Cooking Well With Diabetes Focuses On Food Choices, Healthy Food Preparation

By Johanna Hicks, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Family and Community Health in Hopkins County, [email protected]

Diabetes continues to be a problem in Hopkins County.  According to Countyhealthrankings.org, 12% of Hopkins County adults over the age of 18 have been diagnosed with diabetes.  The good news is that diabetes can be managed with some diligence. And more good news is that the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Hopkins County office, will be offering the 4-session “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series.  A little-known fact is that I served on a revision team for the curriculum which garnered national honors at the National Health Outreach conference in Kansas City in May.  (See related story by clicking here!)

This particular series is different from “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes,” which was offered in the spring.  Cooking Well focuses more on food choices and healthy food preparation.  Session topics are:

1. Carbohydrate Foods: discussion will be on meal planning, foods that are high and low in carbohydrates, non-nutritive sweeteners (sugar substitutes), eating sweets in moderation, and prepared foods and adapting recipes to contain fewer carbohydrates.
2. Making Recipes with Fat Better for You: discussion will focus on reducing fat while maintaining good flavor, using different kinds of fat, and substituting other ingredients for fats
3. Double-Pleasure Side Dishes-Reducing Sodium and Increasing Fiber: we’ll discuss identifying sodium in foods, tips to reduce sodium, flavoring foods the healthy way, identifying fiber in foods and tips to increase fiber
4. Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes: planning ahead, modifying recipes, fitting in sweets, and tips and tricks for enjoying special occasions will be discussed

Each session will include recipe demonstrations and sampling, along with visuals and written materials.  Every attendee will go home with a notebook containing a copy of the power point presentation, handouts, recipes, and reinforcement items. Door prizes will be given at each session.  Below are details:

• When: Mondays and Thursdays, Sept. 26, 29, Oct. 3, and 6 (“graduation” and recognition)
• Time: 1:30 p.m. (Please note that an evening session might be scheduled if at least 5 people request that time)
• Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston, Sulphur Springs
• Cost: $20, payable at the first session, covers materials, ingredients, and door prizes
• To sign up:  Please contact the Extension office at 903-885-3443 and leave your name and phone number. We will provide you with the registration form.

If you use social media, be sure to follow Hopkins County Family & Community Health Facebook page for announcements on this and many other interesting events and topics!

49th Annual Christmas Joys

This is the event many of you have been waiting for registration to open!  “Christmas Joys” is a highlight of the year for many individuals.  The program contains recipes, gift-giving ideas, crafts, and more.  This year’s theme is “Comfort and Joy,” and is sure to give you some great ideas for your holiday season! 

Because of capacity regulations, we must cap attendance at 80 per session.  Below are the details:

• When:  Monday, Nov. 7
• Where: Southwest Dairy Museum
• Time: 1:30 p.m., repeated at 5:30 p.m. (select one)
• Cost: $5 per person, under age 10 free – payable at the door
• To sign up: You must call 903-885-3443 to reserve a seat.  A name and phone number are required for each person reserving a seat.  Due to capacity regulations, we must cap attendance to the first 80 for each session.  We will keep a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Each attendee will receive a swag bag and booklet containing all the recipes and instructions for the projects demonstrated. The Southwest Dairy Museum will provide refreshments at the conclusion of the event and door prizes will be given throughout the presentation. We have two new presenters this year, in addition to previous presenters.

Closing Thought

We start learning the moment we are born, and we don’t stop until the Lord calls us home.

– Caroline Engalls, “Little House on the Prairie”

Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Office, P.O. Box 518, 200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; by phone at 903-885-3443; or email at [email protected].