Each appraisal grades the item in question on its edibility, its diet-relevance and its available ingredient information. Scores mimic those on blood sugar monitors, with 100 the best rating and 500 the worst. New reviews are uploaded on Sundays and Wednesdays.
It's not a hard job, Hughes said, since he'd be sampling sugar-free products and creating his own opinions anyway. And he doesn't do it alone; his sister, Cait Hughes, is the Web site's editor, working out of Clifton, and he gets support from the site's users, who suggest new foods to try.

"We put a lot of stock into reader input," Hughes said. "It's really the only way to know what people want us to try."

The site includes almost 100 reviews, a newsletter and a monthly essay, "Food for Thought," by Linda Yerardi, a licensed dietician and nutritionist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. But Hughes is quick to dissuade readers from using his postings in place of medical opinions.

"The information we offer is geared for people with diabetes, but it's mostly focused on taste over complete nutrition," he said. "Our site shouldn't be used as a primary medical reference, no more than a single cookbook should be."

Thumbs up and thumbs down

Excerpts from Sean Hughes' reviews on diabeticfoodcritic.com:

• Jelly Belly Sugar-Free Fruit Drops: "The fruit drops were sour and stuck to my teeth in an uncomfortably sticky way. ... The nutritional information was very unclear. The ink might have gone awry during printing, but that hardly suffices as a good excuse to put a product on the shelves without nutritional information."

• Crystal Light on the Go Raspberry Ice drink mix: "The drink smelled great and the nice lady who sat next to me mentioned that the color was 'really pretty.' Once again, Crystal Light has come through with an excellent sugar-free drink. ... It is a great-tasting product, it is amazingly convenient to make, the labeling is excellent and it's entirely sugar free."

• Pepperidge Farm Sugar-Free Mint Milano cookies: "The first cookie I sampled could easily have been mistaken for an original Milano -- they were that good ... small changes to their consumer information [lack of sufficient contact information] would bring sugar-free mint Milanos to the top of the DFC's shopping list."

E-mail:

As a diabetic, how can you find out which foods will taste good? Log on to www.diabeticfoodcritic.com for pre-purchase nibbles, plus diabetes-related articles by medical professionals.

The site models its rankings on blood-meter readouts. A good target (of blood sugar, or, in this case, of how the product tastes) is close to 100. The higher the number, the lower the rating.

Founded this year by a diabetic, the site gives Sugar-Free Dove Dark Chocolate a score of 200, which means "Definitely makes the shopping list." Jelly Belly Gummi Bears, on the other paw, rate a 350 "Do not need it; will not buy it."

Wondering about certain foods? Log on and let your wishes be known.

Leslie Garcia

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Diabetics have new resource for food

November 3, 2006

A new Web site says it can help diabetics find good tasting food.

The site, www.diabeticfoodcritic.com, offers first-person taste-testing of foods and accepts suggestions and opinions from the public.

As of 2005, there were more than 20.8 million Americans with diabetes.

Another great site is The Diabetic Food Critic (www.diabeticfoodcritic.com). This is an independent Web site created by a lifelong diabetic who was interested in finding and reviewing healthy foods. The reviews are excellent. They discuss taste and thoroughly cover all the products' nutritional information with a clear point system. I love that idea; personally, as a health conscious woman I wish more reviews and recipes would include this information. The minimal advertising on the site is another bonus, adding to its credibility. The one improvement I would suggest is for the creator to open up the Web site with a forum section for other people to discuss the products being reviewed.

 

July 20, 2006

Diabetic critic

If you are a diabetic who likes to find tasty foods and to share the info with others, visit http://www.diabeticfoodcritic.com.

The site was created by a diabetic who wanted more information about finding good-tasting foods that he could eat. The foods reviewed at the site are rated using the same pin-prick guide diabetics use to test their sugar levels. A food with a 100 rating is good while a food with a 500 is out.

- Allison Askins,

McClatchy Newspapers

 

Kaitlyn Coppolo

At twelve years old, senior Bryan Adams lost his appetite, lost 20 pounds and felt dehydrated, tired and moody. His life was about to change forever as he soon received a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

"I was shocked; I didn't know what it really was," Adams said. "I thought it was a disease you got from eating too much sugar."

Today there are more than 20.8 million people in the United States who suffer from diabetes. One million more are diagnosed each year.

Having diabetes drastically affects a person's life. They can no longer eat some of their favorite foods and are forced to live a healthier lifestyle.

Living at home, Adams adjusted to not eating certain foods with his family. He is the only member of the family who now drinks diet soda.

Adams controls his diabetes at Villanova more easily than at home. As starting linebacker for the football team, he constantly exercises.

"Trying to manage diabetes is hard because if you don't, there are consequences you'll have to deal with later in life," Adams says.

One of the toughest challenges for a diabetic is choosing the right food to eat. Certain foods must be eliminated from their diet because they contain too much sugar or too many carbohydrates. The cousin of sophomore Ryan O'Connor, Sean Hughes, started his own company and website to help diabetics with their selection of food.

"Diabetes has been such a common disease that it plagues many members of our families all over the nation, and it is difficult to find food and snacks that are both safe to eat and have a good quality of taste," O'Connor said. "Diabeticfoodcritic.com serves as an outlet for all diabetics to view ratings for food products based upon the quality of taste and content."

Hughes, has had type 1 diabetes for over 10 years. He started this site to connect diabetics, forming a communication network to educate them on coping with the disease.

"This is a great forum for diabetics to expand their diets in good health and satisfying taste," O'Connor said. Recent diabetic news is also posted with helpful links to find new information and solutions for the disease.

The Diabetic Food Critic (www.diabeticfoodcritic.com) serves as a reference for diabetics to find foods they may not have heard of but will enjoy eating. This site displays foods that are safe for diabetics to eat and can be purchased at a supermarket. People can rank the foods they like and this serves as a guide for others to use.

"It is not intended for medical use but as a forum of information based on the diabetic food critic's opinions on the taste, packaging and dietary information for different foods that people with diabetes find at their supermarkets," the website says. Diabetics receive information on various foods, but do not receive medical advice.

"The website also encourages its visitors to provide suggestions on what foods should be reviewed and feedback on previous reviews," the site says.

However, not everyone follows strict rules for diabetes. Senior nose guard for the Villanova football team Adam McLaughlin also suffers from diabetes. Diagnosed in 2004, he had the classic symptoms.

"I was pretty depressed; it sucked," McLaughlin says. "It wasn't exactly the bright side of my day."

Unlike Adams, though, having diabetes does not greatly impact his eating habits.

"That's why God made insulin," McLaughlin says. He continues to eat the foods he wants but makes sure he always takes his insulin after eating, even if it is just a snack.

Adams has had diabetes for a long time; he knows how to balance the disease and what foods to eat.

"The Diabetic Food Critic is a great reference for new diabetics and younger kids," Adams says.

McLaughlin agrees saying he would definitely visit the website.

"It's nice to know if I wanted to look up meals I could," he says.

Dining Services offers foods to help diabetics adapt to their eating habits. A variety of sugar-free products are offered in the dining halls, including sugar-free jello and yogurt.

No-sugar-added ice cream products, sugar-free beverages and light bread are also available. Five sugar cereals and five non-sugar cereals are also available to students. The non-sugar cereals are high in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar.

Nutritionist Jessica Pellicciotta can meet with students to discuss their meal plans and help them choose the right foods for their bodies. Every student she meets with (diabetic and non diabetic) receives a food journal that lists what they eat, how much and how they felt on that day.

"If everyone would follow this lifestyle - eating healthier and exercising - we'd all be fine," Pellicciotta says. One does not need to eat only sugar-free foods. The key is control what and how much they eat.

Pellicciotta is available to help students manage their meals."[Students can] definitely make an appointment with me to learn about carbohydrate counting, eating proper meals and keeping a food journal," she says.

"If you take control of the disease, you can have a healthier lifestyle than normal people because of the diet," Adams says.

Seven percent of Americans suffer from diabetes. More than six million do not know they have it. If you suffer from any of the symptoms, go to a doctor and get tested. If you currently have diabetes, the diabeticfoodcritic.com offers information about eating right and the disease as a whole.
 

The Weekly Newspaper of Cabrini College Pennsylvania

Cabrini aids students with various health needs

Amanda Finnegan
Posted: 4/27/06

Blood testing and insulin injections have been a part of senior elementary education Mary Oschell's life for the past 10 years. Counting carbohydrates for Oschell is not because she is watching her waistline but watching her blood sugar. But with new developments emerging almost daily and an accommodating campus, chronic illnesses like diabetes are becoming more and more manageable.

With her insulin pump on her side and blood glucose meter in pocket, Oschell starts a grueling day of student teaching. Now 22, Oschell was diagnosed at the end of the sixth grade with type 1 diabetes which means Oschell's pancreas does not produce enough insulin necessary for her body to process sugars. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are more than 20.8 million people who have diabetes and approximately 1 million people are newly diagnosed yearly in United States as of 2005.

Health services coordinator and registered nurse Susan Fitzgerald said that Cabrini tries its best to accommodate to those who are in Oschell's position. "Even before students come to Cabrini, they have to fill out all their health and immunization records. We then meet with all incoming students at orientation to make them aware of our services," Fitzgerald said. "Some families of those who have chronic illnesses call to let us know. For those who have dietary needs, we get them in touch with the dieticians in dining services."

General manager of dining services Michael Antolini said that dining services are always willing to work with students with dietary needs. "With incoming students, we tell them that we would like to know about all their needs. We try to find out what the allergen is first and then see what options are available," Antolini said. For sophomore education major Jess Fagotti, dining services did just that. Fagotti was diagnosed with celiac disease four and a half years ago. Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune intestinal syndrome where the body does not tolerate gluten. "When I first came to Cabrini, I sat down with chef Rodney and Mike Antolini and they left me feeling very comfortable with my options. Chef Rodney and other chefs openly suggested that if I needed a meal they would come to my rescue," Fagotti said. Dining services currently accommodates half a dozen students with similar issues.

Oschell also agreed that dining services has been very cooperative with her needs. "I find that I can usually get something at the caf or Jazzman's that isn't loaded with carbs. But there are those days that I want French fries of pizza like everyone else. I just have to make sure that I take the insulin to cover those foods," Oschell said. The summer before Oschell's senior year of high school, she switched from insulin injections to a subcutaneous pump that has made her diabetes much more manageable. With just a push of a few buttons, Oschell is able to compensate for her high-carb favorites.

According to the New York Times, Pfizer has developed an inhaled form of insulin, which is the first alternative for millions with diabetes since the drug was introduced in the 1920s. The new inhaler called Exbuera will offer more convenience and less pain for the 5 million Americans suffering with diabetes. "I am amazed at how many innovations there are in the area of diabetes. There are people out there who understand that it is a challenge and they are developing items to make life little bit easier," Oschell said.

Sean Hughes, founder and head critic of diabeticfoodcritic.com, understands the conflicts that those like Oschell and Fagotti face. "When I first was diagnosed with diabetes, I did not have a starting point of where to find a good tasting food that would fit my new diet. By starting this website, I hope to fill that void for the millions of diabetics that are in the same situation," Hughes said.

"Most students that come to college with a chronic illness have it under control. They're pretty self-sufficient but we are always here to help," Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald added that Cabrini supplies an extensive referral list of health care providers in the area to help those with illnesses find an emergency contact.

Fagotti said, "I would just say that it helps a great deal in establishing a relationship with the dining services staff. Don't be afraid to open your mouth about needing something because they are very willing to do whatever they can for you. Don't be shy about an allergy with other people. Many people find it interesting and joke about it here and it can help with your comfort level.
 

 Even if you don’t have diabetes, it’s worth knowing more about as the disease rates explode in the U.S. population. The good news is that having — or avoiding — diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t eat really well.

The American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org, has more information than most people will want, including this month’s finding that the number of teens taking medication related to type 2 diabetes has doubled in just four years. Click on the diabetes news link “In Diabetes Today” to find that item.

Because we’re food lovers, though, we’re more interested in the recipes.

 The Web site includes “Recipe of the Day,” which was Pumpkin Pear Waffles the day we looked. If you click on “Nutrition & Recipes,” the links there include “Recipes & Our Virtual Grocery Store,” “Your Guide to Eating Out” and lots more.

 On the “Recipes & Our Virtual Grocery Store” page, we clicked “Desserts” and were reassured to find lots of wonderful dishes, such as almond biscotti, apple cinnamon cobbler and — oh, joy! — chocolate chip cookies. They might be a little lighter on the chips than your typical recipe, but they’re still chocolate chip cookies. All recipes include complete nutrition information.

 The “Eating Out” section gives tips that are as good for someone watching her weight as they are for somebody managing his diabetes. These include a list of low-fat menu choices and tips on getting food that fits your meal plan. The Web site, meanwhile, also includes lots of tools, such as the “Diabetes Risk Test.”
 If you need help knowing what you’re eating, try www.nutritiondata.com for quick answers on nutritional content. Click on “50 Most Popular Foods” (based on user requests) to get information on an odd mix, from egg whites (126 calories in 1 cup) to Snickers bars (266 calories).

 The Nutrition Data site also rates foods by the completeness of their proteins, the balance of the calories from carbohydrates, proteins and fat and a “fullness factor.” Click on your favorite fast-food purveyor to see the often-unpleasant facts about their products.

 

 Here’s more:
 ■ A well-designed commercial site, dlife.com, provides good information and various support functions, including recipes, while also offering products in a fairly low-key fashion.

 ■ If you’re interested in the politics of seeking a cure for diabetes, check out the Diabetes Advocate blog, http://diabeticadvocate.blogspot.com.

 ■ The Food and Drug Administration offers food and meal planning suggestions at www.fda.gov/diabetes/food.html, as well as lots of useful links.

 ■ Another FDA Web page, www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/etext/000013.html, offers a wealth of food and fact links, including several pertaining to juvenile diabetes.

 

Contact:
Sean Hughes
201-532-8555

Clifton, New Jersey, August 15, 2006- Sean Hughes, Founder and Head Critic of www.diabeticfoodcritic.com  announced that Linda Yerardi, MS, RD, LDN has joined as a monthly columnist to the website. Her column will be posted in “Food For Thought” at www.diabeticfoodcritic.com. 

“I am delighted that Linda has agreed to join our team and use our website as her forum to make people with diabetes more aware of and knowledgeable about nutrition” said, Sean Hughes Founder and Head Critic of www.diabeticfoodcritic.com 

Ms. Yerardi has more than 20 years of experience as a Dietitian for numerous organizations and is presently a Diabetes Nutrition Educator at The Diabetes Center at Mercy Medial Center in Baltimore. She has many interests in the field of nutrition and has experience in many specialties of nutrition, such as public health and community nutrition, geriatrics, weight management, sports nutrition as well as private consulting for different organizations and in the private sector.

Hughes continued, “Her expert knowledge and many years of experience will greatly benefit our readers. Her monthly columns will be invaluable to our growing readership.”

Ms. Yerardi has won numerous awards and is an active member in American Dietetic Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators.  She holds a Master of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Dietetics, from James Madison University and a Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition, from Framingham State College in MA.

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The Diabetic Food Critic www.diabeticfoodcritic.com  is a unique site that is specifically targeted towards diabetics. It features columns on foods that people with diabetes can buy at the supermarket. The website is NOT intended for MEDICAL USE, but as a forum of information based on the diabetic food critic’s opinions on the taste, packaging and dietary information for different foods that are found at their local supermarkets.

Clifton, New Jersey- Sean Hughes, Founder and Head Critic unveiled www.diabeticfoodcritic.com today, which is another tool for diabetics to use as a reference for finding good tasting food. One of the biggest challenges for a person with diabetes, especially for a newly diagnosed diabetic, is the selection of food.

"When I was diagnosed with diabetes, I did not have a starting point of where to find good tasting food that would fit my new diet. By starting this website, I hope to fill that void for the millions of diabetics that are in the same situation," said Sean Hughes, Founder and Head Critic.

There are numerous food critics out there writing columns about restaurants but the diabeticfoodcritic.com is a unique site that is specifically targeted towards diabetics. It features columns on foods that people with diabetes can buy at the supermarket. The website is NOT intended for MEDICAL USE, but as a forum of information based on the diabetic food critic's opinions on the taste, packaging and dietary information for different foods that are found at their local supermarkets.

"The website has a rating system of 100 to 500, with 100 being the highest rating a product can receive. (Consider 100 as a good blood sugar reading) It has an easy-to-read list that a reader can view to see previous reviews and what rating the product received. We also encourage our visitors to provide suggestions on what foods should be reviewed and feedback on previous reviews," Hughes said.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are more than 20.8 million people who have diabetes and approximately 1 million people are newly diagnosed yearly in the United States as of 2005.

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