UB Cookin'

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.usatoday.com/videos/tech/pr ... 136392001/

Another good use for stale bread and cereal, especially having limited nutrition:
Soak up discarded paint for city trash pickup (liquid latex not permitted for pickup).
... but skip this if trash goes to landfill where critters would eat the stuff.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.usatoday.com/picture-galler ... 148583001/

"In honor of National Donut Day on June 5, Yelp put together a list of the best doughnuts in every state"

National Donut Day is one day that can be heartily supported by diabetics
if this is the only day they gobble these sweet treats ... since these once tempting
visuals automatically return memories of blood sugar woes!

As for pre-diabetics, Go For It! (this stuff) on other days also
if you can't wait to qualify for a Definitely Diabetic Diagnosis.

TIP: White flour is just as problematic as all that sugar!
LOL: One donut has flax seeds - great fiber!

Who knew
A bowl of sugar with cream and some blueberries
can be more nutritious than some of these donuts.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/best ... index.html
Tempting egg recipes, but there's always another option ...

CPO Omelet - Carrots & Peas plus green beans & corn (frozen mixed veggies)

Rinse, then microwave 6 min. a 10oz pkg of frozen mixed veggies.

Whisk together 3 xlarge eggs, 1 cup egg whites, 1 tbsp olive oil.

Lightly oil large non-stick frying pan, pour egg mixture into pan
and place pan on hot pre-heated burner.

Sprinkle mixture with lotsa dried parsley, lightly with garlic granules.

Evenly spoon hot veggies over egg mixture, discarding liquid.

Cover pan, reduce heat, and cook until firm in center (about 10 min.).
(fry slower to minimizing scorching and let steaming help)

Separate omelet into serving size pieces and serve family style.
Try served with mild Mexican salsa!

What's the 'O' in "CPO"
Oh! I forgot! - diced onion (optional)

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmVgM22uoZ8

Wilted spinach omelet (for two).

Rod

[Amigoo]

(simplified from: https://theboatgalley.com/easy-way-make-smooth-hummus/ )

Bean Flour Hummus

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups water, divided
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp lemon or lime juice
1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)
3/4 cup garbanzo bean flour
olive oil for drizzle

Directions:

Mix 1/2 cup water, garlic, cumin, salt, lemon juice and tahini in saucepan;
slowly whisk in garbanzo flour, then remaining water.

Bring mixture to a soft boil while stirring,
then reduce heat to simmer and stir 3 minutes.

Serve hot, or cool then refrigerate in covered container.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: Bean Flour Hummus

For super convenience, whisk the flour into the simmering water,
then whisk in remaining ingredients when properly thickened.

... and once you're familiar with the thickening,
measurement of ingredients becomes home-chef instinct
... and/or creativity (try minced fresh parsley).

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: Bean Flour Hummus

Bean flour mixes easier in cooler water -
whisk in before water gets very warm, then
adjust thickness with more water or flour.

Beans and raw bean flour need to be cooked.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Fat 'n Seedy

Combine 16oz jar Sunflower Seed Butter (creamy)
with 1 1/4 cups white sesame seeds, then refrigerate.
Consume with moist dark raisins and whatever.

"Where's the fat?" You!
... if you gobble this every day,
but you might be seedy already.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Rer: Fat 'n Seedy

Or skip the raisins and try with
Cinnamon Raisin English Muffins.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/fo ... 256350001/

"NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, a Papa John's board member and franchise owner, came up with the idea for the 16-inch extra-large pizza that's topped with extra cheese and has 66 pepperoni. It's cut into eight slices versus the 10 in Papa John's standard XL pie."

"Through Aug. 23, Papa John’s says it will donate $1 from every Shaq-a-Roni sold to The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community to 'support communities as they work together for equality, fairness, respect and opportunity for all.' "

Good advertising and social benefit, butt ...
eat a lot of this pizza often and "XL" will be your clothing standard (or XXL or XXXL)
... unless you excercise often with Shaq's gametime intensity.

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

That years are rolling by after this was known is evidence that
diabetes requires a dedicated lifestyle change in dietary habits:

Any grain and legume ground into flour digests faster ...
therefore causing faster rise in blood sugar

Wisdom: If you don't have to really chew a bite of food,
it will probably increase blood sugar faster. Caution:
Grains and legumes are the "gift that keeps giving"
(glucose during their digestion).

Rod

[Amigoo]

New conjecture ...

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but ...
an onion a day keeps the funeral director away."

Who can tell
Cook to al dente. Best with other healthy food.

See also:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/onion-benefits
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276714
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tnam ... ce&dbid=45

Rod

[Sandy]

Thanks so much Rod for all these important health tips and reminders. I find them very helpful as we deal with G's diabetes.
((((hugs))))
Sandy

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Re: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mo ... ts-for-men

"Moringa Benefits for Men:
Moringa seed and leaf extracts have been shown to improve penile blood flow in healthy rats
and alleviate ED in those with diabetes."

Quick analysis: Good for mature men who want to bond with their Inner Rat.

See also: https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/t ... inga-leaf-
"It does have a mild asparagus-like flavor, so expect it to taste 'healthy.' " ... even 'grassy'

Rod

[Amigoo]

From: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/arti ... sands.html

Slow Cooked Pulled Chicken

Ingredients:

3 skinless chicken breasts
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
400ml can crushed tomatoes (2 cups)
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon each of cumin, smoked paprika,
sweet paprika, coriander powder, dried parsley
Salt and pepper to your preference
Fresh chilli (optional)

Method:

Sautee diced onion and garlic until softened
Chuck into slow cooker along with tomatoes, stock and spices
Mix and adjust if required
Add chicken, place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 4.5 hours
Take chicken out and shred, then return to slow cooker for further 30 minutes

This can also be cooked on the stove top or in the oven,
with time/temperature adjustment (slower cooking is best).
Even serve cold after overnight refrigeration.

Optional: Freeze chicken breasts - when slightly frozen, slice into strips
and stir into prepared sauce before cooking. Gently stir a few times
during cooking, but no pulling required.

Rod

[Sandy]

Thank You Rod.
I am in a food rut down here and this simple recipe sounds wonderful.

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Re: Slow Cooked Pulled Chicken

Bedtime Cooked Chicken

Cook a big ol' chicken in a big ol' pot of water (covered) in the oven 4 hours,
reducing temperature each hour: 425F, 400, 375, 350. Then turn off oven
and go back to bed. In the morning, discard juice (or save) and remove meat,
freezing for later use or add to Slow Cooked Chicken recipe.

Tips: Oven will remain hot enough for several hours to prevent spoiling,
but leave lid on when oven turned off. Garlic granules and mixed herb blend
can be added to big ol' chicken pot for extra flavoring.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech ... ocess.html

"Eating too much red meat could SPEED UP the ageing process as scientists claim
maintaining healthy levels of iron in the blood could be the key to a longer life"

"NHS (UK) recommends: 14.8 mg a day for women aged 19–50
8.7 mg daily for men over the age of 18 and women aged 50 and above."

This article has focus on too much iron but otherwise recommends
real meat over "faux meat" (but has equivalent non-heme iron).

Note: Non-heme iron from plants has lower bioavailability than heme iron from animals.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ly ... od-sources ,
https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2 ... r-than-raw

Long story short ...

Wondering why evolution would have limited lycopene content of tomatoes (unless cooked), I conjectured that this touted benefit is a conspiracy to sell more tomatoes via modern packaging and distribution. Quick analysis: Yes, more lycopene after cooking but probably sufficient dietary lycopene (including other food sources) without cooking. Besides, cooking reduces available vitamins like Vitamin C.

Conclusion: Include fresh and cooked tomatoes in the diet and don't worry about lycopene, especially since it's available in other foods.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.verywellfit.com/coconut-nut ... ts-4135199

New conjecture: Fresh coconut in moderation is healthy
... even healthier than extracted coconut oil ...
and more healthy than shredded coconut.

Very tasty with dark chocolate (also in moderation)


Speaking of new conjecture ...
Re: https://www.walmart.com/ip/KAL-Guarana- ... s/31166540

While attracted to the advertised antioxidants of guarana, the lower time-released caffeine may be the greater benefit:
A good cup of real coffee (w/ caffeine ; - ) followed by one or two KAL pills provides the immediate caffeine boost,
then a lesser time-release boost (when the first cup "crash" would be occurring).

Besides, coffee tastes good with a few nibbles of coconut and chocolate.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Who knew "Get the lead out! (and come to a real tea ceremony)"
may have been Japanese expression to encourage drinking of organic green tea.

Long story short (recipe before story) ...

Catechin Cacao with Sesame

Into two 3oz bars of melted dark chocolate (85% cacao), whisk 2 tsp matcha powder,
then stir in 1 cup white sesame seeds. Pour onto tray covered with plastic wrap,
then cover with more plastic wrap. Cut into squares after refrigeration.
Also try with 2 tsp orange extract. Estimated servings: 10

About green tea nutrients ...

Green tea is a healthy drink (as brewed tea leaves), but as leaf powder (matcha) or tea extract (supplement in capsules) may provide excessive catechins (as well as lead). Apparently, the good antioxidant benefit is marginalized by health risk when too much leaf powder is consumed. But this wiggle room suggested a culinary proof of concept (the recipe).

Re: https://www.thehealthy.com/cold-flu/dri ... -symptoms/

"A separate study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, found quercetin derived from a plant to inhibit the replication of a common cold virus in its initial stage of infection."

Re: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6100025/

"Since the late 1990s, several epidemiological studies have suggested that the regular consumption of green tea decreases influenza infection rates and some cold symptoms"

Who knew Dark chocolate also has catechins (ECGC) ...

Re: https://www.clinicalcorrelations.org/20 ... d-for-you/

"In a study comparing the catechin content within dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and tea, dark chocolate contained the highest total catechin concentration." (dark chocolate compared to regular tea - not matcha)

See also: https://www.nutraingredients.com/Articl ... th-warning

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Re: https://healthguides.cnn.com/your-guide ... tions-fail

"If you have type 2 diabetes, you probably began your treatment with lifestyle changes and oral medications. For many, these treatments are enough to control blood sugar, also called blood glucose, for several years. However, for other people, these options aren’t always enough. Your blood sugar may still be elevated, even though you’ve made healthy changes to your diet and exercise routine and are taking your medication as prescribed."

A survey of internet information (for several years) hints that "healthy changes to diet" are not always the best changes. Since quality of insulin response to glucose (as well as insulin resistance and other health factors) is unique to the individual, identifying that uniqueness in relation to your favorite foods (carbohydrates) is very important The sooner the better!

Simple meals with one significant carbohydrate, then testing with a glucometer 2-3 hours later
(and after bedtime fast of at least 10 hours), is an effective way to discover personal uniqueness.

"Been there! Done that!" ... for one month, testing 4 times a day (after 3 meals and bedtime fast)
plus recording quantity of every item in each meal and time of meal + time of test. What a project!
But blood sugar control then became more intuitive!

Caveat: Knowing what carbs/quantity are problematic is only Part 1 -
Part 2 requires dietary changes and consistency! (exercise helps).
Tip: Good blood sugar control requires change of lifestyle!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Green Apple Tea (actually, green tea with apple juice)

Brew 3 bags of green tea in 2 cups hot water 5 min., then discard bags and chill.
When tea is cold, add to 2 cups cold water and 2 cups apple juice.
Serve over ice with a wedge of fresh lemon. Refreshing! ...
and your taste buds won't recognize the concoction!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Sesame Synergy

Long story short ...
I didn't notice that "85% cocoa" is not "85% cacao" when buying new chocolate bars.
But these bars were quite tasty for intense dark chocolate and just needed a recipe:

Into two 4.4oz bars of melted dark chocolate, stir in 1 tsp orange extract,
then stir in 1 cup white sesame seeds. Pour onto tray covered with plastic wrap,
then cover with more plastic wrap. Cut into squares after refrigeration.
Estimated servings: 10

Tip: Some refrigerated chocolate breaks easier than cutting.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Oat Bran Krumpets (makes 5 Krumpets)

Combine 2/3 cup oat bran with 1/4 cup half & half,
2 tbsp applesauce, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon,
and 1 tbsp brown sugar; then 2 tsp light olive oil.

In a tall mug with rounded bottom* (or glass 2-cup measuring cup),
whisk 1/4 cup egg whites until foamy, then stir into oat bran.
Let mixture rest 5 min. to absorb moisture, then stir briefly.

* roll whisk handle between your hands instead of stirring.

Lightly oil non-stick griddle and pre-heat on med. high.
Spoon batter onto griddle; turn when bubbles appear
(griddle like pancakes).

Serve as finger food or traditional pancakes.

Long story short: Created as healthier (and cheaper) substitute
for oatmeal cookies when taking morning pills (then coffee)

Rod