In this episode, we cover: The hidden health toll of ultra-processed foods

The importance of cooking with real foods

Healthier Food Choices

Food Addiction Awareness

Ultra-Processed Foods and Diabetes Risk

Misleading Food Label Terminology

Portion Control and Food Cravings

Healthy Eating Strategies for Diabetes

  Free Offer from Go CoCo GoCoCo would like to offer one year of Premium GoCoCo for free to all the Happy Diabetic listeners. Here is the information for the free codes. Apple  iOS only uses a link, no code to input 1 YEAR FREE  for Happy Diabetic podcast https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1446005742&code=HAPPY Android Android uses the below code and will only allow us to do 90 days free at a time, but it can be used 4 times Android - 90 days free Code: HAPPY

 

 

Bertrand Amaraggi: Co-founder & CEO

Julie Ruelle, RD: GoCoCo Registered Dietitian

GoCoCo, Download the app: https://www.gococo.app/

GoCoCo, Our Philosophy: https://www.gococo.app/our-philosophy 

GoCoCo, For people living with or at risk for diabetes: https://www.gococo.app/post/our-type-2-diabetes-warning

The NOVA Food Classification System

 

Quick recap

The meeting focused on discussing food addiction and the impact of ultra-processed foods on health, particularly for people with diabetes, with Bertrand and Julie sharing insights about the Go Coco app's role in helping users make healthier food choices. The discussion explored how processed foods can be addictive and harmful, while emphasizing the importance of reading labels and choosing whole, unprocessed foods. The conversation concluded with practical strategies for improving diet and health, including the use of the Go Coco app's features and the importance of making gradual changes to eating habits.

Next steps

Chef Robert to subscribe to the Go Coco app and test the new real food tracker feature.Listeners to look at their pantry and make a small, subtle change in their eating habits this week.Listeners to try adding more fruits and vegetables to their diet instead of focusing on what to eliminate.Go Coco team to continue improving the app based on user feedback and suggestions.Chef Robert to potentially meet with Bertrand in Barcelona during his planned trip to Spain in February.

Summary Food Addiction Awareness Discussion

Chef and Bertrand discussed the growing awareness and concern around the topic of food addiction, noting its increasing presence in media and public discourse. Bertrand highlighted the similarity between the techniques used by tobacco companies to create addiction and those applied by the food industry, emphasizing the success of these strategies in forming habits. Chef expressed excitement about the potential of Go Cocoa as a solution to help people, while Julie, a repeat guest, shared her enthusiasm for being part of the discussion.

Go Coco: Healthier Food Choices

Chef welcomed Julie and Bertrand to the podcast, highlighting their role in creating the Go Coco app, which helps people, especially those with diabetes, identify and avoid ultra-processed foods. Bertrand explained the app's origins in Spain six years ago and its mission to improve health by offering better food choices. Julie, a registered dietitian, shared her experience working with Go Coco, emphasizing her focus on empowering consumers to make healthier decisions for themselves and their families.

Ultra-Processed Foods and Diabetes Risk

The discussion focused on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their impact on diabetes. Julie explained that UPFs are foods that wouldn't be found in a home kitchen and are often highly palatable and addictive, with a study showing a 17% increased risk of type 2 diabetes for every 10% increase in UPF consumption. Bertrand shared user experiences with artificial sweeteners having similar effects to sugar, and both Julie and Bertrand emphasized that people with diabetes should reduce their consumption of UPFs by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods. They also discussed how UPFs often contain unhealthy fats and can lead to weight gain, with Bertrand noting that processed foods are designed to be addictive and consumed in larger quantities despite having the same nutritional profile as unprocessed alternatives.

Portion Control and Food Cravings

The group discussed the challenges of portion control and food cravings, particularly for snack foods like Doritos and cake. Julie explained a study about the first bite of cake being the most satisfying, leading to overeating. They emphasized the importance of reading food labels and choosing foods with simple, recognizable ingredients. Julie recommended using the Go Coco app to scan food labels and get information on ultra-processed foods. The conversation concluded with a discussion on rethinking convenience in diabetes-friendly eating, suggesting that whole, less processed foods like fruits and nuts can be convenient options.

Misleading Food Label Terminology

Chef and Julie discussed the misleading nature of food labels, particularly terms like "low sugar" and "diabetes-friendly," which can still refer to ultra-processed foods. Julie explained that such products often contain multiple non-nutritive sweeteners and added fats to maintain taste, and she emphasized that whole, unprocessed foods are more satisfying and less likely to lead to overeating. Bertrand noted that "low fat" claims are not found on fruits and vegetables, and Chef agreed that these labels can mislead consumers.

Healthy Eating Strategies for Diabetes

Chef Robert, Julie, and Bertrand discussed practical strategies for improving diet and health, particularly for those with diabetes. Julie introduced a new feature in the Go Coco app, the real food tracker, which analyzes meals and provides advice on improving nutrition. Bertrand emphasized the importance of small, gradual changes in diet, such as reducing ultra-processed foods and replacing sugary drinks with alternatives like sparkling water. Chef Robert encouraged listeners to make subtle changes to their eating habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Julie expressed hope in the power of conversation and suggested focusing on adding healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, rather than subtracting unhealthy ones.

GoCoCo: Healthy Food Choices App

The meeting focused on the Gococo app, which helps users make healthier food choices by scanning products and providing nutritional information. Bertrand explained that the app offers a free trial and a free version, with additional features available for a fee. Julie emphasized that user feedback has been instrumental in developing the app's features, particularly for people living with diabetes. The discussion highlighted the importance of awareness and education in making healthier food choices, while also acknowledging the joy of cooking and enjoying food.

 

Free Offer from Go CoCo GoCoCo would like to offer one year of Premium GoCoCo for free to all the Happy Diabetic listeners. Here is the information for the free codes. Apple  iOS only uses a link, no code to input 1 YEAR FREE  for Happy Diabetic podcast https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1446005742&code=HAPPY Android Android uses the below code and will only allow us to do 90 days free at a time, but it can be used 4 times Android - 90 days free Code: HAPPY

Key Points:

• Origins: Inspired by the traditional diets of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain.

• Core principles:

• Emphasis on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.

• Healthy fats like olive oil and nuts.

• Lean proteins—particularly fish and poultry.

• Herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt.

• Moderation with red wine and dairy (optional, and always in consultation with a healthcare provider).

 

 Fun fact: The Mediterranean diet is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest

diets globally due to its heart-protective benefits.

The Mediterranean Diet is a way of eating based on the traditional dietary habits of countries

bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Italy, and Spain. It's renowned for

promoting long-term health, especially for heart health, and is often hailed as one of the

healthiest diets in the world.

 

The Mediterranean diet draws inspiration from the eating patterns of Mediterranean countries, where the focus has always been on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. It's a way of life that emphasizes balance, community, and enjoying meals together. This diet has been studied extensively and is linked to a variety of health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

1. Fruits and Vegetables One of the hallmarks of the Mediterranean diet is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. These are typically eaten in every meal, providing a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, and peppers, and fruits like oranges, grapes, and apples, are common.

2. Whole Grains and Legumes Whole grains such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa are staples. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans are also featured prominently. These foods are high in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

3. Healthy Fats Olive oil is the primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. Nuts, seeds, and avocados also provide healthy fats, which are important for brain function and overall health.

4. Lean Proteins Lean proteins, especially fish and poultry, are preferred over red meats. Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health. Poultry is typically consumed in moderate amounts, and red meat is eaten sparingly.

5. Herbs and Spices The Mediterranean diet emphasizes using herbs and spices to add flavor to dishes instead of relying on salt. Common herbs and spices include garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and cinnamon, which also offer additional health benefits due to their antioxidant properties.

6. Moderation with Dairy and Wine Dairy is consumed in moderation, with an emphasis on low-fat or fat-free options like Greek yogurt and cheese (often feta or Parmesan). Wine is also consumed in moderation, usually red wine, and often with meals. It's important to note that wine should only be consumed if it's appropriate for your health and lifestyle, and always in consultation with a healthcare provider.

The Mediterranean diet is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest diets globally, largely because of its heart-protective benefits. Studies have shown that people who follow the Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It’s also linked to a longer life expectancy and a lower risk of cognitive decline.

In summary, the Mediterranean Diet is not just a way of eating but a lifestyle that focuses on whole, natural foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and a moderate, balanced approach to eating. Whether you’re looking to improve heart health, manage weight, or just eat more mindfully, the Mediterranean diet provides a delicious and sustainable way to nourish your body.

 

 Scientific Benefits:

• Blood sugar control:

• The fiber from vegetables, whole grains, and legumes slows the absorption of glucose, preventing spikes.

• Heart health benefits:

• Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health—a key concern for diabetics.

• Weight management:

• The diet is naturally lower in processed foods and sugar, promoting weight control, which can improve insulin sensitivity.

 

  Breakfast:

• Greek yogurt parfait with chia seeds, berries, and a sprinkle of nuts.

• Vegetable omelet with spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese.

 

 Lunch:

• Mediterranean salad bowl: Romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, grilled chicken, and a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette.

• Hummus and veggie wrap: Whole wheat wrap with hummus, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and leafy greens.

 

 Dinner:

• Baked salmon with roasted zucchini and quinoa (season with lemon, garlic, and herbs).

• Stuffed peppers with ground turkey, tomatoes, and brown rice.

 

 Snack:

• Mixed nuts with a few olives.

• Cucumber slices with tzatziki.

 Segment 5: Practical Tips for Getting Started (5-7 mins)

 

 Shopping Tips:

• Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store for fresh produce, lean meats, and whole grains.

• Read labels: Choose olive oil-based dressings over creamy or sugary ones.

 

 Meal Prep Strategies:

• Batch cook grains and proteins for easy meal assembly during the week.

• Make your own Mediterranean spice blend with oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and paprika.

 

Gestational diabetes Overview-

Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health.

While any pregnancy complication is concerning, there's good news. During pregnancy you can help control gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising and, if necessary, taking medication. Controlling blood sugar can keep you and your baby healthy and prevent a difficult delivery.

If you have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, generally your blood sugar returns to its usual level soon after delivery. But if you've had gestational diabetes, you have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. You'll need to be tested for changes in blood sugar more often.

© 1998-2025 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.

 

Janice Dada-Intuitive Eating for Diabetes: The No Shame, No Blame, Non-Diet Approach to Managing Your Blood Sugar  

Bio: Janice Dada is a weight-inclusive registered dietitian with a private practice in Newport Beach, CA. She is a certified intuitive eating counselor, certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES), and certified eating disorders specialist (CEDS). She is passionate about simplifying and destigmatizing the nutrition- and weight-based discourse around diabetes. Her first book, Intuitive Eating for Diabetes: The No Shame, No Blame, Non-Diet Approach to Managing Your Blood Sugar is available for pre-order now: socalnw.com/book 

 

 

My son-in-law, Caleb, has turned the tables on me in this podcast by asking ME the questions. In this episode I share details of my journey to become a chef and “The Happy Diabetic” …And there are a few sweet surprises for me at the end, as well! Give it a listen! - Chef Robert

 

Why should I cook with less fat?

Cooking with less fat is beneficial for several reasons:

• Healthier Dishes: Reducing fat, especially saturated and unhealthy fats, helps create meals that are better for your heart and overall well-being.

• Weight Management: Fat contains more calories per gram than carbohydrates or protein. Using less fat can help manage calorie intake and support weight management goals.

• Enhanced Flavor: Contrary to what some may think, reducing fat doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. You can use herbs, spices, and other flavor-enhancing techniques to create delicious and satisfying dishes.

• Diabetes Management: For people with diabetes, controlling fat intake is crucial for managing blood sugar levels and overall health.

Remember, it's not about eliminating fat entirely but rather using it mindfully and opting for healthier fats when you do.

 

 

The Recipe of the Podcast Low-Fat Butternut Squash Soup

Low-fat Butternut Squash Soup is an easy and healthy alternative to the rich and heavy cream variety! Made creamy using a blender, you would never guess there is no cream in this hearty fall soup!

Ingredients

• 1 Medium Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 medium apples (cored and chopped coarsley)

• 1 medium carrot

• 1/2 tsp rosemary

• 1/2 tsp marjoram

• 4 oz olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 box (32 oz) Chicken or vegetable Broth

• 1 1/4 cups Fat Free Greek Yogurt

• pinch of kosher salt & pepper at the end as your finial seasoning

Instructions

1.  In a large pot, combine squash, apples, broth, onion, carrots, rosemary, marjoram, salt and pepper.

2.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3.  Then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes.

4.  Use an emursion blender right in the pot or let cool, then put in blender and pulse until smooth.

5.  Add 1 cup of yogurt and pulse to combine.

6.  Return soup to large pot and reheat slowly being careful not to boil.

7.  Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed

8.  Transfer apple butternut squash soup to serving bowl and garnish each with a dollop of yogurt and roasted pumpkin seeds 

 

YIELD 6

SERVING SIZE:1 Amount Per Serving:

CALORIES:183

TOTAL FAT:16g

SATURATEDFAT:10g

SODIUM:218mg

CARBOHYDRATES:8g

FIBER:1g

SUGAR:2g

PROTEIN:2g 

 

 

Bertrand Amaraggi: Co-founder & CEO

Julie Ruelle, RD: GoCoCo Registered Dietitian

 

GoCoCo, Download the app: https://www.gococo.app/

GoCoCo, Our Philosophy: https://www.gococo.app/our-philosophy 

GoCoCo, For people living with or at risk for diabetes: https://www.gococo.app/post/our-type-2-diabetes-warning

Healthy Benefits of Home Baked Bread

In addition to being more flavorful and aesthetic, homemade bread can be a much healthier alternative to store-bought bread. The bread you bake at home can be lower in sodium and sugar.  In addition to the whole grain goodness of your bread, you can also add a variety of seeds. Try sesame, pumpkin, linseed and sunflower seeds in and on top of your loaves for additional dietary fiber, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

We also need to talk about what will not be found in your home baked goods. Homemade bread will not contain additives. Have you ever looked at the list of ingredients that goes into a loaf of supermarket bread? …So many chemicals that are surely not healthy to eat, right? The list of additives used in industrial baking will include rising agents, emulsifiers, and preservatives to give it a longer shelf life. All of this is about profit and not about your good health. When you bake bread in your home kitchen, you will use only real food ingredients!

 What makes factory baked bread products typically unhealthy?

Industrialized breads often use refined flour as a base ingredient, but may also include other ingredients such as: 

• Soya flour

  This flour is made from uncooked soya beans and helps strengthen dough, giving loaves structure and support during baking. It also contributes to a creamy, "bready" flavor. 

• Preservatives

  These are added to meet the shelf-life requirements. This is about profit and not about your good health!

• Enzymes

  These are added to adapt the dough to suit the production machinery. 

• Flour improvers

  These are blends of ingredients that enhance the flour, such as fat, flour treatment agents, emulsifiers, and enzymes. 

• L-ascorbic acid

  This oxidant helps retain gas in the dough, which makes the loaf rise more. 

___________________________________________________

Yeast in Baking…Is It Safe to Eat Yeast?

Yeast is a single cell fungus that helps the bread to rise and become soft and spongy. Yeast is a living bacteria that dies when put into an environment that is 125 degrees or higher.  When you bake your bread the yeast will die.

There are many types of yeast used in baking. Some of them are commercial and some of them are extracted from fruit and grains. However, any type of yeast that is used in our bread baking, is completely safe unless it is consumed in raw form.

©2024 AnyBodyCanBake

 

Linda Tyler

Cooking Instructor and Cookbook Author

Order The Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook 

 

Bio

Linda Tyler is a plant-based cooking instructor, recipe developer, and writer. She teaches cooking classes for Portland Community College in Oregon and offers one-on-one plant-based lifestyle coaching. She has published recipes in vegan magazines and websites, articles on animal welfare issues, and is a frequent guest on Chef AJ Live on YouTube. She is the author of The Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook. She is on the video review team for Nutritionfacts.org. For more information, see www.graciousvegan.com.

 

Social media links

Website: http://www.graciousvegan.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/graciousvegan/  

Instagram: @gracious_vegan

 

Pinterest: @graciousvegan

 

More information on my cookbook is available by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In todays podcast episodeI’ll share my favorite time saving hacks

It’s my favorite Kitchen Hacks to make your time in the kitchen count!

 

 

 

So, here comes the The happy diabetic cooking academy definition ---in the context of cooking, a "hack" refers to a clever or unconventional technique or shortcut that makes a cooking process easier, more efficient, and more effective and saves time. It's a way to achieve a desired outcome with less effort or resources. Hacks are often simple, practical, and easily implementable strategies that can improve a process or solve a cooking problem.