As a diabetic who lives alone in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jim Furth knows firsthand the value of MagicKitchen.
com’s diabetic meals. “Shopping for all the “right” things is not something I look forward to doing each week, and
cooking for one is no fun,” he writes.
MagicKitchen.com has brought a bit of convenience back into Jim’s life, not to mention the fun back into his meal
time. Now, Jim chooses his favorite menus from the web site, using the glycemic index and nutritional statistics to
pick meals that are right for his dietary needs. Then, much to his delight, they arrive at his front door ready to warm
up and enjoy.
“When I choose Magic Kitchen, I’ve made the right choice. It’s like I could afford my own nutritionist, dietitian and
chef! Having the confidence that real pros have designed each meal that not only do the meals taste good but are
good for me. Besides, there is so much choice.” he writes. “I worked hard and got my health 100% in check and
then went into the hospital for hip replacement surgery.” While in the hospital recovering Jim ate a poor diet of
meals consisting of mashed potatoes, spaghetti, and white rice, even though these meals were part of the hospital’s
diabetic and non-salt meal program.

The doctors had to put Jim on insulin for the first time in his life.
Only when he was back home and eating his regular diet of carefully chosen MagicKitchen.com meals could Jim stop
using the insulin. This only confirmed his belief that the program fit his nutritional needs.

“The Diabetic Friendly meals helps one grasp what is necessary then, with the use of the MagicKitchen.com website, one can proceed to
choosing meals that are even more exciting and more restaurant quality and have MagicKitchen.com there to do all
the ‘messy’ work and drudgery,” he writes “I like the choice of having MagicKitchen.com, and I like choosing the way
I cook my meals either in the microwave or conventional oven. The hard parts

Ashley, MagicKitchen.com writer

This week we have a guest blog from Dorothy Kato.

Below are 10 of the most popular beliefs and facts that you need to know.

Misconception 1: Overeating Sugar Causes Diabetes.

What makes diabetes happen? The reasons usually are not totally understood. What’s known is that simply overeating sugar is not likely to cause diabetes. Instead, diabetes begins when something disrupts your own body’s capacity to turn foods into energy.

To be aware of what goes on if you have diabetes, keep these things in your mind: The body stops working a lot of foods into glucose, a sort of sugar necessary to power your cells. A hormone called insulin is created inside pancreas. Insulin helps cells in your body use glucose for fuel.

Listed below are the commonest kinds of diabetes and what researchers know about:

* Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas cannot make insulin.
* Diabetes type 2 takes place when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin, the insulin can not work properly, or both.
* Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnancy in certain women.

Misconception 2: You will find A lot of Rules inside a Diabetes Diet.

For those who have diabetes, you will have to plan meals. However the general principal is easy: Following a “diabetes diet” means choosing food that may work together with your activities and any medications to help keep your blood sugar as near to normalcy as you can.

Misconception 3: Carbohydrates Can be harmful for Diabetes

Actually, carbohydrates are great for diabetes. They make up the foundation of a proper diabetes diet.

Carbohydrates possess the greatest influence on blood sugar, which is the reason you are required to observe the number of carbohydrates you consume when following a diabetes diet.

Misconception 4: Protein is superior to Carbohydrates for Diabetes.

The major problem is many foods abundant in protein, for instance meat, can also be filled up with fats. Overeating those fats increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Inside a diabetes diet, protein should account for about 15% to 20% of the total calories you consume daily.

Misconception 5: You’ll be able to Adjust Your Diabetes Drugs to “Cover” Anything you Eat.

If you are using insulin for your diabetes, you could possibly learn to adjust the quantity and type you take to check the quantity of what you eat. But it doesn’t mean you can eat just as much as you would like, then just use more drugs to stabilize your blood glucose level.

Misconception 6: You will have to Stop trying Your preferred Foods.

There isn’t a reason to discontinue your selected foods on the diabetes diet.

Misconception 7: You must Quit Desserts when you have Diabetes.

Not the case! It is possible to develop many techniques for including desserts in the diabetes diet. For example:

* Use sugar substitutes in desserts.
* Minimize the quantity of dessert. As an example, as an alternative to two scoops of frozen treats, have one. Or share a dessert with a friend.

Misconception 8: Sugar substitutes Are Dangerous if you have Diabetes.

Low calorie sweeteners tend to be sweeter compared to the equivalent level of sugar, therefore it takes a reduced amount of them to obtain the same sweetness present in sugar. This will lead to eating fewer calories than when you use sugar.

Misconception 9: You should Eat Special Diabetic Meals.

The main difference from a diabetes diet along with your family’s “normal” weight loss program is this: When you have diabetes, you should monitor whatever you eat a little more closely. This consists of the quantity of calories you eat and the amounts and kinds of carbohydrates, fats, and protein you consume.

Misconception 10: Diet Foods Are the most useful Selections for Diabetes.

Just because a meal is called a “diet” food does not always mean it is just a better option for those who have diabetes. In reality, “diet” foods could be expensive and no healthier than foods found in the “regular” areas of the supermarket, or foods you prepare yourself.

And You? Still looking over this article? Move out and enjoy your diet plan!

The author: Dorothy Kato contributes articles for the menus for diabetics site, her personal hobby blog that shares ideas to help visitors to prevent/manage diabetes and help spread the comprehension on healthy eating.

Managing Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong commitment. A commitment to

good health, and to putting YOURSELF first. Here is a list of the top ten

things you can do to manage your type two diabetes.

1.  Weight Control. If you are overweight, work with your medical team

to create a diet of portion controlled meals, and lose weight slowly

over time, by eating properly. Even losing ten pounds can help to

decrease your heart disease risks by lowering blood pressure, insulin

resistance, and body fat.

2.  Exercise. Start slowly if necessary. Regular exercise improves your

body’s use of insulin, helps you to lose weight, improves blood

circulation and reduces stress. Within a short time your body and mind

will crave the regular exercise as part of your daily routine. Walk,

swim, take an aerobics or aqua-size class, or ride a bike. These are all

excellent types of exercise.

3.  Check your blood sugar regularly. This is critically important in

managing diabetes. If you don’t know your blood sugar, there is no

way to monitor your diet. The Mayo Clinic supplies an excellent article

called “Blood Sugar Testing- Where, when and how”.

4.  Eat at about the same time every day. Your blood sugar will stay more stable if you eat about the same amount of food with the same balance of nutrients at about the same times each day.

5.  Take the medications prescribed by your doctor. It is essential to blood glucose management that your medications are taken daily as instructed by your doctor.

6. Drink plenty of water. Water dilutes the blood and therefore has some degree of influence on lowering your blood sugars.

7.  Control Portion Sizes. Most restaurants offer portion sizes which are double or triple the serving size recommended by the USDA and doctors. For instance, one serving of chicken is 3 ounces, or about the size of a deck of cards. Recording your food intake in a diary is a great way of controlling what you eat.

8.  Take care of your teeth. Diabetes may leave you prone to gum infections. Follow a routine of dental hygiene that includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing at least once. Keep your regular dental exam appointments.

9.  Quit Smoking. This has become easier over the years as medications are available to ease the process. It will not be easy, but will be one of the most important things you’ve ever done for your health.

10.  Stay positive. Diabetes is a serious disease, but it can be controlled. If you’re willing to do your part, you can enjoy an active, healthy life with type 2 diabetes. Talk to friends and family and keep a strong support group around you.

Kidney failure requires a special diet. When your kidneys no longer work properly, waste products and fluids build up in your blood. Although dialysis replaces the work load of your kidneys and removes these waste products, they can build up in your body between dialysis, so it’s important that you follow a specific renal diet plan and control the amounts and types of foods and fluids you take in everyday. For example, in general, it is best to reduce your intake of certain nutrients such as phosphorous, potassium and sodium.

Important: Before making any changes to your diet, make sure you discuss them with your doctor or dietitian.

MagicKitchen.com offers a variety of meal packs for special diets. Originally these meal packs were designed for low sodium, diabetic friendly,  portion controlled diets. We now are introducing meal packs for pre-renal and renal diets (Patients on Dialysis).

Here’s  a sample 7 meal pack:

1. BBQ Pork Rib Patty
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Green Peas

2. Grilled Chicken Strips & Penne w/ Tomato Basil Sauce
• Summer Blend Vegetables
• Green Beans

3. Grilled Chicken Breast Over Rice & Gravy
• Diced Carrots
• Green Pea

4. Southern Style Chicken
& Dumplings
• Peach Half
• Winter Blend Vegetables

5. Chicken & Dressing
• Green Peas
• Sweet Potato Patty

6. Breaded Veal Patty
• Mixed Greens
• Diced Sweet Potatoes

7. Baked Chicken Thigh
• Broccoli
• Black-Eyed Peas

Nutritional details for the week:

Sodium: 509 mg
Potassium: 602 mg
Phosphorus: 297 mg
Protein: 28 g

• Specially Developed for Ongoing Meal Programs
• Lunches and/or Dinners
• Consumed by over 12,000 people per day
• with a 96%+ satisfaction rating
• Conveniently re-heatable right in the meal packaging provided
• Can be heated in the oven or microwave
• Total complete nutritious meals
• Good variety of meal choices
• Delivered to your door via UPS and FedEx
• Dietitian Approved
• Doctor Recommended

Here are the things you need to worry about with a renal diet:

Phosphorus:

Phosphorus is a mineral that works with calcium to keep your bones healthy and strong. Phosphorus is needed by the body for building and maintaining bones and teeth and for normal nerve and muscle function. When kidney function declines, the body has a difficult time keeping phosphorus and calcium in balance. As a result of this imbalance, the body cannot get rid of excess phosphorus (phosphorus levels increase) and the body cannot take in enough calcium (calcium levels decrease). To try and correct this imbalance the body will “steal” calcium from the bones, which makes the bones weak. Problems associated with high phosphorus levels include itchy skin, bone and joint pain, and brittle bones.

Keep in mind that a large serving size of a low phosphorus food can become a high phosphorus food.

Potassium

Potassium helps to keep your nerves and muscles, especially your heart, working properly. Potassium is a mineral and can be found in many foods. The kidneys are responsible for helping to keep the correct amount of potassium in your body. It can be very dangerous if your potassium level is too high. Too much potassium can make your hear beat irregularly or even stop without warning.

Protein

Diet plays an important role in the management of kidney disease. The diet your physician will ask you to follow will be based upon your level of kidney function, your body size, and any other medical conditions you may have. Your diet may be helpful in delaying the need for dialysis.

Protein is needed to maintain muscles, aid in building resistance to infections, and repair and replace body tissue.

As your body breaks down protein foods, waste products called urea are formed. As kidney function declines, urea builds up in the bloodstream. Eating too much protein may cause urea to build up more quickly. This will make you feel sick.
Eating less protein may be helpful in reducing your blood urea levels.
Reducing protein intake must be monitored by your doctor and dietician.

Sodium

Sodium is needed by the body for many functions such as controlling muscle contractions, balancing fluids, and controlling blood pressure. Healthy kidneys remove excess sodium in the urine. As kidney function declines, sodium and fluids may accumulate in your body. Fluid retention may cause swelling in your eyes, hands, and/or ankles. To keep your sodium level in balance, your doctor may ask you to limit the sodium in your diet.

MagicKitchen.com Renal meals are dietician-designed and doctor-recommended! Call about them- 877-516-2442.

Guest Post from Sandy Harris- Thanks, Sandy-from the MagicKitchen.com team!

Based on the latest studies of US researchers, it has been found that maple syrup can significantly reduce the growth of some types of cancer cells. Studies also showed that it can also considerably decrease the risk of diabetes.

Evidence has been discovered pointing to the fact that maple syrup has thirteen previously unknown antioxidant compounds. These antioxidants have special properties that make them very effective against cancer, diabetes, and bacterial infection.

The Anti-diabetes Properties of Maple Syrup

Maple syrup has high concentrations of phytohormone and abscisic acid. These properties can serve as your natural defense against diabetes and metabolic syndrome. They are capable of encouraging the release of insulin through the pancreatic cells.

They are also capable of enhancing insulin sensitivity of fat cells. The study on maple syrup and its effects or impact on diabetes has been revealed before the American Chemical Society in San Francisco.

Maple Syrup as Your Best Chance against Cancer

A study by researchers at the Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, implies that maple syrup can be more effective than broccoli, blueberries, carrots and tomatoes in significantly slowing cancerous cell growth in the brain, prostate and lungs and somewhat less significantly in the breast.

The Best Anti Cancer and Anti Diabetes Food

You probably know already that broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes are effective anti cancer foods. However, new research shows that maple syrup is better and more effective in fighting cancer cell growth. The syrup of maple is also more potent than the maple sap.

The studies also showed that darker syrup is more effective in inhibiting cancer growth compared to light colored syrup. Color oxidation is seen as the reason why dark maple syrup is more potent against cancer. So if you want the best food that can fight cancer and diabetes, then maple syrup is your best option.

It is also effective against bacterial infection and other degenerative diseases. With maple syrup, you will have a tasty alternative in fighting cancer, diabetes, and infections.

Reference: Journal of medicinal food. 01/02/2010; ISSN: 1557-7600, OI: 10.1089/jmf.2009.0029

About the Author – Sandy W. Harris writes for the diabetic appetizer recipes blog , her personal hobby website focused on healthy recipes ideas to prevent, cure and manage diabetes.

In the course of the development of MagicKitchen.com‘s menu, we were impressed by a series of articles written by Moll Boll.  Molly Boll, MBA, is a member of the Trilogy at Redmond Ridge Community in Redmond, Washington. She has been a Type II diabetic for 27 years, and has developed the Diabetes Wellness Group, a community-based diabetes educational group that gives seminars throughout the Seattle area.

She’s given us permission to post some of her articles here, and we’ll be posting them now and again. We hope you enjoy them!

Good Nutrition & its Effects on Blood Glucose

Food is the fuel and energy source for our bodies. Food cannot be used for energy until the body changes it into a simple sugar called “glucose.” Our blood carries glucose (blood sugar) to every cell throughout the body. Without glucose, cells do not have the energy to work.

Glucose needs help to get inside each of the cells in our body. The helper that carries glucose inside the cells is called insulin, which is made by the pancreas. For a person with diabetes, food is changed into glucose just as it is in those without diabetes. For those with Type I Diabetes, however, the body does not generate a sufficient amount of insulin to control the glucose level. For those with Type II Diabetes, the body does not respond correctly to insulin (insulin resistance), and does not allow it to carry glucose into the cells. In both cases, the glucose that is not able to get into the cells builds up in the blood. This causes high blood sugar, which can lead to diabetic complications.

What is Good Nutrition?

Good nutrition entails eating a variety of different foods in combinations that provide both necessary nutrients and good blood sugar control. Good nutrition also means limiting your fat and cholesterol intake.

Food contains nutrients and energy. The nutrients in our food supply form the building blocks of the body. Food also contains energy, which is measured in calories. Calories come from carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and alcohol. The following is a quick summary of the different types of food and how they affect the blood glucose in our bodies.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, and can be found in the starches in breads, cereals, and most vegetables, and in the sugars found in fruits and milk. Complex carbohydrates should be a big part of your meals and snacks. Vegetables, lentils and legumes, beans and peas, whole grain unprocessed breads, cereals, rice and pasta are all examples of complex carbohydrates. These tend to slowly raise blood glucose, and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. The sugar that is found in candy, cake, pie, jam, jelly and honey is also a carbohydrate. One hundred percent of the carbohydrates that we digest are broken down into the energy packet glucose. This happens quickly, from five minutes to three hours.

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not used for energy. It does not raise blood sugar because the body cannot digest it and break it down into glucose. Insoluble fiber is useful for promoting regularity and feeding the good bacteria in the gut; it may decrease your risk of colon cancer. Examples of insoluble fiber are whole-wheat products, vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, corn, and spinach. It is interesting to note that soluble fiber sources form gels and slow down absorption of sugars into the blood. Good sources of soluble fiber are oats, beans, fruits, and vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, cabbage, and celery.

The American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetics eat 20 – 35 grams of fiber per day. The average American adult, however, eats only 10 – 15 grams daily. To help you determine where and how much fiber is in your food choices, please note the following average amounts of fiber per serving:

Whole grain breads, cereals and crackers = 2 grams
Starch vegetables (potatoes, corn, yams) = 3 to 4 grams
Legumes (beans, peas) = 3 to 4 grams
Raw vegetables = 3 grams per cup
Cooked or canned vegetables = 2 grams per cup
One cup of fresh fruit = 2 grams
Frozen or canned fruit = 3 grams per half-cup

Protein

Proteins are used to build and repair the body. Proteins are found in meats, fish, poultry, cheese, milk, eggs, and nuts. Proteins also break down into energy. Fifty to sixty percent of the protein we consume breaks down into glucose. This process happens slowly, over three to six hours.

Fats

Fats pack a large number of calories, and therefore energy, in a small bundle. Foods that contain fats are oils, margarine, butter, meat, and salad dressings. Use fats sparingly if you are trying to lose weight or if your blood fats are high. The body will store the majority of fat and will only break it down to smaller energy packets for use in emergencies. Only ten percent of the fat we consume raises our blood sugar directly, over a period of eight to ten hours. Fat is a form of stored energy that is broken down at a later time; it is the preferred source of fuel for muscles at rest. Which fats are healthier for you? Margarine is preferable to butter, but olive oil is the healthiest choice of the three.

Alcohol

Alcohol has calories, but little nutritional value. It is interesting to note that alcohol actually lowers blood sugar levels. It is suggested that people with diabetes snack while drinking to ensure that their blood sugars do not go too low. They should also limit their intake to one drink.

Since nutrition is a key component to managing one’s blood sugar, it is important to learn to put together healthy meals from the various food groups. The food pyramid offers an easy approach to healthy eating. This guide shows that healthy meals and snacks should contain lots of carbohydrates that are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber (lentils, legumes, vegetables, and yogurt, for example). All carbohydrates become glucose in blood within five minutes to three hours after they are eaten. These foods have a significant effect on blood glucose. The best ones to choose are those that are full of nutrients instead of those that just offer empty calories (soda, cakes, and candy, for example). You should eat antioxidant-rich vegetables that are high on the glycemic index scale, such as spinach, broccoli, yellow squash, and tomatoes.

Healthy eating also means avoiding foods that are high in fat and cholesterol. These foods have been linked to atherosclerosis, the fatty build-up inside blood vessel walls. This can lead to heart disease or stroke. People with diabetes have a two to three times greater risk of getting atherosclerosis. Therefore, when choosing proteins and fats in your diet, opt for lean cuts of meat, and eat more fish, chicken, and turkey (without the skin). Use nonfat milk or low fat milk products. Limit fried foods, gravies, cream sauces, butter, and margarine.

How much should I eat?

Logically, the key to maintaining your weight is watching the amount of food you eat. For good diabetes control, you must be consistent from day to day. Plan your day to be sure that you eat the right foods, in the right portions, at about the same times every day. Here are several examples of what constitutes a serving size:

1 slice of bread
1 cup of ready-to-eat cereal
1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta
1 cup of raw, leafy vegetables
1/2 cup of non-leafy vegetables
1 medium apple
1/2 cup of cooked/canned fruit
1/2 cup of fruit juice
1 cup of milk or yogurt
1.5 ounces of natural cheese
2 ounces of processed cheese
2-3 ounces of cooked meat, poultry, or fish

In addition to eating healthily, it is crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Start your day out with an eight-ounce glass of water, and continue to drink water throughout the day. Water dilutes the blood and therefore has some degree of influence on lowering your blood sugars.

CONTINUING GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DIABETES MANAGEMENT. REMEMBER – YOU CAN DO IT!!! YES, YOU CAN DO IT!!!