine lettuce, green onions, tomatoes, and salsa. 

And if you have diabetes or prediabetes and trying to eat a diabetes diet, the protein and fiber in these black bean tacos help reduce the blood glucose spike from the flour tortillas. 

Black beans are packed with fiber and also contain protein, folate, magnesium and iron. By using reduced fat cheese, you’ll eat less saturated fat, so it’s more heart heathy than if you ate regular (full fat) cheese. Cheese also provides you with protein and calcium.

The veggie toppings add fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as Vitamin C, lycopene, and potassium which are in tomatoes.

Ingredients

• One 15 ounce can of organic black beans

• 4- 6 small flour tortillas 

• Shredded reduced fat mozzarella cheese (one half cup)

• Romaine Lettuce: 4 to 6 rinsed and dried large leaves (cut up or whole – your choice)

• Tomatoes (one half cup chopped)

• Green onions (scallions): 2 to 4, chopped in small pieces.

• Salsa of your choice and to taste.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder to taste.

Directions:

• Warm the tortillas (as per the package directions). Place on a serving platter once cooked.

• Warm the black beans as per the can’s directions (place in a serving bowl once warmed).

• Chop all vegies, place each vegetable in a small bowl on the table.

• Have salt, pepper, and garlic powder on the table for each person to use to taste.

• Place salsa on the table for each to use as desired.

If you want to reduce your exposure to pesticides and food additives and preservatives, consider buying organic. 

Why wait only for Taco Tuesday? These are great for meatless Monday too, or any day of the week. Stay healthy and enjoy!