WINNING DIABETICS Blog

It's 'GOOD NEWS TUESDAY'! New Study Shows Mangoes May Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels & Reduce Breast Cancer Cell Growth!

by ELIZABETH MWANGA on 05/21/13

Hi Friends!

So today's piece of good news has to do with last week's WINNING DIABETICS™ Superfood of the Week...the lovely Mango!

Information from two recent studies, presented at the Experimental Biology 2013 Conference in Boston this past April, suggest that polyphenols found in the mango may help lower blood sugar and prevent the internal inflammation that is responsible for the development of breast cancer cells! Both studies focused on mango polyphenols- a diverse group of plant nutrients- including antioxidants, which contain numerous health benefits.

The presented findings included:

1. Oklahoma University (USA) led study which followed the blood glucose patterns of 20 obese adults, supplementing them with 10 grams of dried mango to their diet for 12 weeks. At the conclusion of the 12 weeks, the participants' blood glucose levels significantly decreased.

2. Texas A&M University (USA) led study that found mango polyphenols inhibit the inflammatory response in cancerous and non-cancerous breast cells, limit breast cancer cell growth and reduce tumor size in mice.

Read More Here!

I'm having a big, juicy mango for dessert tonight! :)

For healthy food & fitness tips and recipes, peruse this website often and follow us on Twitter: WD on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/WINNINGDIABETIC

Take care, and as always...

Cheers to Your Health!

Elizabeth Mwanga,
Founder, WINNING DIABETICS™
elizabeth@winningdiabetics.com
www.twitter.com/WINNINGDIABETIC
www.facebook.com/WINNINGDIABETICS

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HAPPY MOTIVATION MONDAY!! Get Yourself a JUMP ROPE!!

by ELIZABETH MWANGA on 05/20/13

Hi Friends!

Hope your weekend was fabulous and you're geared up for an even better week ahead! :)

Okay, so today I'm focusing on motivating you all to (if you haven't already) go out and get yourself a jump rope! If you already have one, then use it! Jumping rope is one of the best and most convenient ways to squeeze in a great workout. You can use it indoors, take it with you when you travel (the lightest piece of exercise equipment ever!), and use it outdoors. It's also one of the best ways to increase your cardiovascular health, increase your muscle tone and help regulate your blood sugar levels. You can purchase jump ropes typically for under $10, in sporting goods stores or at large retailers like Target, KMart & Walmart. I've also seen jump ropes in 99 cent stores!

I like to jump rope during commercial breaks while watching my favorite tv shows. I also jump rope in the park when weather permits. 15-20 minutes a day of jumping rope is totally do-able; 30 minutes a day is ideal! :)

Heads up: consult with your physician, and in particular make sure your heart is healthy enough to undertake a jump rope exercise routine!

Make it a great week, and as always...

Cheers to Your Health,

Elizabeth Mwanga,
Founder, WINNING DIABETICS™
elizabeth@winningdiabetics.com
www.twitter.com/winningdiabetic
www.facebook.com/winningdiabetics

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WINNING DIABETICS™ SUPERFOOD OF THE WEEK: ALMONDS!

by ELIZABETH MWANGA on 05/19/13

One of my absolute favorite nuts in the entire world is the almond. So it was really great when I learned about all of the health benefits for diabetics that almonds have!

Almonds are low GI, low in carbs, low in sodium and high in antioxidants, calcium, vitamin E, folic acid and fiber. The monounsaturated fats (the good fats!) in almonds increase HDL (the good cholesterol!) and reduce LDL (the bad cholesterol!). According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's site MyPlate.gov, eating almonds as part of a healthy diet may reduce risk of heart disease. AND the essential fatty acids in almonds contain anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. Because of this, almonds have been used in traditional Chinese medicines to treat chronic conditions linked to inflammation. And as we WINNING DIABETICS know, cellular inflammation is the underlying cause of diabetes!

I eat almonds practically every day. For breakfast I often eat a cup of plain Greek yogurt with almonds and blueberries. I also make this yummy chicken dish- Almond & Parmesan Cheese Crusted Oven Roasted Chicken. My goodness it's yummy! :) I also toast my own almonds with various spices, for a healthy snack.

Heads up, I use plain almonds in my recipes and for my snacks- no honey roasted or other candied sorts! Also, almonds are delicious, but if you are watching your weight, limit your almonds to a handful- or around 12 per day. I know it's hard, but it can be done- try mixing them in with plain Greek yogurt and fruit, and measure out your almonds in plastic baggies for an on-the go snack.

Stay tuned for my amazingly delicious recipes featuring ALMONDS this Friday (Recipe Friday!). And let me know how you enjoy using almonds- email me at elizabeth@winningdiabetics.com.

Cheers to Your Health!

Elizabeth Mwanga,

Founder, WINNING DIABETICS™

www.twitter.com/winningdiabetic

www.facebook.com/winningdiabetics

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It's Recipe Friday!! WINNING DIABETICS™ PAPAYA-MANGO MINI CHEESECAKES!

by ELIZABETH MWANGA on 05/17/13

This dessert will knock you off your feet! It is soooo delicious, healthy...and of course it features our Superfood of the Week: MANGOS!

WINNING DIABETICS™ PAPAYA-MANGO MINI CHEESCAKES

Try it this weekend!!

Have a great weekend, and as always...

Cheers to Your Health!

Elizabeth Mwanga,

Founder/CEO, WINNING DIABETICS™

www.twitter.com/WINNINGDIABETIC

www.facebook.com/WINNINGDIABETICS

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It's 'GOOD NEWS TUESDAY'! Pain-free, Saliva-Based Glucose Testing on the Horizon for Diabetics!!

by ELIZABETH MWANGA on 05/14/13

Hi Friends!

I'm sure I don't have to tell you all that pricking your finger to test your blood sugar is one of the most unpleasant things about managing your diabetes. But for today's Good News Tuesday I'm telling you about a promising new product that may make this process a thing of the past! :)

The endocrinology department of India's Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences is currently developing a saliva-based glucose test, which monitors 7 days of blood glucose levels. The test, called 'Glycosylated proteome' has been in development since 2001, and has been tested on 300 adults and 300 children with type 1 diabetes. (Saliva is collected from the upper jaw area of the mouth) The doctors involved in the research for this new test have seen the same patterns in glucose results from this saliva as in blood. In fact, the physicians suggest that the results are even more accurate than the traditional blood collection method!

READ MORE HERE

I cannot tell you how I'm excited about this new test and I cannot wait for it to hit the market...in fact, I'll be the first in line! :)

For healthy food & fitness tips and recipes, peruse this website often and follow us on Twitter: WD on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/WINNINGDIABETIC
Take care, and as always...

Cheers to Your Health!

Elizabeth Mwanga,
Founder, WINNING DIABETICS™
elizabeth@winningdiabetics.com
www.twitter.com/WINNINGDIABETIC
www.facebook.com/WINNINGDIABETICS

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HAPPY MOTIVATION MONDAY!! Use The Outdoors As Your Gym!

by ELIZABETH MWANGA on 05/13/13

Hope your weekend was all that and you are ready for EVEN BETTER week ahead! :)

For many of us 'round the word, the weather is fantastic- warm and sunny. Well, take advantage of the seasonal weather to workout outdoors! I always enjoy my workouts better when outside- whether it's running or doing cardio in the park, there's nothing like feeling the sun and the gentle breeze on your face and body as you exercise.

Swimming, tennis and soccer are excellent ways to get in great workouts; join a club to meet new friends and workout partners!

Check Out These Outdoor Exercises from Fitness Magazine!

Make it a great week, and as always...

Cheers to Your Health,

Elizabeth Mwanga,
Founder, WINNING DIABETICS™
elizabeth@winningdiabetics.com
www.twitter.com/winningdiabetic
www.facebook.com/winningdiabetics

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WINNING DIABETICS™ SUPERFOOD OF THE WEEK: MANGOS!

by ELIZABETH MWANGA on 05/12/13

I adore mangoes! They are so yummy, can be used in so many different recipes- both sweet and savory...and they're also super healthy!

MANGOES are low GI and high in antioxidants, fiber vitamins A, the Bs and C, and magnesium, selenium, zinc; they're also very low in fat and cholesterol. And mangoes contain a very potent anti-inflammatory nutrient- lupeol, which has been shown in studies to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This phytonutient has enormous health benefits for diabetics because as we know, diabetes is a result of internal inflammation.

Mangoes are totally versatile and can be added to many recipes! I like to add mangoes to regular as well as fruit salads. I often make smoothies with mangoes, bananas & fresh ginger (so yummy!). I make an awesome mango-lime salsa; and I prepare desserts with mangoes all the time!

Heads up: many of the nutrients in mangoes can be found in the peel- so when making your mango inspired recipes for example salsas or smoothies, use some of the peel for optimum nutritional benefits!!

So stay tuned for my amazingly delicious recipe featuring MANGOS this Friday (Recipe Friday!). And let me know how you enjoy using MANGOES in your recipes- email me at elizabeth@winningdiabetics.com.

Cheers to Your Health!

Elizabeth Mwanga,

Founder, WINNING DIABETICS™

www.twitter.com/winningdiabetic

www.facebook.com/winningdiabetics

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It's Recipe Friday!! WINNING DIABETICS™ PIZZA FRITTATA!

by ELIZABETH MWANGA on 05/10/13

Boy did I used to love pizza! So I created this amazingly delicious, HEALTHIER version...you won't miss the crust(or the carbs!) one bit! Of course it features our Superfood of the week: EGGS!

WINNING DIABETICS™ PIZZA FRITTATA

Have a great weekend, and as always...

Cheers to Your Health!

Elizabeth Mwanga,

Founder/CEO, WINNING DIABETICS™

www.twitter.com/WINNINGDIABETIC

www.facebook.com/WINNINGDIABETICS

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HAPPY MOTIVATION MONDAY!! The Reward Yourself Workout Plan!

by ELIZABETH MWANGA on 05/06/13

Hope your weekend was terrific and you are ready for EVEN BETTER week ahead! :)

Okay, so the title of this post is 'The Reward Yourself Workout Plan'- it's not quite a specific workout plan, but rather a means for you to motivate yourself to reach your health/fitness goals- mainly, by rewarding yourself with things. I use this frequently, and I don't reward myself with food, but with GIFTS.

Here are three examples:

1. If your goal is to lose weight, with each 5 or 10 lb. weight loss, a trip to the salon or spa. Upgrade the services to really lavish yourself!

2. With each extra mile you run, a new pair of stunning...SHOES!! (umm, not running shoes, fancy shoes! lol)

3. With each completed goal, like a total weight loss goal met, or completion of a marathon...a trip to a beach resort. And while you're their, show off your new fab body! :)

Make it a great week, and as always...

Cheers to Your Health,

Elizabeth Mwanga,
Founder, WINNING DIABETICS™
elizabeth@winningdiabetics.com
www.twitter.com/winningdiabetic
www.facebook.com/winningdiabetics

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WINNING DIABETICS™ SUPERFOOD OF THE WEEK: EGGS!

by ELIZABETH MWANGA on 05/05/13

I love eggs; I eat them regularly and use them in tons of my recipes, not only because they taste great and add wonderful texture to many recipes...but also because of their amazing health benefits!

EGGS are low GI, loaded with protein, and high in vitamins A, B and D, and choline! Choline is an important nutrient which promotes healthy liver, cardiovascular, brain and nervous system function. In studies, choline has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation markers, such as C-reactive Protein, which indicates strong anti-inflammation properties! So, eggs have enormous health benefits for diabetics because as we know, diabetes is a result of internal inflammation.

I don't mean to brag, but I make a great soft scrambled egg! To cut the fat, I typically do half whole eggs and half egg whites. I add fresh veggies like spinach, tomatoes, red and green peppers. I also like to add yummy slices of hard-boiled eggs to salads with snap peas, mushrooms, and my homemade citrus vinegrette. Who says you only have to enjoy eggs for breakfast! Heads up: Organic pasteurized eggs contain more anti-inflammatory nutrients than (regular) factory-farmed eggs. And because eggs do contain cholesterol, limit your egg consumption to a few eggs a week, especially if you have high cholesterol.

Stay tuned for my amazingly delicious recipe featuring EGGS this Friday (Recipe Friday!). And let me know how you enjoy using eggs in your recipes- email me at elizabeth@winningdiabetics.com.

Cheers to Your Health!
Elizabeth Mwanga,
Founder, WINNING DIABETICS™
www.twitter.com/winningdiabetic
www.facebook.com/winningdiabetics

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