Diabetic Root Beer Float

Tonight is just a fun post about making something diabetic-friendly to satisfy a sweet tooth.  I was inspired today by a burger joint that I went to and decided to make a lower sugar version of an oldie but goodie - a traditional root beer float.

When I looked online, I saw some sugar free options but didn't see just a lower sugar version.  I do eat sugar free food sometimes but most of the time I just opt to make healthier choices.  My philosophy is that you don't have to torture yourself and eat food that doesn't taste as good just because you're a diabetic.  You can cheat your taste buds by choosing better alternatives, that have less sugar and still taste great.

Diabetic Root Beer Float Step-By-Step

Here are the four essential things you need to make this recipe:

1. A retro looking glass to get that 50's diner-type feel.
2. A fun colored straw - make sure that it is wide enough to handle a thick shake.
3. DIET Root Beer - here's where you can definitely trim your sugars. My brand of choice is A&W.
4. Healthier vanilla ice cream like Edy's - this slow churned vanilla only has 16 carbs for 1/2 cup of ice cream.

Depending on the height of the glass, you may need more than one can.  For this float, I needed a can and a half.

Then scoop out your ice cream. I found that one perfect scoop exactly equals 1/2 cup, which is probably why that is the serving size.  If you really want to be exact, you can measure the ice cream before dropping it into the soda.

Now for the fun part, making the root beer a float.  Drop the single scoop into the glass of soda and watch the magic happen.

Now just insert straw and ENJOY!

I hope that you have fun making your own float. It's my opinion that this float is not just great for a diabetic but for anyone wishing to live a healthier lifestyle. Thanks for reading!

Fingerless Gloves - Another Diabetic Must Have

Yes, I am a little late with this since it's almost Spring but it just snowed here in New York so I figured it's still ok to post...

During the winter, it's hard to test your blood sugar when wearing gloves. That's where fingerless gloves come into the picture. Your hands can still be warm while you prick your finger tips. Many diabetics/people might not see the perks of fingerless gloves so I am giving this accessory a big shout out today. They're so much better than regular gloves; also ideal for texting!

The gloves I'm wearing in this image are perfect because they can be mittens or fingerless gloves; you get to choose. And who doesn't like being given options?

If you want to get similar gloves, check out Sears (where I bought these.) Other stores that I have seen carry this item include TJ Maxx, Target, or any major department store in your area.

Nutritional Info & Apps

When I go to restaurants, nutritional information is the biggest struggle. I suggest downloading the app or opening an account with MyFitnessPal, which can help you calculate carbs when you're eating outside of your home.  I am always blown away by how many different types of foods and brands they have info for!

One of my favorite restaurant chains, Moe's Southwestern Grill, has nutritional information on its website too so you can always check the website before you go out and just plan for what you're going to eat. 

For example, if you get a burrito, all you have to do is check off what you're adding to your burrito and it will give you the total amount of carbs. 

For anyone who has an iPhone, if you download any specific brand app, it should have nutritional information. On my phone, I have the Taco Bell app, the Moe's app, and Chipotle app (as you can see I really like tacos/burritos). 

All of the apps have the nutritional information, which is really helpful for when I'm on the go in the car or with my friends. 

Hope this was helpful!!

Sharps and Little Ones

Sharps + little ones = DANGER

I have two adorable siblings, a three year old brother and a one year old sister.

With babies in general, having small things around them is a hazard. However, being an organized diabetic isn’t the easiest task. I know I am not the only diabetic who has accidentally left a sharp somewhere.

A good idea is to always have a sharp container in the room/place where you usually test your sugar. For example, your bedroom. I usually restock on sharp containers every few months. Before a sharps container was a main accessory of my room, I threw them everywhere. I recently just emptied out this huge bag of sharps hanging on my bookcase.

Here's a tip: you don’t even need an actual "medical" sharps container. You can use an empty water bottle or empty detergent bottle.

Another annoying thing about sharps is that they are easy to lose but hard to find. Sometimes I’m notified that there’s a new sharp found in my room after I leave my dad’s house.

My advice is not to blame yourself if you misplace a sharp, however try as hard as you can to be responsible with sharps moving forward because you don’t want your little brother or sister to encounter a choking hazard -- especially a sharp one!

Traveling with an Insulin Pen or Pump

Any diabetic whom is on the pen has some challenges when traveling because he or she has to lug a backpack full of supplies and insulin pens. Whether you're on a pump or pen, my doctor recommends that I bring a cooler with ice to keep insulin vials or pens cold (of course you should talk to your own doctor before traveling or to confirm that you need a cooler.)

For the insulin pen, there isn’t a ton of extra preparation because they’re pretty easy to travel with. The only thing I could recommend based on the experience I have had with them is to get a very stylish bag to carry them. For example, Stephanie Johnson, Vera Bradley, etc.

However traveling with a pod or pump can be more difficult.

I had my first experience traveling with my OmniPod this past summer when traveling to Italy. It was easier on the way there because all the airport personnel speak English and understood the situation once explained to them.

I still had to have the boxes of pods, my meter and myself checked for explosives. They basically patted me down instead of me going through the metal detector. For diabetics with pods whom have not traveled with one before, BIG HEADS UP: your OmniPod Meter, pods in the box or on your body can NOT go through metal detectors or there will be a strong possibility of them not working or failing - dangerous situation.

On my way back from Italy, they forced me to go through the metal detector and I got very scared. I was afraid my pod was going to fail while on the plane. But, thank God, it continued to work. I assume it was my lucky day. I think that it would have been helpful if I had someone who spoke the language and could have explained so I didn't have to chance it.

I don’t have a pump with a wire so I don’t know the rules or have a ton of advice for that device, except possibly bringing a cooler.

Hope this comes in handy for my Fellow Diabeauties!

My Diagnosis Story

Since November is Diabetes Awareness Month, I thought I would share my diagnosis story.

It was February 15, 2011... 

That morning, I went to school with the $3.00, a yogurt, carrots and other snacks that my mom typically gave me for lunch each day.  I was so incredibly thirsty that I blew all of my lunch cash on three bottles of water.  I wound up drinking those bottles of water - all three of them - in less than 5 minutes. The school let me take out an I.O.U for lunch so I could eat that day but even after lunch period, I was still hungry and thirsty.

And then there were those two words that I said many times that day: "Bathroom break." I must have gone to the bathroom a thousand times that day, even when I knew I couldn't possibly have to go, I still felt like I HAD to go.

When my mom picked me up from school, I asked to be taken to McDonalds for a double quarter pounder and large drink.  After that, we went to a pizza place and I ate AGAIN. I was insatiable. Little did I know that when your sugar is high, it actually makes you hungry.

My mom brought me to an after school activity and I continued to have to go to the bathroom the whole time.  When we got home, my mom said, "Emma, it's time to go to the ER to get tested for diabetes." My mom had happened to hear a radio ad where they listed the symptoms of juvenile diabetes and thought I might have it. I agreed to go but of course, as any young girl would, thought my mom was overreacting.  I mean what were the chances that I had diabetes?

When we got the the ER, my mom's suspicions were confirmed.  My blood sugar was 499. I wasn't in shock or anything when I found out - I was just totally clueless. I knew nothing about diabetes.

I stayed in the hospital for three days. Throughout my stay, I was very tired the whole time; just wanted to sleep a lot. I wasn't thinking about what the ramifications of my diagnosis were or what was going to be because the hospital staff was doing all the work for me -- from calculating my carbs to giving me the insulin shots.

It was winter break when I was released from the hospital so I had a good week to get used to my new lifestyle. At first, my mom was doing all of my insulin shots but then on my second day home I said I wanted to try and I started doing them. I knew that my mom wasn't going to be at school with me or out with my friends, so I had to learn to be independent in living with this disease.

Since I was still in the honeymoon phase for about a year after diagnosis, it took a little while to fully understand how life was going to change but through it all I was determined not to feel like a victim.
To this day, I get a lot of sympathy for having diabetes and I don't feel like I need it.  People say that they feel so bad for what I have to go through but I know that people have it a lot worse than I do so I don't waste time feeling sorry for myself.

That is my diagnosis story. Thank you for reading!

The Diabetic Tag

1. When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed on Feburary 15, 2011 around 9:00 PM.

2. How old were you?
I was 12 years old.

3. Pump or shots?
I started off with shots for two years, then moved on to the OmniPod about six months ago.

4. Humalog or Novalog?
Novalog all the way. I don’t know why but that’s what I’ve been given since day 1.

5. Freestyle or OneTouch?
I like everything from the freestyle brand.

6. Medtronic or Animas?
Okay, I’ve never ever heard of this. I’m assuming its for the pump with wires because I’d be in a lot of trouble if I’m supposed to use those things.

7. Sugar Free or No sugar free?
No sugar free because I’ve gotten sick from sugar free stuff and the taste isn’t as delicious.

8. Run high or Run low?
I’d rather run high because when I’m low I feel like I’m going to collapse.

9. Highest blood you’ve ever had?
499 (when I was diagnosed)

10. Lowest blood sugar?
41

11. Any relatives with diabetes?
Nope.

12. Any friends with diabetes?
I have one friend with diabetes. We aren’t close friends but we’re friends.

13. Juice or Glucose Tabs?
It really depends on the day or how low my sugar is. At school I’ll take both because I want to get it higher quickly.

14. When you exercise: less insulin or more carbs?
Less insulin. What I do is half the amount of carbs and that will be the insulin.

15. After checking BG: wipe it off or lick it?
If I’m in a hurry I’ll lick it but I usually wipe it off.

Booty-licious

At this point of my life, I really don't have the option of sacrificing comfort for the sake of looking fashionable.  First of all, a day at school is like competing in the Iron Man competition.  My locker is in the basement, my first period is on the fifth floor and after that it's back and forth all day long.

Second of all, as a diabetic, I also have to try to make the extra effort to stay fit so I try to walk as much as I can during the day - including home from school instead of taking the bus.

Because I'm always on the move, the thought of wearing anything less comfortable than a sneaker usually doesn't even cross my mind.

Luckily there's Aerosoles so I don't have to sacrifice style for comfort.  These have to be the most comfortable, stylish shoes I have ever tried on.

From their website: Aerosoles offers a full range of styles that are made from quality materials and unique constructions. The comfort once only found in casual shoes can now be found in everything from dress pumps to boots to sandals. We understand our customer and her needs; comfort that she can count on, through a range of styles that cover all the areas of her busy lifestyle. 

For this review, I selected a Fall fashion necessity - the booty.  The Soterday Night ankle boot by Aerosoles is constructed in faux suede. I picked Taupe but it is also available in Brown or Black.

Shirt: Alternative (available at Lord & Taylor) 
Maxi Skirt: Free People

These shoes are totally on-trend and totally comfy.  Also, I should mention that at $89.00, these shoes will not break the bank.  Note: the Soterday Night ankle boots are now on sale for $69.99 on Aerosoles.com.

I highly recommend Aeorsoles for anyone like me that lives an active, on-the-go lifestyle but doesn't want to be stuck wearing sneakers or flats all the time.

2013 Fall Trends

Straight from the runways! Here are some of my favorite 2013 fall fashion trends:

Trend 1: Beanie Hat
Trend 2: Classic Patterns (like Plaid)

Trend 3: Military Inspired Pieces

Trend 4: Over the Knee Boots

Trend 5: Chunky Knits

Trend 6: Slouchy Pants

Trend 7: Leather

Trend 8: Winter Whites

Five Diabetic Fashion And Beauty Must Haves

I have found that using some simple guidelines for my fashion and beauty choices can make getting ready every day a lot easier.  It also makes shopping trips a lot more productive. (And, yes, I heart shopping!)

Here are my 5 must-haves for any diabetic's wardrobe and cosmetic bag:

1. Easy access separates: these are a must, especially if you're using the insulin pen.  Wear pieces of clothing that allow you to easily get to your arms and legs for your insulin shots.  I find that short sleeves with a cardigan, skirts or dresses and shorts work well for this.  It's easier to do this in the summer, when you tend to wear clothes that expose more skin.  In the chillier months, just layer.

Cardigan: Painted Threads from Nordstrom

Shirt: Mossimo for Target Stores

Skirt: Forever21

2. Cute accessories: stylish accessories - specifically bags - are a total must and you can read my past post on different styles I've used, as well as my post on the Katie folding cosmetic clutch by Stephanie Johnson.  I highly recommend something that keeps you organized so that you can separate your personal items from your diabetes stuff. Interior pockets are a lifesaver, especially if they zip.

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

3. Attitude: yes, having diabetes stinks but until there's a cure, it's something I have to deal with.  I realized that a lot of it is in the attitude.  I suggest that you just come to terms with it or "own" it.  In my case, I didn't want to wear form fitting dresses when I first got a pump since it was visible on my torso.  Then I said, "To heck with it!" and decided to wear whatever I want, when I want.  

Striped Dress: Forever21

4. Versatile outerwear: my #1 guideline of easy access separates applies to outerwear too.  If you're going to be outside, make sure that you don't have to jump through hoops to get to your arms.  Ponchos or capelets have been on-trend for the past few years. If that's not your style, just make sure that your name doesn't need to be Houdini to give yourself your insulin.

Poncho: Burberry 

5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: many diabetics (like myself) suffer from dry skin.  I like to exfoliate regularly but I also highly recommend getting yourself a good all-over moisturizer. I use Aveeno because it's natural and really does the job.

Stephanie Johnson Katie Cosmetic

One of the many benefits that I have found from switching over to the OmniPod insulin pump is that I can carry around less stuff.  I have more room in my bag to fit MY personal products - like makeup, keys, phone, etc. - and can also carry around cuter purses.

Stephanie Johnson makes stylish bags for organizing cosmetics, toiletries and travel. A perfect fit for my diabetes "stuff".  Stephanie Johnson sent me the Katie folding cosmetic clutch in Everglades Coral and I absolutely love it.

One of the best features of all Stephanie Johnson bags is that the bags are very compartmentalized; making it super easy to organize my stuff.  Look at all the stuff that it can carry.

And they're also compact and not bulky so it doesn't look like you're carrying around as much stuff as you are.  

 This is the bag folded up with all my stuff in it. Look at how thin it looks:

Stephanie Johnson bags are available in all different colors and shapes but all of them help you to organize your diabetes gear and accessories in a fashionable way. I highly recommend buying one whether it's for your diabetes stuff, cosmetics, toiletries or whatever. These bags are great for keeping everything neatly placed.

Shirt from Forever 21. Skirt from Urban Outfitters. Coach Watch.  Stella & Dot Soar necklace in bronze.

Organizing Diabetes Supplies Stylishly

Being a diabetic can be very difficult when going out with friends or going to a nice restaurant with my family. When I was on the pen I had to carry around lancets and needles that would often fall out due to lack of space or adequate compartments in the bag I was carrying.

My family got me cute bags that helped me be organized and fashionable. Cute accessories for the insulin pen that I have used include cross body, satchels or mini backpacks. When I was first diagnosed my mom gave me a LeSportsac Kasey Cross body bag (available at Macy's). It has many compartments for me to put pen needles, lancets, meter, etc.

I was really grateful for all the hidden zippers or little compartments in the bags because it made it so much easier to carry all my diabetes accessories around.

Now for mini backpacks, I don’t mean the Dora the Explorer type of mini backpack. For example, my Grandma and Grandpa went on vacation to Germany and got me the cutest leather mini backpack. Do not fly off to Germany just to buy a leather mini backpack just yet - you can go to Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters and get one very similar (one seen here is from Urban Outfitters).

My Step mom got me a Vera Bradley cosmetic case, however instead of using it for makeup, I put needles and lancets together on one side, alcohol swabs on the other side, and put my insulin pens in the middle.

Being a fashionable diabetic is hard when carrying around all these supplies, I hope my advice comes in handy!

Resources

Here are some helpful resources if you have Type 1 AKA Juvenile Diabetes

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 

Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes

Omnipod Insulin Pump (from Liberty Medical)

About Dia-beauty Style

Hi, I’m Emma! I love to pair outfits together. I could do it forever; I basically want to be Rachel Zoe.

This blog is about my personal style but with a twist...

I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic for 2 ½ years. I was diagnosed on February 15, 2011 and it was so depressing but something I knew I just had to deal with. I was on the Pen for about two years and I absolutely hated having bruises all over my body due to the injections. I switched over to the OmniPod in May 2013. I was very unsure about getting the OmniPod because I didn’t want people to see it on my body so I started to come up with new style approaches to make it less noticeable to others. I also threw some of those generic medical accessories to the curb in favor of cuter, more stylish ways to carry all my "diabetes stuff" - from meters to sharps to healthy snacks.

Diabeauty Style is mostly about fashion, but I also hope to help my fellow diabetics with styling their outfits and generally just feeling and looking great.