Live Strong & Age Well

Fasting 70 to 90 normal 80 to 130 diabetes 1 to 2 hours after meal: less than 140 normal less than 180 diabetes Pre-Meal (Baseline Glucose) 72 to 90 non-diabetic A1C: less than 5.7 normal less than 7.0 diabetes Normal Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels for Non-Diabetics 1 hour after eating: Below 140 mg/dL 2 hours after eating: Below 120-130 mg/dL 3 hours after eating: Close to fasting levels (~80-100 mg/dL) What High Post-Meal Glucose Could Indicate 1. If 2-hour glucose is still above 140 mg/dL → Possible impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes) 2. If 3-hour glucose is still above 120 mg/dL → Your body might be taking longer than normal to clear glucose, possibly indicating: Mild insulin resistance (even if fasting levels are normal) Slower glucose metabolism due to thyroid function or stress hormones A higher glycation rate, contributing to your slightly higher A1C

I'm vegan because I care about animals and don't want to contribute to their suffering. Once I learned how even eggs and dairy often involve harm or exploitation, I realized I didn’t want to be part of that system anymore. It just feels right for me to live in a way that matches my values of compassion and respect for all beings. My thoughts on honey.  I rarely use honey as a sweetener. I mainly use maple syrup and coconut sugar. Some vegans choose to make exceptions like local honey from responsible beekeepers, especially when: It's not industrially produced, The bees are well cared for, and It supports local agriculture and pollination. I really believe that if a lot of people were aware of how their food is processed when it gets to their plate, they would be vegan too.  Many people are conditioned to believe that it's just the way things are.  For others, they may care but feel overwhelmed by the idea of change, or they justify it because it’s convenient, tastes goo...

Teff is a tiny, nutrient-dense grain native to Ethiopia and Eritrea, known for its impressive health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of including teff in your diet: 1. Rich in Nutrients High in iron – Teff is one of the best plant-based sources of iron, which supports energy levels and red blood cell production. Good source of protein – Contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, especially beneficial for vegetarians. High in fiber – Supports digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes satiety. 2. Naturally Gluten-Free Safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. 3. Supports Bone Health Teff contains calcium, manganese, and phosphorus, which are important for maintaining strong bones. 4. May Support Blood Sugar Control Its complex carbohydrates and high fiber content lead to slower digestion and steadier blood sugar levels. 5. Good Source of Resistant Starch Promotes gut health and may aid in weight management and blood sugar ba...

 How B12 Absorption Works: Your body uses a protein called intrinsic factor (IF) , made in the stomach, to absorb B12 from food. IF-mediated absorption is limited to about 1.5–2 mcg per meal , regardless of how much B12 is in the food. A small additional amount (1–2%) can be passively absorbed by diffusion, but it's minor unless you're taking huge doses. So in your case: If you're getting 7 mcg from 1 tablespoon of your homemade cheese topping , your body will absorb: ~1.5–2 mcg via intrinsic factor ~0.1–0.2 mcg passively (1–2% of the rest) So total absorbed = about 2 mcg to maybe 2.2 mcg per tablespoon If you eat 2 tablespoons (14 mcg) , you may absorb ~2.5–3 mcg Why This Is Safe: Even if you eat 2 tablespoons most days, you’re absorbing about the recommended daily amount (2.4 mcg), maybe a little more. It’s not enough to cause your levels to spike , especially without supplements or animal products. You're getting a steady...

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption is a complex, multi-step process: Release from Food Proteins : In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes release B12 from the proteins in food.   Binding to Haptocorrin : The free B12 then binds to haptocorrin, a protein secreted in saliva and the stomach. Transfer to Intrinsic Factor : In the small intestine, pancreatic enzymes degrade haptocorrin, allowing B12 to bind with intrinsic factor (IF), a glycoprotein produced by the stomach's parietal cells.   Absorption in the Ileum : The B12-IF complex travels to the distal ileum, where it binds to specific receptors on the intestinal lining and is absorbed into the bloodstream. This intricate process can be disrupted by various factors, including aging, gastrointestinal disorders, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions like pernicious anemia, leading to B12 deficiency. Elevated serum B12 levels without supplementation can be indicative of underlying health i...

Roasted matcha tea is typically referred to as hojicha powder. Hojicha (pronounced ho-jee-cha) is a Japanese green tea that has been roasted, usually made from bancha or sencha leaves and sometimes stems. When it's finely ground like matcha, it's called hojicha powder and can be whisked like matcha or used in lattes, desserts, and baking. Benefits of Roasted Matcha (Hojicha Powder): 1. Lower caffeine – Roasting reduces the caffeine content, making it gentler on the stomach and suitable for evening use. 2. Rich in antioxidants – While slightly lower than matcha, it still offers antioxidant properties from green tea. 3. Soothing and calming – Contains L-theanine, promoting relaxation without drowsiness. 4. Digestive-friendly – The roasting process makes it easier on the digestive system. 5. Smoky, nutty flavor – Offers a unique taste profile with caramel and roasted notes.

When growing microgreens, you'll need to soak larger seeds like sunflower seeds and peas. However, smaller seeds such as broccoli, kale, fenugreek, and radish don't require soaking. This is also because they're small size makes it challenging to spread them evenly when they are wet.  For a 10" by 20" tray, typically use about 1-1/4 cups of dry seeds (sunflower seeds or peas) and soak them in water overnight for 8 to 12 hours. Both sunflower seeds and peas will double in size and fill up the tray nicely.  You can choose either coconut coir soil for growing your microgreens.  You can select any organic soil that is specifically labeled as suitable for seed starting.  After spreading out the soil, you can spray some water to evenly hydrate it. This can be done while the seeds are soaking, and the soil will be ready to be planted.  Once your seeds have been fully soaked for 8 to 12 hours and the soil is prepared, it's time to plant them.  Evenly spread the seed...