November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.
In the U.S. 25.8 million children and adults are diagnosed with Type II diabetes, a preventable disease. This month Better’N Eggs and Oprah’s trainer , wellness expert,Bob Greene have teamed up to share nutrition and fitness tips, and to share about products that can help individuals live with or prevent Type II diabetes, such as Crystal Farms® Better’n Eggs ®
The single greatest risk factor for type 2 diabetes in children is excess weight. In the U.S., almost one out of every five children is considered to be overweight. Once a child is overweight, chances are more than doubled that the child will develop diabetes. One or more of these factors may contribute to excess weight or obesity:
- Unhealthy eating patterns
- Lack of physical activity
- An inherited tendency
- Rarely, a hormone problem or other medical condition
As a parent that attends childrens sporting events and volunteers at school, I have been shocked at the amount of children that I see on a daily basis that are overweight. I remember going to school and maybe there were 2 or 3 children in the entire school that looked as if they might have a weight problem. My eyes were truly opened up at about how wide spread the problem is while listening to several conversations during football practice. The one that was was the most heartbreaking was by the mother of one of the cheerleaders. Her mother had signed her up in hopes that she would get the physical activity she needed to lose or at least control her weight. The doctors had warned her that her daughter was at high risk for developing Type II diabetes if something didn’t change in her life. The mom had been struggling trying to adjust her daughters diet, while trying to keep it kid friendly. She also had begun weekly walks on the Rail Trail for the entire family. My heart ached for this child who at barely 6 years old has t deal with these issues. Even more upsetting is that this is preventable with a proper diet and exercise.
Twitter Party
There will be a #betterneggs twitter party with Bob Greene on 11/16 from 8-10pm EST. Join us as we discuss Type 2 Diabetes, how you can prevent it, or how you can manage it should you be living with it today.
Click HERE more details on how to join the party and win some great prizes!
Bob Greene’s book The Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes serves as a handbook for how to negotiate health and life with a diabetes or pre-diabetes diagnosis. Better’n Eggs offers a wide range of recipes on their website as well as recipes especially for diabetes. Here is my favorite:
Bacon Cheddar Mini Egg Cups
Preparation: 25 minutes
Time-To-Table: 40 minutes
Serves: 12
Ingredients:
- 24 wonton wrappers*
- nonstick cooking spray
- 2 strips bacon
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil**
- 1 cup AllWhites®
- 1/2 cup fat-free half and half
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Crystal Farms® Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Instructions:
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray one side of each wonton wrapper with nonstick cooking spray. Press each wrapper in to cups of miniature muffin pan, spray side down. Once all wrappers are in place; spray inside of each wrapper with additional nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
In small nonstick skillet cook bacon until crisp. Drain grease; finely chop bacon. In small bowl stir together cooked bacon, tomatoes and basil. Divide mixture evenly into each wonton cup.
In small bowl stir together AllWhites, fat-free half and half and salt. Carefully pour into each wonton cup. Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until eggs are almost set. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
*Wonton wrappers are usually found in the refrigerated produce section of the grocery store. Wrappers are typically 3 1/4 inches square.
**Substitute 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Customize this appetizer by adding 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms to each mini cup. Any variety will work. Also, Better’n Eggs can be used as a substitute for AllWhites.
Here is some info about Better’n Eggs and AllWhites.
-Both products are made from real eggs
– AllWhites is 100% liquid egg whites, nothing added
– Better’n Eggs is 98% liquid egg whites, plus 2% vitamins and minerals
-Both products have half the calories of shell eggs (25 calories per serving)
-Because they are fat-free, cholesterol-free and low-calorie, both products allow those with
diabetes or those trying to prevent diabetes to enjoy eggs without having to sacrifice other
foods they love (i.e.: they can have cheese with their eggs rather than plain eggs)
-Egg whites can increase recovery time from hypoglycemia by building up adrenal glands
Crystal Farms® Better’n Eggs® and AllWhites® are convenient sources of lean, high-quality protein
-Lean protein can help balance a diabetic diet while controlling hunger and blood sugar levels
-Lean protein helps you feel full longer, which helps with weight loss
-Protein keeps you energized during workouts
Crystal Farms® Better’n Eggs® and AllWhites® can be used in any recipe that calls for eggs and are very convenient and versatile
-Products do not include any added flavorings, so they won’t alter the taste of your favorite recipes or egg dishes
-Products are pasteurized fresh egg whites, therefore they can be eaten raw (i.e.: in smoothies, cookie dough)
-Both Better’n Eggs® and AllWhites® come in easy-to-pour, no-mess cartons
Take care of your body and it will take care of you!