Sweet Life: Free Diabetes Cooking Class Series

If you are living with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, have been diagnosed as prediabetes, or want to learn how to eat healthier, Hoag Hospital has free resources for you that can help with information about staying healthy with diabetes, including tips on diabetes management and diabetes cooking classes featuring delicious, health-conscious recipes.

Hoag Hospital’s Diabetes Cooking Classes

In May, I attended the free cooking demonstration at Hoag Hospital’s Diabetes Center. This particular class focused on “Fast, Easy & Delicious” dishes that anyone with basic cooking skills can make. Hoag Executive Chef Davis Cruz shares kitchen safety tips and demonstrates 4-5 recipes during the class, which attendees are able to sample for dinner. Participants in the class leave with new knowledge on eating healthier and that night’s recipes with complete instructions and nutritional analysis.  Chef Cruz delivers an interesting and informative class in a friendly and approachable manner. He has also lived with diabetes for much of his adult life and engages guests with bits of relatable humor. That evening he cooked Salmon & Summer Vegetable Packets, Smoky Mushrooms, Crunchy Jicama, Radish and Melon Salad, and Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries (recipe below).

Diabetic-Friendly Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Print

Diabetic-Friendly Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

Yes, you can have chocolate and fruit in small doses. Just remember portion control when diving into these fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate!

Course: Dessert

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 60 kcal

Author: Priscilla

Ingredients

• 12 large strawberries with long stems, if possible
• 2 ounces dark chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter*
• 2 teaspoons chili powder hot or mild

Instructions

1. Wash and pat dry the strawberries, set aside.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler over medium heat until the chocolate melts and is smooth. Whisk in the chili powder.
3. Dip the bottom half of each strawberry into the chocolate mixture and swirl to coat. Place the strawberries on a sheet of waxed paper to dry.
4. Discard the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate sauce, or store in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator.

Recipe Notes

*Going by weight, the amount of butter is half the amount of chocolate.
Recipe adapted from Diabetes Forecast.

The Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center in Newport Beach offers incredible resources at the center and online, including education, support, and events such as their monthly Sweet Life Cooking Demonstrations with Chef Cruz who knows firsthand about managing diabetes.

The Sweet Life mission is to reach individuals with diabetes through free diabetes education and support classes. Current classes focus on weight, healthy cooking, and nutrition management for those with diabetes and interested in diabetes. The classes are open and free to anyone. Registration is required as the classes are filled to capacity each month.

What is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes typically occurs in middle-aged and older adults, although an alarmingly high percentage of new cases are seen in adolescents and young adults. Many people who develop type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. A family history, especially in first-degree relatives, also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In the United States, it is estimated that 23.6 million people have diabetes, and about 20 percent of those remain undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes represents about 90 to 95 percent of cases of diagnosed diabetes. People of African American, Hispanic, or Native American origin have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than whites. Some symptoms of type 2 diabetes are excess thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, fatigue, and recurrent skin and urinary tract infections.

Type 2 diabetes is marked by both insulin resistance (the body is resistant to the insulin it produces)and insulin deficiency (the body produces some insulin, but not enough to overcome insulin resistance). Since insulin is unable to transport sugar (glucose) to the body’s cells for use as energy, glucose levels in the blood become elevated. Over time, high blood glucose can lead to serious complications of diabetes like retinopathy, neuropathy, and heart disease. There is no cure for diabetes, but complications can be prevented or delayed thanks to treatment focused on controlling blood glucose levels with a healthy diet, regular exercise, oral medications, and insulin when required. People with type 2 diabetes are also at an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. For this reason, adequate treatment for elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels—both of which increase a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke—is essential. {Source: Diabetes Forecast}