Berries & Nuts ~ Surviving in the wild world of diabetes

One of the first thing lots of folks think when they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is that they will no longer be able to enjoy fruit because of the high natural sugar content. But wait...in most cases, fruit is our friend...especially wonderfully delicious berries! Most berries have a minimal impact on blood glucose levels, and we already know how good for us they are!
Now...unless you're trying to lose weight, nuts are a great food to incorporate into the type 2 diabetics way of eating. The closer to it's natural state, the better. I've curbed many weak moments with celery sticks and some natural peanut butter. My mom was choosey, so she raised us on JIF...so I like a slightly sweet peanut butter. If you are the same way, just stir about 1/4 tsp. of Splenda into 2 TBSP. of natural peanut butter and slather it onto celery, or rye crisps, or an apple...whatever makes you happy! Sure nuts have a high amount of fat in them, but it's not like bacon grease...LOL...it's heart healthy fat.

Here's a recipe for one of my favorite "grab it quick" snacks. Keep these on hand to squash the munchies!

"Sugar" Coated Pecans

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 pound pecan halves
  
• 1 cup Splenda
  
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Grease one baking sheet.
2. In a mixing bowl, whip together the egg white and water until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together Splenda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add pecans to egg whites, stir to coat the nuts evenly. Remove the nuts, and toss them in the Splenda mixture until coated. Spread the nuts out on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake at 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes.

My husband eats these so fast, I have to stash some away for myself! =)

Cheers!