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The Happy Diabetic Kitchen

The Happy Diabetic Kitchen

By: Robert Lewis
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 Our guide to the world of food, and healthy cooking and cooking love! The Menu serves up interviews with the world’s most amazing chefs and experts in the field of diabetic health. We are turning ordinary ingredients in something extraordinary and the ingredients that you will soon be landing on your kitchen table. Art Cooking Food & Wine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • 95 Unpacking Ultra-Processed foods: what every diabetic should know

    95 Unpacking Ultra-Processed foods: what every diabetic should know
    Jun 25 2025
    In this episode, we cover: The hidden health toll of ultra-processed foods The importance of cooking with real foods Healthier Food Choices Food Addiction Awareness Ultra-Processed Foods and Diabetes Risk Misleading Food Label Terminology Portion Control and Food Cravings Healthy Eating Strategies for Diabetes Free Offer from Go CoCo GoCoCo would like to offer one year of Premium GoCoCo for free to all the Happy Diabetic listeners. Here is the information for the free codes. Apple iOS only uses a link, no code to input 1 YEAR FREE for Happy Diabetic podcast https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1446005742&code=HAPPY Android Android uses the below code and will only allow us to do 90 days free at a time, but it can be used 4 times Android - 90 days free Code: HAPPY Bertrand Amaraggi: Co-founder & CEO Julie Ruelle, RD: GoCoCo Registered Dietitian GoCoCo, Download the app: https://www.gococo.app/ GoCoCo, Our Philosophy: https://www.gococo.app/our-philosophy GoCoCo, For people living with or at risk for diabetes: https://www.gococo.app/post/our-type-2-diabetes-warning The NOVA Food Classification System Quick recap The meeting focused on discussing food addiction and the impact of ultra-processed foods on health, particularly for people with diabetes, with Bertrand and Julie sharing insights about the Go Coco app's role in helping users make healthier food choices. The discussion explored how processed foods can be addictive and harmful, while emphasizing the importance of reading labels and choosing whole, unprocessed foods. The conversation concluded with practical strategies for improving diet and health, including the use of the Go Coco app's features and the importance of making gradual changes to eating habits. Next steps Chef Robert to subscribe to the Go Coco app and test the new real food tracker feature.Listeners to look at their pantry and make a small, subtle change in their eating habits this week.Listeners to try adding more fruits and vegetables to their diet instead of focusing on what to eliminate.Go Coco team to continue improving the app based on user feedback and suggestions.Chef Robert to potentially meet with Bertrand in Barcelona during his planned trip to Spain in February. Summary Food Addiction Awareness Discussion Chef and Bertrand discussed the growing awareness and concern around the topic of food addiction, noting its increasing presence in media and public discourse. Bertrand highlighted the similarity between the techniques used by tobacco companies to create addiction and those applied by the food industry, emphasizing the success of these strategies in forming habits. Chef expressed excitement about the potential of Go Cocoa as a solution to help people, while Julie, a repeat guest, shared her enthusiasm for being part of the discussion. Go Coco: Healthier Food Choices Chef welcomed Julie and Bertrand to the podcast, highlighting their role in creating the Go Coco app, which helps people, especially those with diabetes, identify and avoid ultra-processed foods. Bertrand explained the app's origins in Spain six years ago and its mission to improve health by offering better food choices. Julie, a registered dietitian, shared her experience working with Go Coco, emphasizing her focus on empowering consumers to make healthier decisions for themselves and their families. Ultra-Processed Foods and Diabetes Risk The discussion focused on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their impact on diabetes. Julie explained that UPFs are foods that wouldn't be found in a home kitchen and are often highly palatable and addictive, with a study showing a 17% increased risk of type 2 diabetes for every 10% increase in UPF consumption. Bertrand shared user experiences with artificial sweeteners having similar effects to sugar, and both Julie and Bertrand emphasized that people with diabetes should reduce their consumption of UPFs by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods. They also discussed how UPFs often contain unhealthy fats and can lead to weight gain, with Bertrand noting that processed foods are designed to be addictive and consumed in larger quantities despite having the same nutritional profile as unprocessed alternatives. Portion Control and Food Cravings The group discussed the challenges of portion control and food cravings, particularly for snack foods like Doritos and cake. Julie explained a study about the first bite of cake being the most satisfying, leading to overeating. They emphasized the importance of reading food labels and choosing foods with simple, recognizable ingredients. Julie recommended using the Go Coco app to scan food labels and get information on ultra-processed foods. The conversation concluded with a discussion on rethinking convenience in diabetes-friendly eating, suggesting that whole, less processed foods like fruits and nuts can be convenient options. Misleading Food Label Terminology Chef and Julie discussed the misleading ...
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    43 mins
  • 94. The Mediterranean Diet Decoded

    94. The Mediterranean Diet Decoded
    May 8 2025
    Key Points: • Origins: Inspired by the traditional diets of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. • Core principles: • Emphasis on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. • Healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. • Lean proteins—particularly fish and poultry. • Herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt. • Moderation with red wine and dairy (optional, and always in consultation with a healthcare provider). Fun fact: The Mediterranean diet is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest diets globally due to its heart-protective benefits. The Mediterranean Diet is a way of eating based on the traditional dietary habits of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Italy, and Spain. It's renowned for promoting long-term health, especially for heart health, and is often hailed as one of the healthiest diets in the world. The Mediterranean diet draws inspiration from the eating patterns of Mediterranean countries, where the focus has always been on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. It's a way of life that emphasizes balance, community, and enjoying meals together. This diet has been studied extensively and is linked to a variety of health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Fruits and Vegetables One of the hallmarks of the Mediterranean diet is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. These are typically eaten in every meal, providing a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, and peppers, and fruits like oranges, grapes, and apples, are common. Whole Grains and Legumes Whole grains such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa are staples. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans are also featured prominently. These foods are high in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Healthy Fats Olive oil is the primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. Nuts, seeds, and avocados also provide healthy fats, which are important for brain function and overall health. Lean Proteins Lean proteins, especially fish and poultry, are preferred over red meats. Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health. Poultry is typically consumed in moderate amounts, and red meat is eaten sparingly. Herbs and Spices The Mediterranean diet emphasizes using herbs and spices to add flavor to dishes instead of relying on salt. Common herbs and spices include garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and cinnamon, which also offer additional health benefits due to their antioxidant properties. Moderation with Dairy and Wine Dairy is consumed in moderation, with an emphasis on low-fat or fat-free options like Greek yogurt and cheese (often feta or Parmesan). Wine is also consumed in moderation, usually red wine, and often with meals. It's important to note that wine should only be consumed if it's appropriate for your health and lifestyle, and always in consultation with a healthcare provider. The Mediterranean diet is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest diets globally, largely because of its heart-protective benefits. Studies have shown that people who follow the Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It’s also linked to a longer life expectancy and a lower risk of cognitive decline. In summary, the Mediterranean Diet is not just a way of eating but a lifestyle that focuses on whole, natural foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and a moderate, balanced approach to eating. Whether you’re looking to improve heart health, manage weight, or just eat more mindfully, the Mediterranean diet provides a delicious and sustainable way to nourish your body. Scientific Benefits: • Blood sugar control: • The fiber from vegetables, whole grains, and legumes slows the absorption of glucose, preventing spikes. • Heart health benefits: • Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health—a key concern for diabetics. • Weight management: • The diet is naturally lower in processed foods and sugar, promoting weight control, which can improve insulin sensitivity. Breakfast: • Greek yogurt parfait with chia seeds, berries, and a sprinkle of nuts. • Vegetable omelet with spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Lunch: • Mediterranean salad bowl: Romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, grilled chicken, and a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. • Hummus and veggie wrap: Whole wheat wrap with hummus, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and leafy greens. Dinner: • Baked salmon with roasted zucchini and quinoa (season with lemon, garlic, and herbs). • Stuffed peppers with ground turkey, tomatoes, and brown rice. Snack: • Mixed nuts with a few olives. • Cucumber slices ...
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    22 mins
  • 93. Eating for Two: Managing Gestational Diabetes

    93. Eating for Two: Managing Gestational Diabetes
    Mar 18 2025
    Gestational diabetes Overview-

    Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health.

    While any pregnancy complication is concerning, there's good news. During pregnancy you can help control gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising and, if necessary, taking medication. Controlling blood sugar can keep you and your baby healthy and prevent a difficult delivery.

    If you have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, generally your blood sugar returns to its usual level soon after delivery. But if you've had gestational diabetes, you have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. You'll need to be tested for changes in blood sugar more often.

    © 1998-2025 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.
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    48 mins
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