(((Hot Babe Beholden)))- congratulations on being pro-active and enthusiastic about your own health. You sound excited and I hope you continue to do well -with your love of cooking, you probably will. You definitely can halt the pre-diabetes in its tracks with proper diet and exercise. There's this doctor on PBS who had a special during pledge week and he has a book to -I wish I could remember the name. You're right about portions - with a steak or chicken - it shouldn't be bigger than the palm of your hand and veggies should take up the most room, then a smaller portion of starch then meat. Keep up the awesome work and I'm happy you feel pleased with yourself.