Eating healthy is good for everyone; when you have Diabetes, it is crucial. Diabetics are twice as likely to develop live threatening diseases then non – diabetics. When you are diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes, it’s life changing.

For die-hard food junkies, the only thing you think about is all the food that you’ll have to give up. While it’s a given that you will have to make changes, it can be a positive experience; you’ll discover a whole new world of food options.

Snacking is something everyone does, whether it is during work hours or relaxing in front of the Television. By simply substitution unhealthy junk food for Granola Gourmet energy bars will satisfy your snack craving.

Many think that Granola bars & Energy Bars are all healthy.  That is not true.  Many have a high fat, sugar and sodium content.  It is really important to know how to read the labels to make sure you have a healthy bar so you aren’t eating an adult candy bar.

A low GI diet can really make a difference for people with diabetes and those at risk of developing it. The ingredients in a Granola Gourmet energy bars meet the criteria of a low GI diet. Our ingredients include:  Organic whole grain oats, almonds, organic flaxseeds and organic sunflower seeds.

It is always important to maintain good communication and regular visits to your doctor for proper advice and diagnosis.  If you have pre- diabetes, or diabetes, it is good to have a diet plan created to fit your specific needs by consulting with your endocrinologist and with a dietitian who is a certified diabetes educator.

Life in our society today is very fast paced. We wake up, and after hitting the snooze button half a dozen times, take a shower and gulp a cup of coffee, and get the kids off to school. Then it’s out the door we go; to our jobs or to run errands or whatever the plans are for the day.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day however it is also the most skipped meal. You figure you can grab a doughnut or pastry and have a healthy lunch, but lets face it, how often does that happen?

When you don’t eat right, your abusing your body; you not giving yourself the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Over time, it will take its toll on your body.

• * Lack of energy
• * Inability to focus
• * Weight gain

These are just some of the effects of not eating right, and if you have diabetes, it can be life threatening.

People with diabetes do not produce enough of the hormone insulin to convert glucose to energy efficiently. People with Type 1 diabetes produce no insulin and must take it by injection or via a pump. Those with Type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin so must control their blood sugar through diet, exercise and insulin or oral medication, if needed. Type 2 diabetes may be preventable by maintaining a healthy weight and making wise food choices, however if it is going to work properly, then you have to follow a healthy diet, its just that simple.

Granola Gourmet offers energy bars for those who just don’t have enough time to sit down and eat breakfast.

The energy bars are made with all natural ingredients and are low on the Glycemic Index (GI). What this means is that instead of getting the rush of energy that you get when you eat junk food, (and yes, danish and doughnuts are a type of junk food) and then all of a sudden the energy is gone and your exhausted, when you eat a Granola Gourmet energy bar, the glucose is released into your blood slowly so your energy level remains constant.

You don’t have to skip breakfast.

When you’re on a budget, every penny counts; trying to stay on a low carb diet can be challenging however when you know the basics, you can create wonderful meals. Choosing foods like eggs, beans and tuna can be the base for fantastic meals.

Although eggs contain saturated fat, the protein and other nutrients far outweigh negative effects. There are virtually millions of things you can do with eggs; they are extremely versatile and cost next to nothing.

Beans are another food that is versatile and inexpensive and a big highlight is that they are high in fiber. Canned or dried beans can be added to soups and salads or they can be ground up to make incredible dips. Chili is another favorite that you can use beans for however it is important to watch what ingredients that you add; you want to keep it low carb. Black beans, kidney beans, navy beans and pinto beans are the most chosen beans because their carb count is about fifteen grams per half cup and the cost is just pennies per serving.

We all know that fish is one of the best things to eat; they contain lean protein and omega 3 fatty acids that contribute to good heart health. You can use it in many different ways and in many different recipes to create incredible culinary delights that will please even the fussiest eater. You can use it to top salads, or add light mayo to make an excellent tuna sandwich on whole grain bread.  It is important that you choose canned tuna in water and not oil; tuna in oil may contain unhealthy fat and be higher in carbs.

Veggies, veggies, veggies! There are so many different kinds of vegetable that are low or no carbs at all; they contribute to good heart health and have so many different health benefits. There has been a long-standing debate as to what is better; fresh or frozen.

Without a doubt fresh vegetable yield a bounty of nutrients, vitamins and minerals; however, unless you live on a farm and pick your vegetables daily, you may be shocked to find vegetable loose some of  their nutritious value as soon as they are picked. There is no telling how long they sit in the grocery store; while vegetables that are meant to be frozen have the same nutrients vitamins and minerals, are picked cleaned and frozen right from the field usually within twenty four hours of being harvested.

While fresh vegetable can be expensive, frozen vegetables are usual reasonably priced; however when it comes to using them, each has its advantages.

Which ever you choose, vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and spinach are low carb and can be added to salads, pasta dishes, and they can be eaten as snacks and a multitude of other dishes.

When you choose to eat a healthier diet, you choose the foods that you like and learn to prepare them in different ways. You fall into a routine and enjoy finding new ways to create healthy dishes.

Every once in a while, you still want to go out, have a quiet relaxing evening out with friends or family. You want to stay with your healthy diet, and choosing a restaurant that serves healthy food can be a little frustrating.

Unless the restaurant you choose is a health food restaurant, you’re going to find that your favorite restaurants are not specifically low fat, sugar, carb, sodium & calorie. You really have to look at the menu and choose healthy options. Even fast food restaurants now offer a healthy menu selection.

Burgers in a fast food restaurant or in a fine dining restaurant can have as much as 1800 calories, and huge amounts of artery clogging fat; these same restaurants offer healthy green salads low cal dressing. Its all in your approach, you can enjoy dining out, and keeping to your healthy lifestyle.

When you’re in a sit down restaurant, a brief description of what the dish contains is on the menu; if your still not sure, ask the waitperson how the dish is prepared. A good restaurant will train their waitstaff to answer questions like these. You can also ask the waitperson to substitute foods in the dish for healthier options; most restaurants will do this.

You can also choose the salad bar as your main dish, this way you are controlling what is on your plate.  Most salad dressings are loaded with calories and fats, so make sure it is the low calorie dressing, or you can just use some vinegar or lemon juice on your salad. You can choose the healthiest vegetables in the bar.

Most restaurants offer a breadbasket when you are seated; you can ask the waitperson if they have a whole grain bread basket or choose not to eat what is there.  Instead of putting butter on the bread, either enjoy it plain, or just put balsamic vinegar on it or a mix of a tiny amount of olive oil with the vinegar.  It is delicious. When the bread basket arrives many people aren’t able to just eat the one, so you can ask them to just bring you one roll, or not to bring any to the table.

It is recommended that you do not go to all you can eat buffets because you will be tempted to try all of the delectable treats on the table; it is also recommended that you do not order the specials on menus as most specials will contain all the ingredients you are trying to stay away from.

It is best not to go when you are extremely hungry, that also leads to quick and bad food choices.  Having a half or a whole Granola Gourmet Energy Bar will help you curb your appetite enough so you will not feel like eating everything in site at the restaurant.

Any restaurant can be a healthy one; it is up to you to make healthy menu choices. You should not have to sacrifice a night out because you want to stay on your healthy diet. You can go out and have fun, give yourself the night off from cooking and enjoy healthy eating and let someone else do all the work!

Being diagnosed with Diabetes can be frightening; in just a few minutes, your whole world changes. You’re handed so much information and processing it can be overwhelming. The biggest thing you are going to have to do is change your diet.

Eating healthy is just plain good for you; there are so many different foods that you should and should not eat, it can be confusing when you first decide to switch to a low GI diet. The thing to remember is balance. There is healthier “good” fat and unhealthy “bad” fat.

According to a study that appeared in Diabetes Care, a journal published by the American Diabetes Association, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFA) may help reduce abdominal fat better than a carbohydrate rich diet.

When test subjects ate a carbohydrate-enriched diet, they tended to accumulate fat in the abdomen. When they ate a diet that had more MUFA, abdominal fat concentration decreased, even without exercise.

Monounsaturated fatty acids are a ‘good fat’; they are plant-based fats that are found in some of the world’s most delectable foods:

• * Avocado
• * Nuts and seeds
• * Oils- olive, safflower, peanut oil…
• * Olives
• * Dark chocolate

Many studies show that these good-for-you fats enhance heart health and protect against chronic disease. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services recommend that fat make up no more than 20 to 35 percent of your daily calories.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Consuming monounsaturated fatty acids may help lower your risk of heart disease by improving associated risk factors. For instance, MUFAs may lower your total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. MUFAs may also help normalize blood clotting. And some research shows that MUFAs may also benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control, which can be especially helpful if you have type 2 diabetes.

Omega-3 fatty acids are another type of ‘good’ fat; they are poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Studies show that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids may help lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Omega 3 fatty acids may also act as an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting. Several other studies also suggest that these fatty acids may help lower high blood pressure.

The benefits of omega-3s include reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke while helping to reduce symptoms of hypertension, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain and other rheumatoid problems, as well as certain skin ailments. Some research has even shown that omega-3s can boost the immune system and help protect us from an array of illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease.

A Cardioprotective diet is simply a diet plan that lowers your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and Heart attacks. There are certain foods that should be added to your diet to lower your risk. In the United States today, there are twenty six million Americans that have Diabetes and another seventy nine million are at risk for developing it.

Incorporating whole grains into your diet is an excellent way to stay healthy, especially for people with Diabetes. If you have Diabetes, you know that special attention needs to be paid to your diet.

There have been a number of studies that conclude that people whose diet includes whole grains can lower their risk of developing type 2 Diabetes by as much as thirty four percent. The studies indicate that whole grains allow the body to digest it more slowly therefore reducing the amount of glucose that is released into the bloodstream.

Some of the benefits of whole grain are:

• *Low in saturated fat but is a source of polyunsaturated fats, including omega 3 linolenic acid
• *Cholesterol free
• *High in both soluble and insoluble fibre and resistant starch
• *An excellent source of heart healthy carbohydrates
• *A significant source of protein
• *A good source of B-complex vitamins, including folate
• *A good source of many minerals – such as iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and zinc
• *A good source of antioxidants, including vitamin E and selenium

You do not have to throw away all the food in your cabinet; by simply changing the cereal you purchase to whole grain is taking the first steps. There are so many different options. Keeping a positive outlook on dietary changes is important.

People with Diabetes need to protect themselves because they are at a higher risk of developing life threatening disease such has heart Disease and Coronary Artery Disease, a condition brought on by years of eating a poor diet. Over the years, fatty deposits or ‘plaques’ build up inside one or both of the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis). This constant silting narrows the artery, until a blood clot blocks the passage of blood altogether causing a heart attack.

Studies show that whole grains indicate that they offer greater protection against the risk of heart attack than the fiber from fruits and vegetables; this is crucial to Diabetics.

A study conducted at Harvard on postmenopausal women found that eating at least one serve of whole grains daily reduced the risk of heart and blood vessel disease by almost 30% compared to those who rarely ate whole grains.

Diabetes is a horrible disease that affects almost every part of your body; it can take its toll on you both physically and financially.  If all it takes is to make dietary changes, then why not consider making these changes.

February is heart health month, Low GI diets may be protective against heart disease. The old adage of ‘you are what you eat’ seems to be coming more and more accurate; diet is very important to a healthy lifestyle.

According to the American Diabetes Association and American Dietetic Association, diet is important; however it is even more important for people with diabetes.  People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing a number of different diseases, especially Heart disease; it can strike at any time.

Basically, all foods have a Glycemic Index, some foods are higher then others. Foods that high on the GI, allow the glucose in the food to absorb into your blood quickly; this can cause an elevated blood sugar level that can be dangerous.

Foods that are high in fat have the same effect, however the fat can also build up causing heart disease, heart attacks and death. People with Diabetes are twice as likely to develop Heart Disease then non – Diabetics.

American Diabetes Association states that two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke, also called cardiovascular disease. Clogged blood vessels can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other problems. But there are treatments for heart disease, stroke, and blood vessel disease.

Diabetes can be dangerous on women. The burden of diabetes on women is unique because the disease can affect both mothers and their unborn children. Diabetes can cause difficulties during pregnancy such as a miscarriage or a baby born with birth defects. Women with diabetes are also more likely to have a heart attack, and at a younger age, than women without diabetes.

You may be consuming low GI foods and not even realize it; there are hundreds of choices. According to the American Diabetes Association, most fruits, non – starchy vegetables are low-glycemic, or have a glycemic index rating of 55 or below.  Those with exceptional nutrient content include apricots, apples, berries, citrus fruits, pears, red plums, kiwi, cantaloupe, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach, mustard greens, artichokes, red and green bell peppers and asparagus.

Whole grains are low-glycemic carbohydrates and provide significant amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They enhance satiation between meals, which can help you manage your appetite and weight.

It is estimated that twenty six million Americans have diabetes and another seventy nine percent are at risk. Educate, yourself on diet and nutrition is the best way to lower your risk of getting Diabetes and all of the complications associated with it.  Per the American Heart Association; based on the 2008 mortality rates for Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) one third of all deaths in the United States are from CVD.  The American Heart Association estimates that upwards of one in three adults suffers from one or more types of CVD (with the exception of congenital heart disease).

It is always best to consult with your endocrinologist and a nutritionist who is a diabetes specialist – CDE- certified diabetes educator, to find the best course of treatment and diet for you. If you have heart disease, consult with your cardiologist first for the best course of treatment for you.

Check with your doctor or health care provider before starting any weight-loss diet, especially if you have any health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.

For information on Heart Health Month  www.heart.org

When you decide to eat healthy, the thought of shopping for healthy foods can be intimidating; it doesn’t have to be if you follow a few simple rules!

• *Shop the perimeter of the store – produce, meat, fish and dairy departments contain a plethora of healthy foods. Items on the shelves in the middle of the store contain the chemicals, preservatives and high sodium items that can be very bad for your health.

• *Plan your weekly meals before you go shopping – create your shopping list from your menu and stick to it! You’ll be tempted to purchase impulse items, resist the urge, you’ll be glad you did.

• *If you have to purchase something that is boxed, read the ingredients and the nutritional information. Choose an item that has the lowest sodium, fat, carbs and calories.

• *Remember that nutritional information on packages is per serving; to get the amount in the full package, you need to multiply the nutritional amount by the amount of servings in the package. Sometimes, these numbers are staggering.

Shopping for healthy foods doesn’t mean that you have to ‘break the bank’ every week; you can plan your menu from the grocery flyers you receive in the mail each week. Take advantage of sales and use coupons when it’s possible, this will save you a lot of money.

Homemade foods are the healthiest for your family; you control the ingredients going into it and the nutritional value incredible. You may not think that you have time to prepare food; ‘you’re tired after working all day, you want to relax, and you have too many other things to do…’ and the list of excuses goes on.

Many people think that preparing a healthy meal means slaving over a hot stove for hours; nothing could be further from the truth; preparing a healthy meal takes less time because you are using fewer ingredients and you can do a lot of the prep work before hand.

By using kitchen gadgets such as a crockpot, you eliminate virtually all of the work. You can add chicken and veggies while your coffee is brewing and it slow cooks all day and is ready when you get home. How easy is that?

When your lifestyle is busy and chaotic, it is hard to think of eating healthy; you’re on the go, busy with work, home and everything that life can throw at you. You know you need to eat healthy, but finding the time to sit and plan a menu, do the preparation and then sit and eat just doesn’t seem feasible. You grab something fast, usually something really unhealthy, however, your hunger is satisfied for the moment and you continue with your day.

There are so many risks to eating unhealthy foods; weight gain, serious illness and disease. Over a period of time, the risk of developing any of these diseases or illnesses increases.

There are several things that you can do to eat a healthy diet one is to prepare healthy foods ahead of time.

Breakfast is very important; when you don’t have time to cook but you have to eat something grabbing a great tasting energy bar from Granola Gourmet will satisfy your hunger and give you the energy you need to make it to lunchtime.

Decide on what foods you want on your menu. Take a few hours on the weekend to prepare your meals for the week. Soup is an excellent choice because you are choosing the ingredients to add. In the mornings, all you do is heat it up and put it in a thermos; you can slip it into your bag or briefcase and you have a meal ready when you are, even if your in the car.

Snacks are really easy to carry also; carrot and celery sticks are low calorie, low carb snacks that you can put in a baggie in your pocket for a quick snack either in the office or when you work on the road. Deciding on what to snack on is important; Granola Gourmet’s low Glycemic energy bars, nuts, seeds, dried fruits or air-popped popcorn are easily transported and are an excellent source of vitamins that your body needs to stay healthy.

Packing your own lunch is recommended because you’re deciding what ingredients you want to include; if you choose sandwiches, use whole grain bread and add lots of veggies; you will get the energy you need with very little calories and carbs.

If you want a sit down lunch, research restaurants in your area to find the ones that have healthy menu options. When you’re seated, ask the waitperson how each dish is made and what ingredients are used. If the restaurant allows it, request substitution for the ingredients that are not part of your plan.

Preparing meals can be a fun experience! For many people, creating mouthwatering dishes is a relaxing and satisfying way to end the day.

When you make the decision to eat healthier you’re choosing to create a better lifestyle for you and your family. However when you think of healthy foods things like tasteless rice cakes and cardboard like snacks come to mind, in reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

It is a simple matter of substitution; switching ingredients that you use to prepare your meals; salt and sugar substitutes top the list. Salt substitutes taste just like salt however they do not have the negative effects. There are also excellent sugar substitutes on the market today.

Pasta is perhaps the most popular food in the world to eat; there are hundreds of different shapes and thousands of different ways to prepare it. However, pasta is not a low carb food.

• *One way that you can eat healthy pasta is to choose a whole grain or whole wheat pasta. Take a look at the nutrition; there are a few pastas on the market that have a good amount of fiber and protein.
• *There is also a pasta like product that is made with a soy base; it comes in a bag with liquid.  It is so low in carbs and has a pasta like look and texture.  Make sure to rinse out the liquid from the bag very well and then just heat up and put your favorite healthy sauce on it.
• *For a real treat, substitute pasta with spaghetti squash.

Those other pasta options do not appeal to everyone; so they choose regular pasta. Or, you can create a healthier meal then you would ordinarily when using the regular pasta by using these tips!

• *Use less pasta and add vegetables; this reduces the amount of carbs you consume
• *Cook your pasta just till al dente (and make a small portion, as a side dish)
• *When you add a sauce don’t use a rich sauce or butter sauce.
• *If you would like a tomato sauce on your pasta, make sure it is low in sugar, sodium and fat.  Many on the market aren’t very healthy.

When it comes to snacks, and everybody loves to snack, giving up the greasy chips and unhealthy treats can be the most difficult thing to do. Snacks are meant to be comforting, filling and give you energy between meals, when you eat unhealthy foods, it bogs down your system slows you down and makes you feel sleepy. Choosing healthy snacks like nuts, vegetables and fruits like pears, apples and berries or, snacks like all natural low glycemic energy bars is an excellent substitution and can make you feel rejuvenated.