Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Blog

Fast Food and Diabetes: How to Make Informed Choices

When choosing healthier options at fast-food restaurants, you can enjoy the convenience while continuing to effectively self-manage your blood sugar. Image Credit: Conner Russell Fast food is convenient, affordable, and often part of a busy lifestyle. However, many fast-food meals are high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars and are served in large portion sizes, […]

Understanding Starchy and Non-Starchy Vegetables for Diabetes Management

A meal using the Diabetes Plate Method: 1/2 of the plate non-starchy vegetables, 1/4 of the plate lean protein, and 1/4 of the plate carbohydrates and starches.

From the time an individual is in preschool through the elder years, “Eat your vegetables!” is a very common recommendation from health professionals and public health organizations. However, despite ongoing dietary guidelines recommending adults consume at least 2.5-3 servings of vegetables daily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, 20.3% […]

Eat From the Earth: The Benefits of a Whole Food Diet

What You Need to Know  As the winter season comes to an end, and the season of renewal “springs forth”, days grow longer, the weather warms, gardens begin to wake, and bountiful fresh produce begins to reappear on the dinner table. The month of April is recognized as National Garden Month and Earth Month, making […]

Prickly Pear and Diabetes

Plant-based dietary additives are becoming more popular as they’re affordable and offer less side effects than some traditional medications. One such plant being used is the prickly pear cactus, which is native to Central America and the Southwestern United States. In these regions, prickly pears have been traditionally used as herbal remedies for their potential […]