About This Site — And the Person Behind It
My name is Oscar Cisneros, and I’m not a doctor, a nutritionist, or a celebrity chef.
I’m a guy who got a phone call that changed his life — and then decided to do something about it.
The Call That Changed Everything
Two years ago, I was traveling when my doctor called. “Hi Oscar, we got your lab results and we need you to confirm something.” When I got back to San Diego, I scheduled more lab work. The results confirmed what they suspected: Type 2 diabetes.
My A1C was 14.6 — nearly three times higher than normal blood sugar levels. To put that in perspective, a normal A1C is below 5.7. Pre-diabetic is 5.7 to 6.4. I was at 14.6.
I won’t sugarcoat it — that number scared me. But it also lit a fire.
Down the Rabbit Hole
I dove headfirst into learning everything I could about insulin resistance, glucose, how diabetes actually works in the body, the role of refined carbohydrates, and how diet and exercise could change the equation. I read studies, watched lectures, experimented in the kitchen, and completely rethought the way I ate.
Not with expensive specialty foods. Not with some influencer’s miracle supplement. Just real food, real research, and real discipline.
In 4 months, I brought my A1C from 14.6 down to 6.2.
That’s not a typo. That’s what happens when you take this seriously.
Why I Built This Site
When I was first diagnosed, I looked for resources — cookbooks, meal plans, practical guides. What I found was frustrating. The cookbooks were expensive. The ingredients were unrealistic. The recipes were bland. And most of the advice felt like it was written by someone who’d never actually had to manage this condition on a real person’s budget.
So I started building what I wished had existed when I got that phone call.
The Best Health Buys is my way of sharing everything I’ve learned — the recipes that actually work, the science that actually matters, and the practical strategies that helped me take control of my health without going broke.
I’m a home cook. I shop at regular grocery stores. I cook in a regular kitchen with regular equipment. And I believe that if I can do this, anyone can.
Our Mission
Make healthy eating accessible, affordable, and actually worth doing.
Your zip code, your income, and your diagnosis should never determine your ability to eat well. Healthy food is not a luxury. And good health information shouldn’t be locked behind a paywall or buried in jargon.
What You’ll Find Here
- Affordable cookbooks built from real experience managing diabetes — starting with The Budget-Friendly Diabetic Cookbook, with more titles in development.
- Blog posts covering practical topics: budget-friendly recipes, understanding blood sugar, meal prep strategies, and more.
- Weekly recipes delivered to your inbox if you sign up for our free newsletter.
- Honest product recommendations — only things I’ve actually used or would recommend to someone I care about.
We’re not here to sell you a lifestyle. We’re here to help you build one.
A Final Note
I’m not a doctor. I’m not a dietitian. I’m someone who got a scary diagnosis and refused to let it define me. Everything on this site comes from that experience — and from a genuine belief that the information and tools to manage your health should be available to everyone, not just people who can afford a nutritionist.
This site is a work in progress, just like all of us. If you have a question, a topic you’d like covered, or just want to share your own story — I’d genuinely love to hear from you.
Thanks for being here.
— Oscar Cisneros
Founder, The Best Health Buys
This site may contain affiliate links. Full Affiliate Disclosure | Medical Disclaimer