A More Substantial Post
As promised.
Last weekend, I got caught up in the organization of my life and decided that with everything I need to work on (and there is a LOT) that I was quickly going to get totally overwhelmed if I tried to tackle everything at once. I decided that my top priority has to be my health, so that is where I concentrated.
I am diabetic and was diagnosed with Type 2 in April of 1994. Since then, it has been a yo-yo battle with keeping my glucose levels under tight control and my weight at a normal level. Both have been all over the place. Two years ago, I started swimming like crazy and was really watching what I ate better. I lost 80 pounds and was on good track. However, as with most things in my life, something shinier came along and attracted my attention. I got derailed and in the last year have only half-heartedly worked out and watched my diet. As a result, I am back on a ton of meds to keep my levels normal and gained 25 pounds back.
I did some research and talked to my doctor. As a result I started a 1600 cal 165 g carb/day diabetic weight loss diet. In order to keep on top of it and know what is happening as far as how many carbs, cals and fat grams I am taking in, I bought a food journal to document everything. I have friends who think I am crazy for doing this, however discipline and I have a shaky relationship. I have found out quickly if I write down everything that I eat, I am MUCH less likely to cheat and blow my carb count. It may not work for everyone, but it sure is working for me.
I have lost 7 pounds since this past Monday when I started.
Actually, within 24 hrs of starting the diet, my glucose numbers came FAR better into line. However, they are staying so low that I am not getting any exercise. I think it is a result of the new plan plus I am still taking all my meds that work to help regulate glucose. Tuesday I have an appointment with Dr. Milburn my Endocrinologist and hope he will reduce or even maybe eliminate some of them. For example, last week most mornings my pre-breakfast level was 150 or so mg/dl. This morning it was 112 mg/dl. However, I went about 30 mins past when I normally eat lunch and it wound up crashing down to 68 and I was starting to get the Julia Roberts as Shelby in Steel Magnolia shakes.
In any case, I am in this for the long haul. I want the belly and excess fat in other areas of my body gone. I told Mom this morning that Christmas for me this year would be a different deal, but I still plan to eat a slice of Aunt Becky's red velvet cake. Next weekend will be a test as I am going out of town to Kansas City to visit friends and will likely be sorely tempted...
Last weekend, I got caught up in the organization of my life and decided that with everything I need to work on (and there is a LOT) that I was quickly going to get totally overwhelmed if I tried to tackle everything at once. I decided that my top priority has to be my health, so that is where I concentrated.
I am diabetic and was diagnosed with Type 2 in April of 1994. Since then, it has been a yo-yo battle with keeping my glucose levels under tight control and my weight at a normal level. Both have been all over the place. Two years ago, I started swimming like crazy and was really watching what I ate better. I lost 80 pounds and was on good track. However, as with most things in my life, something shinier came along and attracted my attention. I got derailed and in the last year have only half-heartedly worked out and watched my diet. As a result, I am back on a ton of meds to keep my levels normal and gained 25 pounds back.
I did some research and talked to my doctor. As a result I started a 1600 cal 165 g carb/day diabetic weight loss diet. In order to keep on top of it and know what is happening as far as how many carbs, cals and fat grams I am taking in, I bought a food journal to document everything. I have friends who think I am crazy for doing this, however discipline and I have a shaky relationship. I have found out quickly if I write down everything that I eat, I am MUCH less likely to cheat and blow my carb count. It may not work for everyone, but it sure is working for me.
I have lost 7 pounds since this past Monday when I started.
Actually, within 24 hrs of starting the diet, my glucose numbers came FAR better into line. However, they are staying so low that I am not getting any exercise. I think it is a result of the new plan plus I am still taking all my meds that work to help regulate glucose. Tuesday I have an appointment with Dr. Milburn my Endocrinologist and hope he will reduce or even maybe eliminate some of them. For example, last week most mornings my pre-breakfast level was 150 or so mg/dl. This morning it was 112 mg/dl. However, I went about 30 mins past when I normally eat lunch and it wound up crashing down to 68 and I was starting to get the Julia Roberts as Shelby in Steel Magnolia shakes.
In any case, I am in this for the long haul. I want the belly and excess fat in other areas of my body gone. I told Mom this morning that Christmas for me this year would be a different deal, but I still plan to eat a slice of Aunt Becky's red velvet cake. Next weekend will be a test as I am going out of town to Kansas City to visit friends and will likely be sorely tempted...