by Sharm | May 8, 2018 | Articles, Cocktails & Wine, Food & Drink, Food Finds, Health, Lifestyle & Technology, Products & Reviews, Recipes
We have all been there and know that spike and then crash and burn feeling we get after eating a high carb meal. But how can we avoid it while still enjoying some of the foods we love like pasta, bread and even cocktails.
I know it sounds to good to be true, but the makers of Good Idea Drinks, have found a solution. I had the chance to get a sample of these drinks and chat with founder Björn Öste. Keep reading to get the scoop on this sparkling water that can lower blood sugar.
Good Idea Drink
In a nutshell, researchers found a connection between the intake of dairy and a relatively high insulin response. They found that the intake of whey before and with a meal rich in fast carbohydrates could substantially lower the blood sugar spike following a meal.
The effect was also observed with protein that contained the presence of five specific essential amino acids. Repeated meal studies confirmed that the effect on insulin and glucose response from whey could be mimicked by serving a drink containing a proportion of the five essential amino acids before and with the meal.
Good Idea Drinks
As an additional development of the concept, a small quantity of chromium was added. Chromium is well known by scientists to have an important role in blood glucose regulation. Taken together, it was hypothesized that a combination of amino acids and chromium would have a synergistic effect that would further improve the effect on blood sugar rise.
After creating this dink the researchers studies results consistently showed a typical reduction of 25-30% in blood sugar rise following a meal rich in carbohydrates, compared to placebo.
Good Idea Drinks Nutrition
To get the full details of all of the science behind the drink and results of the study can be found on the Good Idea website as well as answers to some FAQ’s.
I had a few FAQ’s of my own and after my chat with Björn here is our Q&A session.
1. How did you come up with the idea for Good Idea Drinks? After learning of the research results from Lund University our company formed a collaboration to create the dink.
2. Can it help people with diabetes? Although it is not specifically targeted for that, it would be something to ask your doctor about to see if it might be a “good idea” to include it into your diet.
3. I have heard chromium can be used as a weight loss supplement. Can Good Idea drinks be used for weight loss? It is not marketed as a weight loss tool. However, studies have shown that chromium has shown to reduce the glycemic index which makes you eat less therefore could cause weight loss.
4. Why does it taste sweet when there is no sugar in it? It is flavored using natural flavor.
5. What exactly is “Natural Flavor”? How do you make it? Where do you get it? Great question.
6. Would it be helpful to drink while eating a dessert? Yes.
8. Would it be good to use as a mixer in cocktails, as alcohol is considered a sugar and most drinks are made with sugary mixers or juices? Yes.
This sparkling water is a little sweet and definitely has the flavor. I loved the idea of making a cocktail with it and had a bunch of limes on hand so thought I would take a stab at creating a “Good Idea” Mojito.
Although, this mojito recipe does not have any actual sugar in it, this flavored sparkling water will help the spike caused by the sugars in the alcohol or added sugars should you decide to sweeten it up yourself. Details on how to do that are listed in the directions of the recipe.
The Good Idea Mojito
I wish to thank Good Idea Drinks for the sample. For more information on the drinks or how to purchase them visit the Good Idea website.
Cover photo from Good Idea.
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by Sharm | May 8, 2018 | Cocktails & Wine, Food & Drink, Recipes
This skinny mojito recipe is free of sugar and sweeteners and is perfect for those wanting to watching their diet or have blood sugar issues.
Speaking of blood sugar, this mojito cocktail just might lower it. I know it sounds crazy but I came across this sparkling water called Good Idea. It contains amino acids that have show to lower blood sugar when eaten with a high carb meal or sugar. So, with alcohol being considered a sugar I am using it as a mixer in this cocktail.
Here is the scoop on Good Idea Drinks and how they work.
This recipe is free of sugars and sweeteners so it is a little tart. If you like your cocktails a little sweeter you could add a drizzle of agave nectar or sweetener of choice. I like using pure lime juice which you can find jarred or make your own by juicing fresh lime. Here is where you can purchase the Good Idea Drinks.
Mojito Ingredients
Course:
Drinks
Cuisine:
American
Servings: 2
-
2
Ounces
Rum
-
2
Whole
Limes
-
1/2
Cup
Fresh Lime Juice
-
1
Can
Good Idea Sparkling Water
Lemon Lime Flavor
-
4
Sprigs
Fresh Mint Leaves
-
11/2
Cups
Ice Cubes
Divided
-
In cocktail shaker add 2 sprigs of mint and 6 lime slices. Muddle until juice is released from limes and mint is aromatic.
-
Add rum and lime juice and 1/2 cup ice cubes. Shake well.
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Divide remaining ice into two glasses. Using cocktail shaker strainer divide mojito mixture into two glasses. Top off with desired amount of Good Idea sparkling water.
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Garnish with remaining lime slices and mint. Enjoy!
If you would like your mojito a little sweeter add sweetener of choice in with the limes and mint and muddle until sugar or sweetener is mostly dissolved.
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by Sharm | May 6, 2018 | Food & Drink, Mains, Recipes, Salads
This recipe comes from Chef Devin Alexander’s new cookbook, You Can Have it!.
Although, this cookbook is labeled diabetic friendly, everyone will enjoy the recipes. I have had a great time thumbing through the pages. It seems most of the recipes are really easy to follow and use everyday ingredients so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen or find yourself going to multiple grocery stores to find crazy unheard of ingredients.
Curry Chicken Salad Cups Recipe Devin Alexander
Her cookbook can be found on Amazon or the Devin Alexander website.
Although this recipes says to serve on lettuce leaves. I just put it over some pre washed spinach.
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Servings: 1
-
4
Ounces
Pre-cooked chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
-
1/4
Cup
Chopped cucumber
-
1/4
Cup
Chopped fresh mango
-
1 1/2
TBPS
Light mayonnaise
-
1/4
TSP
Lime zest
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1
TSP
Jarred tandoori paste or red curry paste
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2
Iceberg lettuce leaves
-
1/4
Cup
Red onion slivers
-
Place chicken, cucumber and mango in medium bowl
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Add mayonnaise, lime zest and curry paste. Stir until well combined.
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Divide chicken mixture between lettuce leaves and sprinkle with onion.
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©2018 by the American Diabetes Association. You Can Have It! is available at ShopDiabetes.org, in bookstores nationwide, or by calling 1-800-232-6733. Food Photographer: Mittera Creative Services; Lifestyle Photographer: Michelle Pederson.
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by Sharm | May 6, 2018 | Food & Drink, Products & Reviews, Recipes
Celebrity Chef Devin Alexander is no stranger to the struggle of being overweight. As a teenager Devin tipped the scales at 200 pounds and was headed down the path to become the culprit of many diseases.
Learning to cook from her grandmother, Devin started cooking up a storm putting a healthy twist on the foods she loved which helped her shed 70 pounds. Now the author of nine cookbooks, Devin shares the knowledge and recipes to help you shed the extra pounds as well without sacrificing the flavors you love.
Devin Alexander You Can Have It
Her newest cookbook, You Can Have It!, features diabetic friendly recipes that the whole family will love.
I have both a father-in-law and a niece who suffer from diabetes so when I got the opportunity to check out this book, I could not say no. I love to be able to make things they can eat when they visit.
Although this cookbook is labeled diabetic friendly, you would never know as the book features recipes that include pizza, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, cocktails and even dessert.
Curry Chicken Salad Cups Recipe Devin Alexander
I recently made her recipes for Gingerbread Overnight Oats and Curry Chicken Salad Cups. Both of which were quite tasty!
Gingerbread Overnight Oats by Chef Devin Alexander
I am looking forward to trying many more recipes out of the book including the pulled chicken tacos, rosemary beef stew, spinach salad with warm bacon dressing, perfect pumpkin pie-lets, and champagne blackberry chillers plus a few more.
One of the most things I really liked about this cookbook is that includes the everyday recipes that are easy to make without a long list of unheard of crazy ingredients.
Devin has quite the resume from restaurateur to hosting her own cooking show with numerous television and radio appearances in between. You can read more about Devin and her accolades along with information on all her cookbooks at the Devin Alexander website.
©2018 by the American Diabetes Association. You Can Have It! is available at ShopDiabetes.org, in bookstores nationwide, or by calling 1-800-232-6733. Food Photographer: Mittera Creative Services; Lifestyle Photographer: Michelle Pederson
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by Sharm | May 1, 2018 | Food & Drink, Recipes, Uncategorized
This recipe comes from Chef Devin Alexander’s new cookbook, “You Can Have It”.
When I got an email to review this book, I was most interested as it is labeled to be a diabetic friendly cookbook. With both a father-in-law and a niece who suffer from diabetes, I am always on the lookout for recipes I can make for them when they visit. So when I got the opportunity to take a look at this book, I couldn’t resist.
You Can Have It Cookbook
Although, this cookbook is labeled diabetic friendly, everyone will enjoy the recipes. I have had a great time thumbing through the pages. It seems most of the recipes are really easy to follow and use everyday ingredients so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen or find yourself going to multiple grocery stores to find crazy unheard of ingredients.
I love the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon and cloves so when I came across this recipe for the Gingerbread Overnight Oats, I was intrigued. Not only did I already have all of the ingredients on hand, it look super easy. Like everyone else, my mornings are a busy and to have something pre-made that I can grab and go saves time, which makes getting out the door a little easier.
This recipe could not be any easier and is super quick as all the ingredients are tossed together in one bowl. I like to double or triple the recipe so I can have extra on hand for the week and then store it in one bigger bowl in the fridge. That way I can just scoop the amount I want in a serving dish or to-go container.
I have also made the Curry Chicken Salad from the cookbook, which came out quite tasty.
Curry Chicken Salad
Other recipes in the book which are on my list to try include; Caramelized Sweet Onion Balsamic Burger, Apple Fries with Creamy Peanut Butter Dip, Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Tarts, Sweet and Spicy Pomegranate Pork Tenderloin along with quite a few others.
What I love about this cookbook is the simplistic approach Devin creates with these recipes. They are easy and flavorful without using a long list of ingredients.
Her cookbook can be found on Amazon or the Devin Alexander website.
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1/2
Cup
Old-Fashioned Oats
-
1/2
Scoop
Stevia- Sweetened Vanilla Protein Powder
-
1/2
Cup
Unsweetened Almond Milk
-
2
Teaspoons
Chia Seeds
-
1
Teaspoon
Molasses
-
1/2
Teaspoon
Vanilia
-
1/8
Teaspoon
Ground Cinnamon
-
1/16
Teaspoon
Ground Ginger
-
1
Pinch
Ground Cloves
-
1
Pinch
Ground Nutmeg
-
1
Tablespoon
Chopped Walnuts
-
In small mixing bowl combine all ingredients except walnuts. Transfer to serving dish and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. Top with walnuts just before serving.
©2018 by the American Diabetes Association. You Can Have It! is available at ShopDiabetes.org, in bookstores nationwide, or by calling 1-800-232-6733. Food Photographer: Mittera Creative Services; Lifestyle Photographer: Michelle Pederson.
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by Sharm | Apr 11, 2018 | Food & Drink, Mains, Recipes
This margherita pizza uses a pre-made cauliflower crust which you can find in the freezer section at most grocery stores. Not only does using this pre-made crust save time, it also saves on calories and carbs!
Drizzling the balsamic glaze on top just before serving adds another element of flavor to this dish. You can make your own by reducing regular balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over the stove top. It is also available pre made in a squeeze bottle at most grocery stores. Find it in the vinegar and salad dressing isle.
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Servings: 2
-
1
Pre-Made Frozen
Cauliflower Crust
Find in your grocers freezer section
-
1/2
Cup
Pizza Sauce
Whatever kind is your favorite
-
1
Clove
Garlic, chopped
-
6
Mini
Fresh Mozzarella Balls
-
10
Fresh Basil Leaves
-
10
Sun Dried Tomatoes
-
4
Grape Tomatoes, sliced
-
1
Tablspoon
Balsamic Glaze
-
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Unwrap cauliflower crust from packaging and place on baking sheet
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Spread pizza sauce evenly over crust.
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Top with remaining ingredients.
-
-
Remove from oven. sprinkle additional fresh basil if desired. Cut into 4 slices. Drizzle balsamic glaze over top if desired.
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