There is a blood test for diabetics that is done every 3 months. I haven't a clue how it works, but it measures what the average blood sugar has been during that period and gives you a number.
V is so new to this, he doesn't have a number yet. His first test is in October.
On the one hand it is a very good indicator of how well one is controlling the diabetes.
On the other hand it can be totally misleading with out the frequent daily readings.
For example: if your average blood sugar level was 100 it would be considered excellent.
And if the average was made up of numbers like: 100, 90, 110, 95, 105 it would truly by excellent.
But if the average was made up of numbers like: 250, 50, 60, 160, 40, 60, 80 it would be truly awful.
Yesterday morning before breakfast V was at 245.
This morning he was at 80.
The investigation begins.....
Cobb Pasta Salad
This is not a traditional pasta salad. With lots of vegetables and big chunks of ham, cheese and egg, no one will mistake this for a small side dish. I didn't thoroughly cool the beans. As I wanted them to retain a bit of warmth I just rinsed lightly.
ham or smoked turkey, thick slice 6oz (175gr)green beans 4oz (115gr)
firm cheese, Cheddar, Colby 2oz (60gr)
2 eggs, hard-boiled 130gr, 4.6oz
1 avocado 225gr, 8oz
1/2 red or orange bell pepper 80gr, 2.8oz
1 tomato or 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes 90gr, 3.2oz
10 - 12 basil leaves
1 1/4 cup pasta, bite-size, fusilli, elbow, 113gr, 4oz
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Cook pasta according to package directions. When done, drain.
Boil eggs.
Top and tail beans...cut off the ends. Cut into 1 1/2 inch lengths (4cm) Bring a medium saucepan half full of water to a boil over high heat. Add beans and blanch for 4 minutes. Remove, drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
Slice pepper, about 1/4" thick (.5cm) then cut slices in half. Slice ham or turkey and cheese into large, bite-size chunks. Slice large tomato into wedges or cut cherry tomatoes in half. Cut avocado into large chunks. When eggs are done, cool, peel and cut into chunks. Tear large basil leaves in half. Make vinaigrette.
To assemble: Put drained pasta in a large bowl and add vinaigrette. Toss well to combine. Add ham, peppers, tomato and beans, toss well. Add cheese, egg, basil and avocado. Stir gently, just to combine. Serve.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 tbs Dijon-style mustard 15gr, .5oz
2 tbs white Balsamic vinegar 32gr, 1.2oz
3 tbs olive oil - the good stuff 40.5gr, 1.40.5oz
Whisk vinegar,and mustard. Slowly whisk in oil and whisk until it emulsifies.
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Nutrition Information: White Balsamic Vinaigrette / per serving - serves 2Calories: 391 / 195.5
Total Carbohydrates: 6 / 3
Dietary Fiber: .6 / .3
Total Fat: 41 / 20.5
Saturated Fat: 5.5 / 2.75
Cholesterol: 0 / 0
Protein: .8 / .4
Calcium: 17 / 8.5
Sodium: 179 / 89.5
Nutrition Information: Entire Recipe / per serving - serves 2
Calories: 1938 / 1969
Total Carbohydrates: 127 / 63.5
Dietary Fiber: 31 / 15.5
Total Fat: 126 / 63
Saturated Fat: 33 / 16.5
Cholesterol: 714 / 357
Protein: 83 / 41.5
Calcium: 1103 / 551.5
Sodium: 3048 / 1524
Glycemic Index: medium - low
I try to be accurate, but I do not guarantee it. I use 'grams' as the unit of weight; with an approximate conversion to ounces.
