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Baking Tip - BY PATTYNCLAN

I tweak each and every recipe I prepare to render it more healthful; When I need 1/2 cup of oil, I use 1/4 cup of applesauce and 1/4 cup of light tasting virgin olive oil, depending on what I'm making. I always use baby prunes for the fat in brownies or chocolate recipes, always use eggwhites and make the adjustment from full eggs. I use the best quality ingredients possible to achieve the optimum result. I buy BIG bags of flour and separate it into 3 pks.1 in the freezer, 1 in the fridge and 1 in my pantry. This ensures me that I'll always have fresh flour, and it's fun to do especially when it's on sale.

Low-Carb/High Protein Diets. - BY DENISE ST.GEORGE, MASSACHUSETTS

Last April I found out I have type 2 diabetes. At 176lbs, 5' 2" tall, I was overweight and had to get some of the weight off. I was told to cut out white rice and white bread. My sugar levels were in the 279 range (60-100 is the norm for "normal" people). The reason I was tested was because I had severe vaginal itching, which wasn't a yeast infection, a UTI or any kind of allergy. After weeks of misery, I finally went for a HB A1c test. I was a vegetarian except for fish, and couldn't figure out why I had this disease. I did my homework, and found out that eating SMALL portions of protein 2-3oz. once or twice a day was ok. Veggies were big, but again....small portions, some better than others, especially the "green" veggies. 1/2 a potato instead of a whole, 2 small portions of certain fruits also. Yes, you can eat the bread! Once a day I have 1 slice of Oat Bran bread or 7 grain bread. No more French/Italian bread, no more pizzas (or one 4" slice) and definately no baked goods. I was crushed. No more CHOCOLATE bars? No, not even sugar free which gives you diarrhea and is high in carbs. I made up my own "trail mix" from the following and munch on it between meals. It has helped keep my sugar levels down AND more important I am always "full". I have lost 55lbs in 10 months and hope to keep this new me and not go off the 'diet.' My Trail Mix: Mix 2 cups Kashi HEART to HEART with 2 cups Kashi MEDLEY. (I alternate different lower carb cereals, this is my favorite one)Add I cup of cut up dried apricots, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup mixed dried berries. Almond slivers (1/2 bag) or walnuts, and to top off, 1/2 bag semi-sweet chocolate morsels. Just enough to satisfy that sweet tooth. You can exchange them for any of the flavors of chocolate chips. Hope this helps many of your readers. When you get tired of this, just have ONE or TWO sugar free Chocolate truffles., I usually do that about every other week. I find eating small portions so easy. Just watch the chips/crackers/fries. Read the labels!!!! Try to 1/2 the per serving amount. You will find the weight coming off without any withdrawal or hunger pangs. Good Luck!