I have to make fudge (the old standby recipe that uses marshmallow fluff) and this year I'm trying a pumpkin fudge for a neighbor who loves the stuff. Have to make choc covered cherries because my daughter loves helping with those. We're either going to do Torrone or divinity (depending on how much time I have). I'm realizing I'm quickly running out of time, I'm barely getting the christmas tree decorated. I got the outside decorated last weekend since it was nice weather, but I haven't even started shopping for presents yet. I'm attempting homemade marshmallows this weekend, definitely strawberry ones covered in chocolate and vanilla covered in chocolate and rolled in graham crackers, for teacher presents. I figured since my daughter always wants to give her teachers presents then she can learn to make them. She even has a chef jacket and hat. The love cancels out the calories. Paula's recipes are healthy (not physical health but definitely psychologically - they make you feel good when you eat them). Everything's better with butter :-)

You really need to see an Certified Diabetic Educator....you will get so much information about diabetes including dietary guidelines. I used to be a diabetic educator and I can not emphasis enough how important seeing a specialist in diabetic education is. It is the best thing you can do for yourself. I had many patients whose doctor gave them so little information or just told them to avoid sugar....they had no information of symptoms of high blood sugar, low blood sugar or the complications that may occur. Please, please, please seen a Certified Diabetic Educator. Call your local hospital or home health agency for a referral....your doctor may not think it is necessary but truly, it is!

Hi, hope you feel better now. I am not sure if I have diverticulitis. A month ago I had some raw garlic and for a week felt awful in my stomach. I then took some medication I have taken many times over the years and again it seemed to hurt my stomach a lot despite never having hurt it before. My stomach is in constant agony. Like a severel period pain that never lessens or goes. Same whether I eat or drink lay down stand up or sit. I sit and cry. I am at my wit's end with it. Cannot work or go out or anything. I saw three doctors - uk - first one said ulcer and gave me the usual for that - for a few days it helped but then was far worse and had to stop taking them. Second doctor said it was a urine infection - which seemed to ignore that I had no other symptoms at all (?) and said to take antibacterial tablets,. Third one said it is gerd and very minor (!).. He said to take the tablets for ulcers that make me feel worse. I have insisted on a urine, stool and blood test which will all take about three weeks. I am petrified of what this is and coping in meantime. Painkillers make no difference. I have read that with some people who have diverticular flaxseed oil can help, as can fish oil and fibre. But this is just from looking through google past few days in an effort to get to grips with things. Would be good to hear from others with similar thoughts and experiences.

thanks Linda. No, I don't have any before and after pictures because I'm not 'after' yet, I'm only half way to my target weight. Then there is the every day job of maintaining it. Also, I don't know how to post pictures :~) Mush:"...It takes awhile and lots of patience to discover what causes you problems and what you can eat to stay feeling good..." I vow, truer words were never spoken. My Dr said it took him 40 years to find out what works for him, and he drinks two big glasses of instant breakfast every morning! ( first ingredient? sugar.) I'd be 310 if I tried that. Every body is different. What works for me is to eliminate any kind of sweetener, some protein each time I eat along with some healthy oil because it keeps you satisfied for such a long time in addition to the other health benefits. Everything I eat I want it to be nutrient dense. So that means the most vivid colors I can eat in fruits and veggies, add healthy nuts, avocados, olives. Funny how your tastes really do change, and what used to look good just looks like super glue for the veins now...and doesn't even look like it would taste good. The smell of food was my biggest obstacle. Fried foods, sweet foods, they smelled wonderful. That doesn't bother me too much any more, as long as I'm not past due to eat. Everyone just has to find their own way. Normal people can moderate amounts of not-so-good stuff. I can't. I guess that is an all or nothing kind of personality. My Dr is addicted to exercise so can eat more freely. That just isn't going to happen for me in this life. I hate it, always have, always will. Nasty stuff, exercise. Blaugh!! j