Dear Friends,
Remaining diligent in a time of crisis is a must. There is great uncertainty and fear surrounding COVID-19 and the rapid spread of this virus. Now more than ever I encourage you to remain diligent and stay in, stay strong and stay safe. Those of us with diabetes are considered people at higher risk for severe illnesses, making it even more important to follow the guidelines set forth. Don’t forget to do the following:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick
- Avoid touching you face with unwashed hands
- Stay at home if you are sick
- Cover cough/sneeze with a tissue and discard it immediately
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects
- Practice social distancing
For more detailed information click the link below to log onto the www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
CDC: If you are at higher risk https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html
The news stories, reports and updates will be on 24 hours each day. Do not overload, be aware of your mental state. Each day I’ve tried to make sure to follow a routine and include some of these things: walking or riding my bicycle in my yard, yoga, trying new recipes, staying in touch with others via social media, taking time to meditate on positive things, start a new garden or craft, read a book.
My prayer for everyone is healing, protection and God’s Grace and Mercy on us all.
C.C. Stallworth
The Diligent Diabetic
Nature Walk
Take Time to enjoy walking around your yard and watching the birds and squirrels
Exercise
Riding my bicycle in my yard, yoga lite or just walking it’s important to keep active
Try a new recipe
Homemade Guac or Shrimp and Noodle Soup
See recipes at the bottom of page
Planting a small Garden
In my quest to keep busy I decided to plant a simple garden. After making a trip to the local farmer’s market for fruit and vegetables I removed the seeds from the peppers, tomatoes and green beans. I cut the base off of the green onions, red onions and celery. To my surprise they’re starting to grow. I go out every morning to water my garden and an added bonus I get to enjoy seeing the red birds and squirrels. Such a simple pleasure which is so relaxing and helps to set the tone of my day.
tomatoes
I can't believe how quickly this tomato plant has grown.
Celery
I just planted the bottom of the celery base in this container and it's growing already. this is so much fun I hope the squirrels don't eat up the garden.
Peppers
The peppers are coming along. I've already snipped some green onions and used them in a couple of meals.
Staying Strong Mentally
Remember, solitude is not loneliness. Make sure to stay connected. Skype, face-time, text, phone someone. Write a letter, send a card. We’re ALL in this together. It’s important to stay mentally strong during these uncertain times. There are things out of our control and we have to be concerned without being worried. Be concerned enough to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC and our governmental officials. If you feel you need emotional help don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals. A great resource is our CDC. Click the link below.
Take Some Me-Time
I found that taking a moment or two to do something normal helps me to feel stronger mentally. Watching a chick flick, going for a walk around the yard, an afternoon nap. Just a small shred of normalcy has made a big difference with me.
Ginger & Spice Tea
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Water
- 2/3 Cups Honey
- 1/2 Cup Ginger Water See instructions making ginger water. You can also add a tablespoon of the diced ginger.
- 1/2 Lemon and Lemon Zest
- 1/2 Orange and Orange Zest
- 10 Whole Cloves If cloves are small add 12
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Turmeric
Instructions
- Ginger Water: Peel, and dice a large ginger root into small pieces. Place diced ginger in a sauce pan with 4 cups of water. Bring to boil and let simmer for 30-45 minutes. The ginger has been extracted when the water is yellow in color. Cool and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready for use.
HONEY, GINGER AND SPICE TEA
- Add 4 cup of water to a saucepan
- Add Honey
- Add ginger water
- Grate and add zest of 1/2 Lemon and 1/2 Orange
- Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon and the juice of 1/2 orange in tea mix
- Bring tea mix to a boil
- Add whole cloves
- Add cinnamon
- Add Turmeric
- Let tea mixture simmer for 10 minutes
- Use a strainer or cheese cloth when pouring up tea
- Add lemon and/or orange wedge for garnish
- Enjoy
Video
The Purr-fect Surrounding
When we surround ourselves with feel good and comfort things this too helps us mentally. A good book, a favorite wrap, a cup of honey lemon tea, even a fur baby can add cheer to brighten our day.
Comfort Foods
Shrimp & Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 16oz Cans Chicken Broth Low Sodium
- 1 12oz Frozen Cooked Shrimp
- 1/2 16oz Spaghetti Pasta Use only 1/2 package (8oz)
- 3 Stems Green onions chopped
- 3 Spriggs Cilantro chopped
- 1 Lime Cut into wedges
- 1 Jalapeno pepper Seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 Clove Garlic crushed
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add crushed garlic clove jalapeno pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, spaghetti noodles and cayenne. Let simmer for 10 minutes or until noodles are almost done.
- Add frozen cooked shrimp. Let simmer for 7-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add green onions, and a squeeze of 2 lime wedges
- Serve in 4 bowls, garnish with lime wedge, a green onion sprig and cilantro
- Enjoy
Homemade Guac
Ingredients
- 2 Avacado
- 1/4 Red onion Choped
- 1 Tomato Diced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped
- 1 Jalapeno pepper Seeded, devained and finely chopped
- 1 Lime
- 1 Clove Garlic
- Sea salt and pepper To Taste
- Serve with warm tortilla chips, add to salad or use as a condiment
- Enjoy
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add diced avocado and slightly mash with a fork until smooth but still chunky.
- Add red onion tomato, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno pepper, juice from 1 lime
- Season with sea salt and pepper to taste
- Serve with warm tortilla chips or fresh vegetables, or use in a salad or as a condiment
- Enjoy
On occasion I'll use the app below to help with relaxation and meditation. Hope you'll enjoy it too.
