November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and with the steady increase in both children and adults with Type II Diabetes, it's time to take a stand against this preventable illness.  Type II Diabetes currently affects over 25.8 million people in the United States alone, which is why Bob Greene, Oprah Winfrey's personal trainer, teamed up with Better'n Eggs Fit2Fight campaign to offer some much-needed guidance and advice in regards to fitness and nutrition.

I can remember when I was a young child how my great-grandmother had to have both of her legs amputated at the thigh due to her raging Type II Diabetes.  While this operation did seem to help her somewhat, unfortunately, she died from this disease only a few years later.  Since an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise are two of the leading causes of Type II Diabetes, it is essential that we analyze our eating habits to make sure we are not putting ourselves or are family at a high risk for diabetes.

That's where Better'n Eggs and AllWhites comes in.  Crystal Farms Better’n Eggs and AllWhites are fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low-calorie alternatives to shell eggs.  AllWhites is composed of 100% liquid egg whites with absolutely nothing extra added.  Better'n Eggs is 98% liquid egg whites with 2% vitamins and minerals added in for an even greater health boost.  Both products have half the calories of shell eggs and because they are fat-free, cholesterol-free and low-calorie, they are the perfect substitution for those trying to prevent diabetes, yet enjoy eating eggs.

Crystal Farms Better’n Eggs and AllWhites are also convenient sources of lean, high-quality protein, which can help balance a diabetic diet while still controlling hunger and blood sugar levels.  Protein also keeps you energized during workouts so that you can further improve your overall health.  What's more, these products do not include any added flavorings, so they are perfect to use with your favorite recipes and egg dishes.  Just look at one of the yummy recipes I found on the Better'n Eggs site:

Bacon Cheddar Mini Egg Cups Recipe

Preparation: 25 minutes   
Time-To-Table: 40 minutes   
Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 24 wonton wrappers*
• nonstick cooking spray
• 2 strips bacon
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil**
• 1 cup AllWhites®
• 1/2 cup fat-free half and half
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup Crystal Farms® Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray one side of each wonton wrapper with nonstick cooking spray. Press each wrapper in to cups of miniature muffin pan, spray side down. Once all wrappers are in place; spray inside of each wrapper with additional nonstick cooking spray; set aside. 

In small nonstick skillet cook bacon until crisp. Drain grease; finely chop bacon. In small bowl stir together cooked bacon, tomatoes and basil. Divide mixture evenly into each wonton cup. 

In small bowl stir together AllWhites, fat-free half and half and salt. Carefully pour into each wonton cup. Sprinkle with cheese. 

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until eggs are almost set. Serve warm or at room temperature. 

Tips: 

*Wonton wrappers are usually found in the refrigerated produce section of the grocery store. Wrappers are typically 3 1/4 inches square.

**Substitute 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 

Customize this appetizer by adding 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms to each mini cup. Any variety will work. Also, Better’n Eggs can be used as a substitute for AllWhites.