I Have Diabetes, But It Doesn’t Have Me
When I was diagnosed with Diabetes I felt betrayed. Betrayed by my own body. How could this happen to me? Well, as it turns out, I was doing quite a bit to contribute to the state of my poor health. I ate a lot of sugary foods, barely exercised and had more than my fair share of fat in my diet. My years of indulging my unhealthy cravings had caught up with me, and diabetes was the result.
After the reality of having diabetes sank in, I decided I wasn’t going to take this lying down. I was going to do everything in my power to turn this around. I figured if I got myself into this mess, then I could get myself out. I learned as much as I could about my type of diabetes and how to manage it. I learned that with eating the right foods, I could regain my health. I continued taking my diabetes medication but I also cut as much sugar out of my diet as I could. No more sugary cereals for breakfast. Now it’s steel cut oats with cinnamon sprinkled on top. I don’t even miss the brown sugar, and I have way more energy and my stomach stays fuller, longer. No more mid-morning blood sugar spikes and dips. I also no longer buy cookies or any other sweet snack. I eat only the sweetest foods from nature. Bananas, apples, oranges, these are my treats now.
I am also careful about getting more fiber and less fat into my diet. I eat more beans and have cut out red meat. For lunches I have pinto or garbonzo beans on salad with red wine vinegar dressing. For dinners I have lentil soup, or whole wheat pasta with lots of roasted vegetables and tomato sauce. I’ve realized with eating foods that are high in fiber and high in vitamins, I am satisfied longer and don’t have as much cravings for sugar.
I exercise more now as well. I purchased a treadmill and walk at least four times a week for a half hour. Overall, I am much healthier now that I pay attention to my body. I watch what I put into it and how I’m using it. I care for it and I’m mindful of how I feel. I used to use food to make me feel better emotionally, now I use it to feel better physically. I feel better than ever, and I’m looking forward to the day that my Doctor tells me I no longer have diabetes. I am confident that if I keep up this healthy lifestyle, that day will come soon.