Spinach is an excellent source of folate as well as one of the leading sources of vitamin K. Pairing it with endive and grapes gives it a sweet, sophisticated taste.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
1 tablespoon rice wine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1½ cups small red seedless grapes, divided
2 Belgian endives (12 ounces), sliced crosswise
3 cups baby spinach
¼ cup crumbled Gorgonzola or other blue cheese
3 tablespoons chopped smoked, lightly salted almonds
1. Using a blender or immersion blender, process the vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and ¾ cup of the grapes until smooth. Set aside for dressing.
2. In a salad bowl, combine the endives, spinach, and the remaining ¾ cup grapes. When ready to serve, toss with dressing, and top with cheese and almonds.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
Per serving: 186 calories, 18 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein, 11 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 6 mg cholesterol, 377 mg sodium, 5 g fiber
Carbohydrate Choices: 1
Dietary Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 fat
LET YOURSELF GO/STRESS LESS
A positive attitude is essential in dealing with the stress of diabetes, according to Richard R. Rubin, PhD, CDE, of the Johns Hopkins Medical School and author of Psyching Out Diabetes: A Positive Approach to Your Negative Emotions. With his colleague Joseph Napora, PhD, Rubin has developed seven frames to help people turn their negative mental pictures of diabetes into positive ones.
Frame 1—Partializing. Breaks a seemingly insurmountable problem into manageable pieces.
Frame 2—Letting Go. Focus your energy on what you can change, not on what you can’t.
Frame 3—Love. Cherish yourself.
Frame 4—Faith and Hope. Identify a higher power or internal strength and call upon it.
Frame 5—Humor. Looking for the absurdity of a situation helps promote relaxation.
Frame 6—Sharing Information. Communicate with those around you to foster openness.
Frame 7—Celebration. Recognize your successes, no matter how small.