Importance of Weight Control

I don't have any problem losing weight because my weight is just proportionate to my height and my size. That's what my doctor said but still I'm afraid of getting diabetes in the future if I don't care for myself.

This is what I read:

• Type 2 diabetes occurs 2-3 times more often in overweight persons - particularly if inactive.

• Such person do not usually lack insulin. Rather, their insulin is less effective. As obesity develops, muscles and other body cells may resist insulin in varying degrees. The resultant build-up of blood glucose may lead to diabetic symptoms.

• Weight loss alone often corrects this condition in Type-2 diabetes. If overweight, try a moderate diet of 1200 - 1500 calories plus daily exercise. Within several weeks, body cells can lose their resistance and become sensitive once again to the effects of insulin. Insulin and blood glucose levels may normalize, and symptoms may disappear.

• Further, the need for oral antidiabetic drugs might be prevented or much lessened in dosage. So, give diet and exercise a fair chance - and maintain them to keep symptoms under control.

Source: The Calorie King
Picture: Google Image

Sauteed Red Swiss Chard

Hubby and I went to the Farmer's Market last Sunday. We came across a table that sold all organic greens. There was a section for Red Chard and they all looked so fresh and so nice. I was trying to figure out whether to buy or not as I really have not tried yet cooking it honestly. I asked the lady what's the best way to prepare this kind of veggies then she told me a couple of them. So I ended up getting just one bunch for a try.

When we came home, I tried to go on web to see if I could find a better recipe that would guide me but i got frustrated because the recipe that I found called for 4 bunches. We did not need that much. It's only hubby and I so we really did not need that big amount. So I tried making my own recipe based on what the lady told me at the market.

Here is the list of ingredients:

• 1 bunch of red chard
• 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp of organic chicken broth (reduced fat)
• dash of pepper
• dash of salt-free Mrs Dash Lemon Pepper
• dash of salt (optional) to taste

Here is how to do it:

• Wash the veggies thoroughly.
  
• Separate stems and spines from the leaves. Cut them thinly and set aside.
• Coarsely chop leaves and set aside. Do not dry the leaves. Keep them moist.
  
• In a medium heat, put olive oil in a non-stick pan until warm enough.
• Fry the stems and spines. Stir until tender.
• Add garlic and constantly stir until aroma comes out.
• Add leaves (it's own water will cook them), stir until wilted.
• Pour in chicken broth, stir and cover.
• Cook for at least 4 minutes or until leaves are tender.
• Add the seasoning to your desired amount.

This makes a good side dish. We had this with baked salmon and sweet potato. Yummy!