Happy Holidays

The Holidays are hard on all of us, especially diabetics.

Almost everything at every feast or even little get togethers are carb laden.

What to do? Indulging, in my opinion is fine, but do't overindulge. Having a couple of Auntie's cookies is fine, but don't eat the whole tin.

Just don't adopt the wait 'til New Years attitude. I've been there done that and packed on plenty of extra Holiday pounds.

Mmmmm, sugar

Yeah, I know, we diabetics love the stuff. And the pharmaceutical/chemical community does it best to try to satisfy our desire for sweets. Usually, they use cheap chemicals to try to imitate the taste. Personally, I can't use any because I always have the chemical aftertaste. Pink, yellow, or blue, they all are nasty. What I have done is weened myself off sugar. I drink Wendy's iced tea straght up, no sweetener.
Coffee just milk. Did you know milk has a lot of sugar? Read the label. Cereal, just milk. Oatmeal, nada.

You would be surprised how quickly your tastes change. Might have to go gradually, like add half your usual, but it will be worth it.

According to most research not sponsored by the manufacturer, artificial sweeteners are not healthy for us. Try to go natural, if you can.

Stay well.

Salad days

Not being a fan of salad, I've tried to get more raw vegetables in my diet. They are great for a diabetic, as they are low in carbs, high in nutrients. A few days ago the experiment to make a salad that didn't have to be choked down. This was for 2.

I thinly sliced a zucchini, then 3 stalks of celery. The key was to thinly slice them on a mandoline. I hate big chewy chunks. Put in some roasted garlic, grape tomatoes, and spinach. Added some cheese, dressed it with heated oil and balsamic. My intention was to wilt the spinach. Seasoned it with a little salt and pepper.

By the way I lightly added the seasoning as I layered the veggies. It was really good. Thin slices seem to make it more palatable for me. Almost any veggies would work. Any greens, too. I made it again with Romaine and it equally tasty.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Have fun eating today. Enjoy everything, maybe even overeat. If you're overweight, please make it Thanksgiving Day, and not a weekend of overindulging. Been there, done that, got the enormous T shirt.

My hope

I've wanted this blog to be an assistance to the diabetic community. While my readership is low, I'm trying to promote it. I'd appreciate any help. Also, if anyone would like to guest post here, just send me an email @ jwlreebiz@aol.com.

Just put something in the title so I know it's not spam.

Did you know most medical professionals have very little education in diabetes?

And when they pass you the pills like Amaryl or whatever they rarely take the time to explain that the pills need to be combined with diet to work.

I've found that my diabetes is best controlled by eating a relatively low carb diet coupled with some exercise.

Also, I've lost a some weight, which is so important to Type 2 diabetics. While I do use some insulin (20 units of Levimere once a day) the weight loss seems to be the greatest part of my sugar control.

Another opinion piece

I don't believe in sugar free foods.

I'm not the only one. Dr Oz said, basically, they wreak havoc with your system. Your body expects sugar but doesn't get it. This results in overeating, the bane of diabetics.

Diabetics: Try this to lower blood sugar

Warning: This is based on my experience. Don't do anything dumb like stop your meds, or avoid your doctor. Be sure to take your insulin as prescribed.

Ok. I started to take 2 teaspoons in water of apple cider vinegar following meals and my need for insulin diminished. Still need it but not as much.

I use Bragg's, which is a high quality, organic product.

Can't hurt.

I didn't die

but I came really close.

Diabetes killed my kidneys, gave me a stroke, and took my left leg.

Kept me in the hospital for 15 months.

Are you still going to ignore the disease?

Call me at 732.287.1583 if you need further encouragement.

Please follow this blog because now that I'm back there will be more frequent updates.