Diabetes and Chronic Illness - Fresh Tips on Food Safety
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
Living well with a chronic health issue like diabetes is challenging. Prevention is key – enjoying foods that support good blood sugar control and following medication directions enhance long-term health and quality of life. To maximize the benefits of better food choices, be sure good food safety practices are on the menu.
The immune system protects health best when your body is well-nourished. Following food safety and nutrition care guidance should support good diabetes management and healthy immune systems. Diabetes may impact immune function by weakening immune system response, and slowing down digestion, allowing bacteria on food to multiply. Once infection has begun, it can be very difficult to treat. Adults 65 and older with diabetes can be especially vulnerable. Check out the tips and tools you can use to ensure you and your family can navigate successfully prevent food safety concerns.
Know Foodborne Illness Symptoms and Get Medical Care Quickly
Foodborne Illness Symptoms can worsen diabetes/all chronic illness symptoms, including elevating blood sugar and risk of dehydration. If you suspect foodborne illness, call your healthcare provider, or seek emergency care immediately.
Smart Shopping
- Many shoppers use recycled bags for packing groceries. Be sure to wipe these out or wash them each time you unpack them, with antibacterial wipes or spray and clean paper towels.
- Meat, seafood and fresh produce should be bagged before placing in a cart or shopping bag, so they don’t become cross-contaminated. If your grocery store limits plastic bags, bring your own clean bags to place foods in – clear bags allow for scanning prices and safe handling.
- Purchase pasteurized eggs and dairy products and use best-by and sell-by dates to ensure food purchases are fresh.
- Read labels to be sure foods will meet your needs for enjoyment and diabetes management.
Smart Storage and Prep
- Go directly home – if travel time is extended, use insulated bags and/or coolers to maintain food temperatures.
As soon as possible after shopping or grocery delivery, get chilled and frozen foods put away safely.
Cool tools available in the grocery store to keep food safe:
- Clean shopping bags, reusable ice packs, insulated shopping bags, and coolers.
- Appliance thermometer for the refrigerator – store food at 40 degrees F or lower.
- Cooking thermometer – find temperature charts to ensure foods are cooked to safe serving temps.
- Easy-clean plastic cutting boards (some are color-coded for meat, seafood, produce). Use clean knives and utensils while preparing foods, and do not reuse utensils, bowls or plates that have had raw food contact.
- Hot, soapy water, bleach and antibacterial wipes assist with cleaning cutting boards, utensils, and shopping bags.
- Moisturizing hand soap – keeping hands clean and skin in good condition are both important to diabetes management. BONUS – Good handwashing reduces risk of of flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and other high-risk infections for those with chronic health conditions.
- Store raw and cooked foods safely in regularly cleaned designated refrigerator sections. If any items are damaged or have any indication of spoilage, don’t hesitate to discard. Follow the food safety mantra of “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Stay up to date on food safety issues by checking the webpage, and downloading the food safety app. Find more resources there and at the Partnership for Food Safety website.
References
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/food-safety-persons-diabetes
https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/food-safety-older-adults-and-people-cancer-diabetes-hivaids-organ-transplants-and-autoimmune
Diabetes - Shopping Well On A Budget
Ellie Wilson
MS, RD Senior Nutritionist
Everyone is on a budget, which impacts most purchases, including the food we buy. For those managing diabetes, smart food choices are recognized as key to overall wellness. Balancing the budget and balancing health is possible, with a few insights and a little planning.
Planning is the first hurdle – everyone is so busy; we find it easy to ignore the concept. However, most of us plan “accidentally” – we have a set routine for meals/foods we eat throughout the week, as well as typical items we buy or prepare for lunch, dinner and snacks. It changes seasonally – salads in summer, with meat on the grill, soup in the fall and winter, as well as air fryer/Instant Pot or slow cooker meals. The first step to planning is just putting your “usuals’ down on paper, with dollar amounts you usually spend (or the budget amount you are trying to stick to!) Then, determine if there are a few tweaks you can make to put better-for-you in the basket on your budget.
It may be tough to find a good starting place. If you have diabetes, or are at risk, personalized nutrition care from a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN) is the gold standard. If you haven’t seen a dietitian in the last year, consider getting a referral from your healthcare provider. Your health needs change over time, along with research and food items available, medications – make it personal “policy” to meet with the RDN at least once per year. Check your grocery store for nutrition information and resources – like the Know Your Colors nutrition guides at Price Chopper/Market 32, and the Diabetes AdvantEdge program Diabetes AdvantEdge program at the store pharmacies. Food and medications are increasingly important to health and care, and you may be pleasantly surprised by the resources your grocery store offers.
Tips and Hacks
Hate to cook on Monday? A Price Chopper Rotisserie Chicken could be a problem-solver. Serve with a scoop of frozen broccoli microwaved with a small potato – done, healthy, fast, and cheap. Both the frozen broccoli (as well as any other frozen vegetable or fruit) and the potato are smart/budget-buster choices for eating well.
Breakfast is essential to blood sugar management. Eggs are an inexpensive source of good protein, and easy to mix up with leftover/frozen vegetables for an omelet. Like toast with that? Check the shelf tag or online for Carb Smart choices and read labels to be sure they meet your needs. Carb Smart, Low Sodium, Heart Smart and more tags can be found on the shelf and online – you can plan your smart shopping in a snap. Enjoy eating well when you shop at Price Chopper and Market 32!
Shop Carb Smart!
Ultimate Guide to Tailgating
Fall has begun and football season is underway. That means the return of one of our favorite pastimes, tailgating! There’s nothing like getting together with your friends, enjoying good food and cold brews, and getting amped for the big game. It’s a tradition that will never get old! Here’s our guide to the ultimate tailgate.
When it comes to tailgating, there are plenty of great options. The first is a sub & sandwich platter. If you’re tailgating with a decent-sized group, sandwich platters are easy. They can feed the group, and they are good for bringing on the go and eating outdoors. They are fantastic for making sure everyone gets a good amount of eats. Plus, the PICS potato chips you brought to snack on are a great compliment!
The next option, grilling. If you have a dedicated griller in the group bringing your setup to the tailgate is a fun idea. Burgers, hot dogs, steak, sausage linksand more are all great options for gameday. Don’t forget the burger buns and hot dog rolls!
Now, let’s talk snacks and sides. We mentioned PICS potato chips. How about tortilla chips to dip into salsa or guac? Convenient and easy for travel. Potato salad, macaroni salad, and pasta salad containers are also nice options. They go great with grilled meats or sandwiches, and the small containers are very portable.
Can’t forget some cold beer to wash down the delicious food. For tailgating, a nice light beer such as Bud Light is a strong choice. You’ll be able to enjoy some cold ones, while keeping your head in the game. Rather than being filled up on heavier beverages. As always, make sure to drink responsibly!
Don’t forget to tap into our Simple Done line of products for the paper plates, utensils, napkins, and cups you need for tailgating!
We’re excited to have football back to get back to tailgating. Don’t forget to stop by your local Price Chopper and Market 32 all season long for all of your essentials. Here’s to a fun, successful season of celebrating !
Shop Tailgating Favorites
Tips for A Happy and Food Safe Halloween
BOO! Here it comes again, the official (unofficial) holiday of Halloween! There is no doubt, it is beloved by children and adults alike. The costumes, decorations and freaky/fun tricks and treats are wickedly delightful for those who participate before colder weather changes activity opportunities. To ensure it is fun for everyone, set expectations – your goblins and ghouls should know the food safety rules ahead of time to set the stage for happy smiles versus scowls and howls. Here are some ‘tricks” for caregivers hoping for a howling good time!
- Eat before you go out – some great Halloween treat ideas to set the stage are right here (with spooky music!) on Price Chopper YouTube and Pinterest boards. That will make it easier to create the plan that parents/guardians must check items before eating. We have treats for adults too – pumpkin everything and fall favorites to fuel your fun.
- Children should be taught/shown not to accept treats that aren’t commercially wrapped. Throw away anything that is torn, has pinholes, or looks unusual in any way. Fresh fruit, if accepted, should be carefully checked and washed before eating.
- If your child has a food allergy, you already know that treats are tricky. Verify Epi-pens are not expired and are readily available. Always check the labels of each item. Some homes may have a teal-colored pumpkin to signal they have some treats without some allergens, but adults must still check the individual items before eating. The same goes for gluten free candy – The Celiac Disease Foundation has published their 2022 Gluten Free Halloween Candy list – you can download and print the pdf here.
- Ages and stages – some candies are choking hazards for smaller children. Gum, hard candies, peanuts and even small toys could be a concern.
- How much and how often should be part of the plan – a national poll shows 78% of parents plan for about two pieces of candy per day. That helps children learn candy can be part of eating well.
- Flashlights, candy, party supplies and more are all at your local store and online waiting for you to create a “monster” good time. Happy Halloween!
BWAH HA HA HAAAAA!!!!!!!
home.grown. Locally Grown Apples Sold Here!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
It is no secret that September and October are the prime months for apple picking. Whether you are baking apple pie, making applesauce, or just want a sweet snack, apples are certainly your go-to this fall season. Here at Price Chopper and Market 32, we are proud to partner with a wide variety of apple orchards, farms and cider mills in our region, to bring you the best of the Northeast each year. These include the four farms highlighted below. Not only are our Market 32 tote apples orchard-grown here in our region, but our Market 32 Apple Cider is milled in New York from Northeast-grown apples! The next time you pick up apples from your local Price Chopper and Market 32, you will know that these apples are home grown.
Hudson River Fruit Distributors: Milton, NY
It all began in 1932 when first generation Isador Albinder started selling apples out of a pushcart in Brooklyn. When his son Harold Albinder joined him in 1963, the Hudson River Fruit Distributors was founded. Now for almost 60 years, the Hudson River Fruit Distributors have continued to grow their family business. They are proud to have multiple generations working hard to carry on the family legacy, and their goal is to leave the world a better place than they found it.
Sunrise Orchards, Cornwall VT
Located in Cornwall, Vermont, Sunrise Orchards has been 100% solar powered since 2016. Their mission statement is as follows:
“At Sunrise Orchards our mission is to grow an amazing apple – an apple which puts a proclamation into the eater’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. We do this through a commitment to quality, the environment, and community that embody our forward-thinking Vermont farm.”
Be sure to click on the “About” section on their website to see weekend lunch specials and other events throughout the month of October!
Patch Orchards, Lebanon NH
At Patch Orchards in Lebanon, New Hampshire, eight generations have carried the legacy of this wonderful orchard. Not only do they sell a variety of produce, but many maple products are also sold. These include maple syrup, maple candies, pure maple sugar, and maple cream. There are many family fun activities to do while you visit Patch Orchards, so be sure to check out their website below.
Beak and Skiff, Lafayette NY
It all began in 1911 when Andrew Beak, a dairy farmer, and George Skiff, an onion farmer, met at a farmer’s market. The two teamed up to establish the very popular Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards. While many harsh weather conditions challenged their business over the years, the two men never stopped doing what they loved. Today, five generations have passed and Beak and Skiff is a booming business. Here you can find apple picking, cider tasting, a very large gift shop, and a café for apple cider donuts and many lunch items. Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard has something for the whole family!
Websites of the orchards highlighted:
Unsure of what to make with all your apples? Check out some of our recipes below!
Apple Pie with Homemade Crust: What is fall time without an apple pie? Try this recipe with our very own homemade crust recipe!
Chicken & Apple Kale Slaw Wrap: Try this quick and easy wrap that is bursting with flavor! Be sure to buy our Market 32 Grab n’ Go rotisserie chicken in the food court section.
No-Churn Brown-Butter Apple Pie Ice Cream: What a better way for the family to spend time together after apple picking than to make homemade ice cream! Try out this recipe above.
Cinnamon Waffles with Apple Pecan Topping: Sunday morning breakfast is served with this warm and hearty cinnamon waffle breakfast. Be sure to use your fresh apples for this meal.
home.grown. Outdoor Decorating!
There are many perks to fall in the Northeast. Great food, fun activities, Halloween, and especially: outdoor decorating! We love seeing our communities go all out in seasonal spirit, jazzing up their homes with all of the fall essentials. We have everything you need to outshine your neighbors, thanks to our awesome group of Northeast farmers. Turn your home into an autumn masterpiece with home.grown. plants and ornamentals from Price Chopper & Market 32!
If you’re preparing for fall, pumpkins are a must. We source our mini pumpkins, pie pumpkins and carving pumpkins from the same Northeast farmers that provide us with summer crops like tomatoes and peppers. The same goes for our corn stalks! Many of the decorative corn stalks we have bunched and ready for placing on your front porch are the same stalks that produced the sweet corn you enjoyed this summer.
Gourds are another fall decorating staple that are grown by our local farmers. Did you know that gourds are a member of the squash family? Nowadays they serve as decoration only, but back in ancient times they were consumed as a food item!
Flowers aren’t just a spring and summer thing: Our stores offer a variety of mums that are ideal for fall decorating. Our mums are grown in the Northeast, just like our pumpkins and gourds!
Decorating is one of the best things about fall. Pumpkins, corn stalks, gourds, Indian corn and mums are all staples of the season, and we’re proud to source them from our neighbors here in the Northeast. Thanks to the hard work of growers like Reeves Farms in Baldwinsville, NY, Plainville Farm in Hadley, MA and many other Northeast farms, we’re able to provide high-quality local products throughout the changing seasons.
From pumpkins to peanut butter, when it’s made or grown here, we get it here. Don’t miss out on the fun this season: Head over to your local store and start decorating!
PICS Spice & Everything Nice!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Life can be hectic, especially with the kids back to school. Running from practices to school events and more, the thought of cooking each night may feel daunting. If you find yourself making the same types of dinners and running out of ideas to spice up your next meal, we can help. Price Chopper and Market 32 are very excited to announce 10 new PICS spices that will be released to all locations starting today, October 10th! We have a spice for even the pickiest of eaters, so take a look below to discover what’s new to add more flavor in your next meal.
Spice #1: PICS Guacamole Seasoning
Size: 3.2 oz.
Homemade guacamole paired with your favorite PICS tortilla chips…what could be better! This new seasoning is a flavorful mixture of zesty lime, garlic, cilantro, and jalapeno.
Spice #2: PICS Street Corn Seasoning
Size: 5oz.
Picture this: It is a warm summer evening, the barbeque is grilling, and corn on the cob is underway. Butter the corn on the cob and add this Street Corn Seasoning on top. It will be a staple for our corn on the cob lovers!
Spice #3: PICS Smoked Butcher’s Blend Seasoning
Size: 5.9oz
Do you love smoked meats? Then this is the spice for you! This smokey and peppery seasoning is perfect for any foods ranging from steak and chicken to potatoes and mixed veggies. The best part is this spice is made from all natural ingredients.
Spice #4: PICS Butcher’s Salt & Pepper Seasoning
Size: 5.9oz
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we take pride in giving our customers the finest meats. Next time you are at your local store, be sure to pick up your favorite meat source and pair it with this new Butcher’s Salt & Pepper Seasoning. Sometimes a great quality piece of meat needs nothing more than premium salt and coarsely ground pepper.
Spice #5: PICS Chicago Chop Seasoning
Size: 6.4oz
This new spice is a must-try for our pork lovers out there! This savory and smoky taste will have you going back for seconds!
Spice #6: PICS Mediterranean Citrus Olive Oil Spice
Size: 1oz
This Mediterranean spice will add an immense flavor to just about any dish. You may be wondering what exactly this spice tastes like. This Greek blend is a mixture of crunchy Hudson Valley salt, dried garlic, black pepper, oregano, coriander, thyme, dried onion, spices, and lemon oil. This is a must try!
Spice #7: PICS Lemon Pepper Thyme Seasoning
Size: 6.3oz
Our new Lemon Pepper Thyme Seasoning subtly brings out the delicious flavors of chicken and fish. Another fun way to use this seasoning would be in melted butter or tossed in pasta.
Spice #8: PICS Spicy Italian Roasted Garlic Olive Oil Spices
Size: .8oz
Your pasta night just became even better with our new PICS Spicy Italian Roasted Garlic Olive Oil Seasoning! Include this spice in your meatballs, pork chops, or sprinkle on your toasted bread and butter. The aroma in your house will be divine!
Spice #9: PICS Salt-Free All-Purpose Seasoning
Size: 3.9oz
You read that right – A seasoning without salt! Be sure to grab this new spice to amplify the taste of your next meat and veggie dinner, just without the salt.
Last but certainly not least…
Spice #10: PICS Spicy Italian Sun-Dried Tomato Olive Oil Spices
Size: 1.2oz
This new spice is extremely versatile and if you like spicy food, this is the spice for you! Add this on your chicken, mix into ground beef or sprinkle into your olive oil for dipping bread.
Ready try these new spices? Head to your local Price Chopper and Market 32 today, October 10th to try a few…or all of them!
National Taco Day!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Did you know that tacos actually have their own day? Today, October 4th just happens to be that day! Here at Price Chopper and Market 32, we have everything you need to get creative for your Taco Tuesday tonight. The beauty is, there is no right or wrong way to make your taco, and they can be filled with just about anything and everything! First, let’s explore some interesting facts about tacos.
The origin of the taco dates back as early as the 18th century, but the taco itself was not introduced in the United States until 1905. During the 18th century, tacos in Mexico were known to be a food of the working class which included miners. Tacos were known as “tacos de minero” which means “miner’s taco.”
The tacos that were consumed during this time were very different from what we know today. Tacos were originally made with a spicy filling, not beef or chicken that is commonly used today. Interestingly enough, the hard taco shell we know and love did not become popular in the United States until the 1940s. Before then, a soft flour tortilla was used. Today, there are so many different combinations to create tacos. While some people prefer beef or chicken, others may choose fish or no meat source at all. Check out some of our delicious taco recipes below to celebrate this year’s National Taco Day!
Foil-Pack Avocado Ranch Chicken Tacos: Loaded with fresh ingredients, these tacos are tasty and filling. Be sure to grab Market 32 Boneless & Skinless Chicken Breast at your nearest location.
Grilled Fish Tacos with Cauliflower Tortilla: Not feeling a traditional taco shell? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Try these tacos with a delicious cauliflower tortilla.
Chipotle Ground Beef Street Tacos: Beef, cheese, salsa and more! Make sure to grab your choice of Market 32 ground beef for these tacos.
Black Bean, Quinoa, & Grilled Veggie Tacos: No meat? No problem! These tacos are bursting with flavor and easy to make!
Happy National Taco Day!
Cold Weather Comfort Meals!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
For many of us, we have a love/hate relationship with the changing seasons. Even if you ski or snowboard, there may be days where you just need to be warm, whether that is curling up under the covers, binge watching your favorite show, or making a delicious comfort food meal.
What exactly are “comfort foods?” Comfort foods are any type of rich or indulgent foods that bring a sense of happiness and security. In fact, the Oxford Dictionary added this term in 1997!
No two people are the same, therefore, comfort foods can be different for everyone. For some, this may be indulging in an ice cream sundae, loaded fries, chili, or even a big bowl of macaroni and cheese. The best part is, there is no right or wrong! Here at Price Chopper and Market 32, we want to give you some delicious comfort meals to try out this fall and winter. Check out a few warm recipes that will make the cold weather seem not so bad!
Baked Beef & Lamb Meatballs: With a few key ingredients like beef, lamb, basil, and marinara sauce, your taste buds will be jumping for joy!
Gourmet White Mac & Cheese: Nothing screams, “Comfort Meal!” like this creamy, filling Gourmet White Mac & Cheese.
Cheeseburger Soup: Sure, cheeseburgers on the grill are great, but what about cheeseburger soup? This is a fun and different comfort meal to add to your recipes.
PB&J Stuffed French Toast: Take your French toast to the next level! Be sure to grab your favorite PICS peanut butter and PICS jelly the next time you head to your local store.
Oven-Baked Nashville Sliders: Change up your normal chicken sandwiches for lunch and dinner with these Oven-Baked Nashville Sliders!
Fall Chicken Pot Pie: This chicken pot pie is warm, hearty, and extremely satisfying. This meal is a must-try!
While the temperatures keep dropping, stock up on ingredients for your favorite comfort meals, or better yet, try out a new comfort meal recipe!
Source:
Happy Organic Month!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
September is Organic Month, and here at Price Chopper and Market 32 we have an abundance of organic products including produce, cereal, spices, dairy, meat, and more! If you are interested in incorporating more organic products in your recipes, then you have come to the right place. Keep reading to discover what organic products are, and new recipes with some organic ingredients to incorporate at mealtimes.
What are Organic Animals and Plants?
Organic animals and plants are fed naturally and heavily regulated by the USDA to ensure only strictly enforced methods and approved substances are used when foods are grown and processed. The USDA is the regulating agency for Organic. For plants, that would include using organic seeds, managing weeds by tillage and cultivation practices and enhancing soil health via crop rotations and cover crops. For animals, it includes using 100% organic feed and maximizing pasture/outdoor access.
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we are proud to sell Full Circle Organic products. Full Circle’s Mission Statement is as follows:
“Our mission is to change the food system by providing a healthy, fresh alternative to industrial food. Large-scale agriculture often uses pesticides, herbicides, genetic modification and employs risky monoculture practices. Fresh, organic produce tastes better, is brimming with nutrients, and preserves our soil, our water, and the entire ecosystem. That’s why Full Circle fills every box with food that’s real and genuine.”
Check out our recipes that include some organic products:
Kicked Up Green Smoothie: This recipe is packed with delicious organic produce and dairy for an energizing smoothie!
White Chicken Chili: This hearty meal is bursting with flavor! Be sure to include Full Circle Oregano as well as other Full Circle spices.
Make-Ahead Hash Brown & Egg Bake: With the kids going back to school this Hash Brown and Egg Bake will be sure to power them through the morning!
Earn 3x Bonus Points on all organic purchases through Saturday, October 1st. And be sure to use promo code ‘ORGANIC’ at checkout when shopping on the Price Chopper website for $5 off your order of $50 or more thru 10/1.