Diabetes IS preventable. Let’s shift the movement and take back our health!
I’ve personally teetered on the edge of pre-diabetes. My doctor follows the scale that pre-diabetes is indicated when your Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) reaches 95 mg/dL. (most docs show pre-diabetes at 100 mg/dL.)
Well, lucky me, my blood test in January 2015 showed my Glucose (FPG) at 95 mg/dL. Color me shocked!
Yes, I was still mainlining sugar when I was stressed; which was often. My ‘day-job’ that kept the bills paid as I was building my business was highly stressful FOR ME. I was good at the job, but it didn’t play into my strengths. Therefore, the work, environment and everything centering around the job created copious amounts of stress for me.
In my world, Stress = Junior Mints. Yep, Junior Mints. It’s my addiction. …and it was killing me. Literally.
Another demon in my diet was the ‘gluten free’ goods that are popping up all over my grocery store shelves.
Did you know that most processed gluten free products are produced with ingredients that spike your blood sugar level MUCH faster than wheat based products???? I didn’t. But I do now!
Starting with that blood test, I began looking for new ways to relieve stress instead of my beloved Junior Mints. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t give them up, but I did cut back significantly.
My stress release techniques in lieu of my beloved Junior Mints included:
- Getting up from my desk and taking the stairs every hour or so to get the endorphins rushing through my body
- Taking a 10 minute break to walk outside and feel the sunshine on my skin
- Practicing my ‘eyes to heaven’ for 30 seconds (email me for more on this techniques!)
- Just, plain, deep breathing.
Over the next few months, I continued to eat the foods that best support my body. (lean meats, at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables and ancient grains peppered with my 10% of ‘splurges and Junior Mints'.)
I also cut out the processed ‘gluten free’ products on the shelf and IF I really wanted a specific food, I would find a recipe and make it myself with ingredients that did not make such a signficant impact on my blood sugar.
My last blood test in September 2015 showed a marked improvement with my Glucose (FPG) at 88 mg/dL. My goal is to get a consistent reading of 80 mg/dL. I know that is feasible by continuing to eat the whole, natural foods provided by Mother Nature and limiting the processed goodies that harm my body.
P.S. They harm your body, too!
Looking for some great resources for reversing or preventing diabetes? (BESIDES working with your favorite health coach -- ahem -- that would be me.) Check out the gems below.
- CDC's "Am I at Risk" quiz
- DiabetesForecast.org by the American Diabetes Association
- CDC's complimentary National Diabetes Prevention Program
- Inforgraphic poster - great for posting in a breakroom!