Food is everywhere. We are bombarded with ads for products, delivery services, food kits, restaurants, etc.. We have easy access to "junk food" more so now than ever. Eating habits is changing for many. The options for vegans, for instance, has become so expansive in the last ten years. The food industry is a billion dollar business. Sure, we need to eat to sustain ourselves. But for the first time ever, I am sick of food.
I should consider myself lucky to have food. First world problem as they say. But, a sister of mine had hanging art with a quote or motivational bullshit on it. It said "we don't eat because we're hungry, we eat because we're bored." It's true. There have been many a time that I was so bored, that I would eat. I order something.
According to Food & Nutrition they say: "As we know, boredom causes us to participate in behaviors that result in
pleasure. However, if we constantly use one particular behavior, our
brain becomes less able to experience pleasure from anything else. So if
we always rely on food to relieve boredom, our brain becomes re-wired
to derive the most pleasure from eating."
For me, it's not just about eating when bored. It's the fact that I've eaten way too much food lately. I've gotten sick of food. When I'm at home, the thought of food is just ugh (for a lack of a better term). When at him, I still eat and more than I should at times. It's stupid. But as a diabetic, I have to eat. Eating prevents things like low blood sugar which can cause hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can lead to other issues.
My problem is not eating a balanced diet. My diet is absolute shit. As the adage goes, "old habits die hard." It's a seemingly vicious cycle. I fucking hate it. I have said a number of times that I will make changes, but it never happens. It also doesn't help that my sleep schedule hasn't been off recently. Ugh. I don't want this to be lip service, but I need to make changes. Motivation can be a bitch. My motivation has been low which also doesn't help. Getting outside especially when it's spring and summer makes one feel better.
Why we feel better during these seasons is because it brings more sunlight thus we enjoy the energy that is used to fight off drowsiness. Serotonin is released due to more light. Serotonin is a chemical that makes us feel happier. To be honest, it does make me feel better.
Now to just get motivated to do more, eat less, and not be sick of food.
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Friday, May 07, 2021
Sick of Food
Friday, July 19, 2019
The 10,000 Step Culture - An Obsession with a Certain Number
I read an article published on The Guardian on 10,000 steps. It shows that there is no good science behind 10,000 steps. There is nothing to support that 10,000 steps is the minimum benchmark for what you need each day. There haven't been studies to see if 8,500 steps, 12,000, or 15,000 for instance are just as good or if not better (the latter two being better).
There have been studies done, one on elderly Japanese people who wore pedometers for a period of time, found that getting more steps helped reduce the risk of various things verses those that didn't actively try to get more steps. But those in the western world probably don't think about that. They do it just because that's what we've been told to do. They don't necessarily do it for the exercise.
The problem with the 10,000 step culture is it has gotten people obsessed with needing to get 10,000 steps. You can get 10,000 steps just by doing things around the house, or by walking around the office or whatever you do at work. Before I changed it, my phone's health app had 6,000 as the default number of steps and I could get it just by walking around at work and whatnot. I've said I'm walking to get my steps in. But that's the wrong reason to walk. Don't just walk to get your steps in.
The article says that you should get your heart rate elevated and your blood flowing when getting your steps in verses just walking for the sake of getting your steps in. The former is the better to go about it. When I go on my walks, I could simply walk. But I like to do a bit of power walking which elevates the heart rate, blood flowing, and gets me sweating. I don't even think about the steps as I can easily get over 10,000 steps on my walks. There have been times I have gotten over 20,000 and even 30,000 steps when walking. It thought it was crazy I got that many. But is getting those high amount of steps doing anything more for you than smaller number steps?
A more recent article in the New York Post also says that it is not gospel. it also says that 10,000 steps is not doing anything more for you then 7,500 steps. So why obsess over 10,000 steps? The article isn't saying you shouldn't get 10,000 if you can. It is saying you will live just as long those who 10,000 steps if you only get 7,500. The study only looked at mortality not look at quality of life. So more studies need to be done.
Until reading both articles, I never knew pedometers went as far back as the 1960s. Both articles said that the device, invented before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics to promote movement, was called a “manpo-kei.” In Japanese, “man” means 10,000, “po” means steps and “kei” means meter. Together, it was the 10,000-steps meter. That was the earliest known campaign of what people are now obsessed with.
Again, nobody saying to not go for 10,000 if you can. All that is being said is not obsess over something that doesn't do anything more for you than a smaller number of steps. It is better to get educated on the culture of 10,000 steps and not just blindly follow something you've been told. Don't buy into what you've been led to believe. Don't buy into the whole 10,000 step culture. Get steps in for the right reason. Not every gets steps in for the right reason.
What did these people do before pedometers, Fitbit, Apple watches, and health apps were around? Why do they now need to obsess over 10,000 steps when they didn't before? If they were active before these things were around, why do they need them now? It seems like a cop out and an excuse to be and or remain active.
Don't get steps in to appease the 10,000 step culture. Some people are doing just that which us the wrong way to go about it. 10,000 steps is not gospel. 10,000 steps is not written in stone. Get steps in because you like walking and not just to achieve a certain number.
The problem with the 10,000 step culture is it has gotten people obsessed with needing to get 10,000 steps. You can get 10,000 steps just by doing things around the house, or by walking around the office or whatever you do at work. Before I changed it, my phone's health app had 6,000 as the default number of steps and I could get it just by walking around at work and whatnot. I've said I'm walking to get my steps in. But that's the wrong reason to walk. Don't just walk to get your steps in.
The article says that you should get your heart rate elevated and your blood flowing when getting your steps in verses just walking for the sake of getting your steps in. The former is the better to go about it. When I go on my walks, I could simply walk. But I like to do a bit of power walking which elevates the heart rate, blood flowing, and gets me sweating. I don't even think about the steps as I can easily get over 10,000 steps on my walks. There have been times I have gotten over 20,000 and even 30,000 steps when walking. It thought it was crazy I got that many. But is getting those high amount of steps doing anything more for you than smaller number steps?
A more recent article in the New York Post also says that it is not gospel. it also says that 10,000 steps is not doing anything more for you then 7,500 steps. So why obsess over 10,000 steps? The article isn't saying you shouldn't get 10,000 if you can. It is saying you will live just as long those who 10,000 steps if you only get 7,500. The study only looked at mortality not look at quality of life. So more studies need to be done.
Until reading both articles, I never knew pedometers went as far back as the 1960s. Both articles said that the device, invented before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics to promote movement, was called a “manpo-kei.” In Japanese, “man” means 10,000, “po” means steps and “kei” means meter. Together, it was the 10,000-steps meter. That was the earliest known campaign of what people are now obsessed with.
Again, nobody saying to not go for 10,000 if you can. All that is being said is not obsess over something that doesn't do anything more for you than a smaller number of steps. It is better to get educated on the culture of 10,000 steps and not just blindly follow something you've been told. Don't buy into what you've been led to believe. Don't buy into the whole 10,000 step culture. Get steps in for the right reason. Not every gets steps in for the right reason.
What did these people do before pedometers, Fitbit, Apple watches, and health apps were around? Why do they now need to obsess over 10,000 steps when they didn't before? If they were active before these things were around, why do they need them now? It seems like a cop out and an excuse to be and or remain active.
Don't get steps in to appease the 10,000 step culture. Some people are doing just that which us the wrong way to go about it. 10,000 steps is not gospel. 10,000 steps is not written in stone. Get steps in because you like walking and not just to achieve a certain number.
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Change in Sleep Pattern
As you may or may not know, the last little while, my sleep has been screwed up. What happens is, I wake up after a few hours or so. It doesn't matter if go to bed at a decent time or little later. There are times where I woke up after a couple of hours. It's not good.
No, I don't start my day between 4-6 am. I set my alarm for 7 am. For the most part, I have been waking up before my alarm. That is not always a bad thing, but when you are not getting a full and proper sleep, it is.
A couple things have been going through my mind about this sleep pattern. One is that I am wondering if I am actually becoming an insomniac. That's not something I have had to deal with. Sure there have been times when times when I can't sleep. But that's not the same as being an insomniac. My stepdad is an insomniac. A functioning insomniac at that. I don't know how he can function of four hours of sleep. I need a decent amount of sleep to function.
I have been thinking that it could be my recent health issues with my seizures that caused this all. Before I started recovering, I was waking up at 3 am. I wonder if that is reason I am now waking up at various times of the night. The seizures were happening late last month.
I am not sure what exactly is causing this change in my sleep pattern. But I am leaning towards my seizures being the cause. I hope I don't insomnia. It's been three weeks since this change in my sleep pattern has happened. I have been thinking that maybe I need to start taking melatonin. It is an over the counter sleeping pill. I probably won't need a prescription for a sleeping pill. My stepdad takes a prescription sleeping pill because he needs something strong to help get him to sleep.
Whatever the case may be, I want to find the answer and a solution. I would like to find a solution without taking some sort of sleep aid if possible. But if I do end up having to take a sleeping or some other sleep aid, I am fine with that. I can't get in to see my doctor till January. So I will have to deal with this current sleep pattern until unless I do a walk-in at the clinic I go to. Either way, this will be dealt with.
I am not sure what exactly is causing this change in my sleep pattern. But I am leaning towards my seizures being the cause. I hope I don't insomnia. It's been three weeks since this change in my sleep pattern has happened. I have been thinking that maybe I need to start taking melatonin. It is an over the counter sleeping pill. I probably won't need a prescription for a sleeping pill. My stepdad takes a prescription sleeping pill because he needs something strong to help get him to sleep.
Whatever the case may be, I want to find the answer and a solution. I would like to find a solution without taking some sort of sleep aid if possible. But if I do end up having to take a sleeping or some other sleep aid, I am fine with that. I can't get in to see my doctor till January. So I will have to deal with this current sleep pattern until unless I do a walk-in at the clinic I go to. Either way, this will be dealt with.
Sunday, December 09, 2018
A Recent Life Changing Event
I have fought with family such as sisters, mom, and dad, a certain cousin growing up. But at the end of the day, I know they will have my back even though I have made mistakes. I am going to change. For those that don't know, I had a recent epilepsy flare up and had seizures. I haven't been consistent in taking my meds.
It was a life changing experience. I was seizure free for three years. I had people supporting me during that time. But now I need some positive vibes as I am getting back on track with consistently taking my meds and getting my blood sugars in range.
Also with support and help, I will drop the necessary 100+ pounds to get to my ideal weight. If anybody wants to come to the gym with me and help kick my ass and motivate me, it would be greatly appreciated.
Big thank you to one of my best friends in Mark. Even though he lives in another province, we talk all the time and he gives me encouragement. It is also good that I have co-workers who care and that I can talk to them. I am blessed having friends of the family, other distant relatives, fellow members of my church who are or were in the medical field as nurses or doctors. I know most of them are a message away if I need some support and medical advice. Thank you for that.
Being stubborn growing up has brought me to a place of being diabetic and epileptic. My mom and dad warned me that I could and would become diabetic. It runs in my family. Hell, a distant cousin had seizure and died at a family reunion 22 years ago. You would think that would put things in perspective. Obviously not. My sister, Angela, reminds me of that. Even though it is hard to hear, it is a reality that could happen.
Here I am working on bettering myself. I will be a tough road, but the end results will be worth it. The end result will be better for my diabetes as I will no longer rely on my meds and insulin. That's a positive for type 2 diabetes.
Last year, I made some progress with weight loss. That will happen again. It's not because I want it to happen; it's because it needs to happen. No if, ands, or buts about it.
Again, whatever encouragement, support, and love you can send my way; I am grateful for any and all of it.
May you have the most merriest and blessed Christmas. Thank you.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Carleton University Removes Scale
CBC.ca ran two articles on March 12th and 13th respectively. They were about Carleton University removing a scale from the school. The school claims that remvoing the school is to "promote a more holistic approach to body image." If you look the definition of holistic, you will get two definitions. One is philosophical and the other is medicinal. But it doesn't relate to the issue at all. Nobody complained about the scale thus makes their claims of a "holistic body image" a crock of shit.
They removed it because they think people with eating disorders will get "triggered." Nobody has gotten "triggered" though. This is a pre-emptive move on the university's part. Nobody has actual came forward complaining. There is no issue. They made one out of nothing.
If using a scale is such big deal, you do have the option to not use it. You have freewill and the freedom of choice. If I had a problem with something and I could easily not use it, than I wouldn't. A scale isn't bad. It helps athletes and those who want to track their weight loss progress. Sure you can go a little far and be unhealthy in using the scale. You can use the scale properly and it can be a great tool. I use to the scale to track my weight loss progress. Once I start gaining muscle, it will be used for that as well.
If Carleton University doesn't understand the value a scale holds, that's not the student body's fault. If they'd rather be ignorant than educate, it shows poorly on them. Instead of making a rash decision, they should have consulted the student body. But that would be going about it the right way. The ones that benefit from having the scale in the gym don't get consulted because, as stated, those who will get "triggered" get priority. It's a joke.
Carleton University has said they will "weigh the pros and cons." Is that just another way to stall on making decision? The pros outweigh whatever cons there may be. I think so anyways. But it doesn't matter what the people think as they did this without any consultation as mentioned. As far as I'm concerned, I think that's not how you run things. The university needs to bring back the scale. The university needs to not act in a pre-emptive manner on anything without proper consultation and actual legit complaints before moving to do something. The scale was not hurting anybody being there. If it was bothering people, they could complain all they want. But, as stated, they can choose not use it. That's the easiest thing to do. It's not like the sight of the scale is going to offend them. A scale offending someone is a stupid notion. I chuckled slightly at the idea of the scale actually offending someone. The whole thing is a joke and Carleton University made the news all over the world because of this stupidty. Congrats Carleton. Good job on looking like a joke.
There is a positive outcome to all of this. A March 23rd article on CBC.ca has stated that the scale is coming back or is back. Carleton University became a target of conservative media including Brietbart. It was quite sad.
Apparently one has to be put in the men's change room as the women's change room has always had one? The men's change room never had one? Why? It doesn't make sense to have one in the women's change room only. The scale doesn't have to be out in the open. Having them in the change room is something I am okay with. The Fieldhouse in Saskatoon has a scale in the men's change room for instance.
The article states what I already said and that is athletes track their weight for sports with weight classes like boxing or wrestling for example. But what I don't get is that they are saying there are people who applauded the decision to remove the scale because it is "triggering for some, especially those with eating disorders." But if you the previous two articles from March 12th and 13th, it doesn't that anyone filed complaints in regards to getting "triggered." Is this poor journalism or did Carleton University fail to mention that? Or is Carleton University saying that to justify their original pre-emptive decision?
Whatever the reason, I still think the whole being "triggered" is a crock. Once again, you have the option to not use the scale. Nobody is forcing you to use the scale. Freewill and freedom of choice. If on the off chance that someone did complain, it took away another person's freedom to choose to use the scale.
If Carleton University wants to promote a healthy and positive body image, they can educate and do other things in terms informing people if they really want to promote that. Taking away the scale doesn't do that. Hopefully Carleton University has learned to not to act in a pre-emptive manner or in a rash manner when making a decision about anything. It doesn't help anyone. It shows a lack of caring about people's input. Input is helpful in some situations. The reality is that even though eating disorders are a very real thing, they can choose to not use the scale. It has been said a couple of times throughout this post, but it bares repeating. If they have an eating disorder, they should seek help. Carleton University shouldn't have gone to extremes and removed the scale. Again, no formal complaints were made and there was no reason to. Bringing them back was the right move. They wouldn't have had to bring them back if they just left it alone.
They removed it because they think people with eating disorders will get "triggered." Nobody has gotten "triggered" though. This is a pre-emptive move on the university's part. Nobody has actual came forward complaining. There is no issue. They made one out of nothing.
If using a scale is such big deal, you do have the option to not use it. You have freewill and the freedom of choice. If I had a problem with something and I could easily not use it, than I wouldn't. A scale isn't bad. It helps athletes and those who want to track their weight loss progress. Sure you can go a little far and be unhealthy in using the scale. You can use the scale properly and it can be a great tool. I use to the scale to track my weight loss progress. Once I start gaining muscle, it will be used for that as well.
If Carleton University doesn't understand the value a scale holds, that's not the student body's fault. If they'd rather be ignorant than educate, it shows poorly on them. Instead of making a rash decision, they should have consulted the student body. But that would be going about it the right way. The ones that benefit from having the scale in the gym don't get consulted because, as stated, those who will get "triggered" get priority. It's a joke.
Carleton University has said they will "weigh the pros and cons." Is that just another way to stall on making decision? The pros outweigh whatever cons there may be. I think so anyways. But it doesn't matter what the people think as they did this without any consultation as mentioned. As far as I'm concerned, I think that's not how you run things. The university needs to bring back the scale. The university needs to not act in a pre-emptive manner on anything without proper consultation and actual legit complaints before moving to do something. The scale was not hurting anybody being there. If it was bothering people, they could complain all they want. But, as stated, they can choose not use it. That's the easiest thing to do. It's not like the sight of the scale is going to offend them. A scale offending someone is a stupid notion. I chuckled slightly at the idea of the scale actually offending someone. The whole thing is a joke and Carleton University made the news all over the world because of this stupidty. Congrats Carleton. Good job on looking like a joke.
There is a positive outcome to all of this. A March 23rd article on CBC.ca has stated that the scale is coming back or is back. Carleton University became a target of conservative media including Brietbart. It was quite sad.
Apparently one has to be put in the men's change room as the women's change room has always had one? The men's change room never had one? Why? It doesn't make sense to have one in the women's change room only. The scale doesn't have to be out in the open. Having them in the change room is something I am okay with. The Fieldhouse in Saskatoon has a scale in the men's change room for instance.
The article states what I already said and that is athletes track their weight for sports with weight classes like boxing or wrestling for example. But what I don't get is that they are saying there are people who applauded the decision to remove the scale because it is "triggering for some, especially those with eating disorders." But if you the previous two articles from March 12th and 13th, it doesn't that anyone filed complaints in regards to getting "triggered." Is this poor journalism or did Carleton University fail to mention that? Or is Carleton University saying that to justify their original pre-emptive decision?
Whatever the reason, I still think the whole being "triggered" is a crock. Once again, you have the option to not use the scale. Nobody is forcing you to use the scale. Freewill and freedom of choice. If on the off chance that someone did complain, it took away another person's freedom to choose to use the scale.
If Carleton University wants to promote a healthy and positive body image, they can educate and do other things in terms informing people if they really want to promote that. Taking away the scale doesn't do that. Hopefully Carleton University has learned to not to act in a pre-emptive manner or in a rash manner when making a decision about anything. It doesn't help anyone. It shows a lack of caring about people's input. Input is helpful in some situations. The reality is that even though eating disorders are a very real thing, they can choose to not use the scale. It has been said a couple of times throughout this post, but it bares repeating. If they have an eating disorder, they should seek help. Carleton University shouldn't have gone to extremes and removed the scale. Again, no formal complaints were made and there was no reason to. Bringing them back was the right move. They wouldn't have had to bring them back if they just left it alone.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Gym Update 3: Dropping Weight
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| Taken March 2, 2017. |
I have been progressing postively with my weight loss. I always do cardio. Always. I could do more weights, but that's a weak spot for me. I could use some pointers/tips on what to do better with weights. So I don't do weights as often as I should.
When it comes to cardio I push my hard. I always get a damn good sweat on. I always make sure of that. Always. I push myself so I can slowly see results. After I finish my workout, I sit in the sauna after. Cardio and sauna has working to get the weight off.
According to the scale, I have lost 14 pounds. That's a good start. As long as I keep pushing, the weight will keep coming off. If you want to get in shape and drop some weight, you need to push yourself as well. The weight won't come off I if don't. It's a both I want to and have to get the weight off. I want to get to into shape and I've gotten back into doing it. I have to because I am diabetic. It's crucial because of my diabetise that I lose the weight and get into shape.
Dropping the weight will have a positive effect on my diabetes. I am type 2 as you've may or may not have read in previous posts. Being that type 2 diabetes is not as dependant on insulin, I can be completely off insulin. I also can be free of diabetes with the risk of getting diabetes always being there. If you have diabetes or could potentially have it, you owe it to yourself to drop weight and get yourself in shape. If I didn't start up at the gym and get my ass moving, I'd be a lazy blob. That's what I reverted to when I got back to Saskatoon.
I feel good after going to the gym. I know there is a positive change. But there are other aspects of my life that I am working on or that I need to work on. My diet is one that I need to work on. It's a hard part of it all. That is why I need to work on it.
If you have been working out and needed to lose weight and get in shape, you know it can be a struggle. Slowly but surely things will get to where they need to be.
Tuesday, February 07, 2017
Gym Day 3: Feel the Burn
Yesterday I hit the gym at Lakewood Civic Centre. It was a pretty intense workout if I do say so myself. I did nearly an hour of cardio. Did some weights after that. I slept after that. I was wiped. That maybe expected after such an intense workout. It was worth it though. I am not going to the gym everyday. Maybe a few times a week. Don't push it too hard. Just hard enough. I will slowly see some results. It is needed for my health.
A week ago last Monday on January 30th, I was at Lawson Civic Centre as you have read. One thing I seen in the weight/cardio room was a poster that said "sore today, stronger tomorrow." I didn't think about it much. But on this third day, it hit me. It rang true. I am getting stronger. Maybe this is something we should all live by when getting in shape. Thinking back to last winter, spring, and summer; this rang true as well. I was walking a lot last winter. I was up to 12.5 kms. I hope to get back to that or close to it.
More workouts will happen this week. More workouts will take place. Never forgot, "sore today, strong tomorrow." It will help you push forward. It will help you if you have a lack of motivation. I've been there. I've had a lack of motivation a lot in my life. That is slowly changing. I am slowly changing that mindset.
Day three was the hardest of my workouts. I need to push myself. I need to feel the burn. "Sore today, stronger tomorrow." I guess you can say it's becoming more than just a catchphrase. You can say it is becoming a mauntra. Join me on my journey to a new and improved self. Join me on my journey to reclaim my health.
A week ago last Monday on January 30th, I was at Lawson Civic Centre as you have read. One thing I seen in the weight/cardio room was a poster that said "sore today, stronger tomorrow." I didn't think about it much. But on this third day, it hit me. It rang true. I am getting stronger. Maybe this is something we should all live by when getting in shape. Thinking back to last winter, spring, and summer; this rang true as well. I was walking a lot last winter. I was up to 12.5 kms. I hope to get back to that or close to it.
More workouts will happen this week. More workouts will take place. Never forgot, "sore today, strong tomorrow." It will help you push forward. It will help you if you have a lack of motivation. I've been there. I've had a lack of motivation a lot in my life. That is slowly changing. I am slowly changing that mindset.
Day three was the hardest of my workouts. I need to push myself. I need to feel the burn. "Sore today, stronger tomorrow." I guess you can say it's becoming more than just a catchphrase. You can say it is becoming a mauntra. Join me on my journey to a new and improved self. Join me on my journey to reclaim my health.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Gym Day 1: The First Step
Today was the first step in reclaiming my health. My friend Shannon urged me to go to the gym at the Lawson Civic Centre. I do have a temporary pass as I am waiting for my official pass. It was a cardio evening. Shannon signed us up for a 45 minute areobics class. It was intense. At least for me anyways. It was something I've never done before. Would I do it again? I don't know. It is something that I will have to think about.
I followed that up with 20 minutes on the treadmill. I don't usually walk treadmills. I am more of an outside walker. That's what I did last winter, spring, and early summer. I was up to 12.5 kms a week. I need to get back to a decent amount of walking outside. After that I did 30 minutes on the bike. I haven't been on a stationary bike in a long time.
Did I overdo it? There is a case for that. I will have to do less until I get stronger. The old adage is "less is more." I am feeling it. I am sore. I will eventually overcome. That's part of reclaiming my health.
Since coming back to Saskatoon, I've reverted back to my old lifestyle. I've become lazy again. I had this plan that I was going to continue my positive lifestyle. That was a lie. I was gung-ho. But in the end, I did nothing. It has crept up on me and I would be paying for it if I didn't make a change. If you have relatively good health, don't take that for granted. Don't think you are bulletproof. Your health could take a turn and it is not fun. So keep your health while you have it.
I was careless and it put me in the hospital for ten days in late 2015. I was careless again and now I need to take this seriously. I have had a great support system. Aside from Shannon, I've had my sister Heather, a very good friend in Mark Jensen, someone who prays for me almost daily in Maurice Hilderman, and Cam Zoller, which might not be much, for his nuggets of wisdom. I thank them for being a close knit support system even when I haven't been at my best. I am truly blessed to know a lot of people, especially nurses, who are or have been in medical profession.
This is day one. This is the first step. Join me in my journey in reclaiming my health.
I followed that up with 20 minutes on the treadmill. I don't usually walk treadmills. I am more of an outside walker. That's what I did last winter, spring, and early summer. I was up to 12.5 kms a week. I need to get back to a decent amount of walking outside. After that I did 30 minutes on the bike. I haven't been on a stationary bike in a long time.
Did I overdo it? There is a case for that. I will have to do less until I get stronger. The old adage is "less is more." I am feeling it. I am sore. I will eventually overcome. That's part of reclaiming my health.
Since coming back to Saskatoon, I've reverted back to my old lifestyle. I've become lazy again. I had this plan that I was going to continue my positive lifestyle. That was a lie. I was gung-ho. But in the end, I did nothing. It has crept up on me and I would be paying for it if I didn't make a change. If you have relatively good health, don't take that for granted. Don't think you are bulletproof. Your health could take a turn and it is not fun. So keep your health while you have it.
I was careless and it put me in the hospital for ten days in late 2015. I was careless again and now I need to take this seriously. I have had a great support system. Aside from Shannon, I've had my sister Heather, a very good friend in Mark Jensen, someone who prays for me almost daily in Maurice Hilderman, and Cam Zoller, which might not be much, for his nuggets of wisdom. I thank them for being a close knit support system even when I haven't been at my best. I am truly blessed to know a lot of people, especially nurses, who are or have been in medical profession.
This is day one. This is the first step. Join me in my journey in reclaiming my health.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Summit Fun Run - The First Time
This past Saturday on June 18th, I participated in the Summit Fun Run in my hometown of Prince Albert. This was the first time I ever did something like this. I was told by my cousin earlier in the year that I should enter something like this. I wasn't sure I should. I never really thought about it. Walking a section of the Rotary Trail many times, I always saw a banner on the fence of some person's place about the Summit Fun Run. I never gave any thought to entering. I knew about it, but that was it. Than I talked to my sister Heather and she suggested I should enter the family or 2k distances with her oldest daughter, my niece, Kaylee. That didn't happen.
I decided on Friday the 17th to enter the Summit Fun Run. I walk a lot or I have been since December due to my new lifestyle because of my diabetes I was diagnosed with. Since the weather has been so nice this spring and into this summer, I have been walking the Rotary Trail. I am able to walk well over half of it. There has been a few times I have walked over 10k of it. With being able to do well over half the Rotary Trail, I signed up for the 10k. I knew that it would be tough. But as I said in Instagram comments of a picture of mine, I need to do something more than what I usually do in terms of walking. 10k was exactly that.
I was not the fastest, but that is not what mattered. My time compared to others is not what mattered. It was personal for me. It was about doing it for myself.
Walked for a little ways with two amazing older ladies. I told them about my health issues and they were encouraging about keeping a good pace. They've been doing this for ten years. In fact passing people on the 10k and even people watching gave a word encouragement or cheered. Some emotional moments for me as I walked.
The run/walking community are some of the most supportive people. Amazing!
I checked the times and I officially clocked in at 1:38:45 or so. I don't usually keep track of my times. Now I will try and keep track of my times to see if I am getting any faster. That is more a personal thing for me than anything. Today, June 25th, I walked a 12.5k. I was able to shave nine minutes off my 10k. I ended up with a time of 1:29:26. I had some decent intervals. My intervals were every 2.5k.
1. 00:23:36
2. 00:38:06
3. 01:04:08
4. 01:29:26
As I train and work at my times, I will shave off more time. That is inevitable. I would like to find a walking/running group to join or possibly start one. If not, it is all good. I will continue to push myself regardless. I am going to work at this and I will need to do it in the winter as well. No off season as they say. Let's see how this goes. It will be interesting for sure.
Thanks for all your positive vibes last week. I truly appreciate it. Much love!
I decided on Friday the 17th to enter the Summit Fun Run. I walk a lot or I have been since December due to my new lifestyle because of my diabetes I was diagnosed with. Since the weather has been so nice this spring and into this summer, I have been walking the Rotary Trail. I am able to walk well over half of it. There has been a few times I have walked over 10k of it. With being able to do well over half the Rotary Trail, I signed up for the 10k. I knew that it would be tough. But as I said in Instagram comments of a picture of mine, I need to do something more than what I usually do in terms of walking. 10k was exactly that.
I was not the fastest, but that is not what mattered. My time compared to others is not what mattered. It was personal for me. It was about doing it for myself.
Walked for a little ways with two amazing older ladies. I told them about my health issues and they were encouraging about keeping a good pace. They've been doing this for ten years. In fact passing people on the 10k and even people watching gave a word encouragement or cheered. Some emotional moments for me as I walked.
The run/walking community are some of the most supportive people. Amazing!
I checked the times and I officially clocked in at 1:38:45 or so. I don't usually keep track of my times. Now I will try and keep track of my times to see if I am getting any faster. That is more a personal thing for me than anything. Today, June 25th, I walked a 12.5k. I was able to shave nine minutes off my 10k. I ended up with a time of 1:29:26. I had some decent intervals. My intervals were every 2.5k.
1. 00:23:36
2. 00:38:06
3. 01:04:08
4. 01:29:26
As I train and work at my times, I will shave off more time. That is inevitable. I would like to find a walking/running group to join or possibly start one. If not, it is all good. I will continue to push myself regardless. I am going to work at this and I will need to do it in the winter as well. No off season as they say. Let's see how this goes. It will be interesting for sure.
Thanks for all your positive vibes last week. I truly appreciate it. Much love!
Monday, April 18, 2016
Pushing Myself to Lose Weight
Last week I pushed myself. I pushed myself to start to get some weight off. I have to do it because of my diabetes. The beautiful weather is motivation for me to get out there and do a lot of walking and a little jogging. Proof that it is working is that I have reduced another unit of insulin. I am down to 29 units. That is a positive. The more I work at this, the positives will keep coming. It may not seem like it now, but it takes time.
I know I have been going harder than rest of the winter with the walking and exercise. You might even say that I might be overdoing it. But I have never pushed myself this hard to do this at all. I wouldn't count the summer of 2010 because I just walked and there were other factors at work during that time. So it was not like I was pushing myself.
While I was pushing myself last week, I never felt it at the time. But upon finishing my long walks, I can feel the soreness all over my body. After the long walk yesterday (Sunday), I really felt it. I also felt it after my 2 1/2 hour jog on Tuesday. I don't usually jog. Now I am slowly building my stamina for jogging.
I have mentioned, maybe not in a blog post, that when I don't walk, I feel slugish. That was during the winter. Maybe winter has that effect in making you feel slugish. I don't feel so slugish now that the beautiful weather is here. Maybe that is all the hard work so far is paying off. When I get back to Saskatoon, I am hoping to get some people walking with me. Keep me motivated. Maybe I'll get some walking to get their ass moving. I am thinking my buddy Brad. BWAHAHAHAHA!
Well, I need a few days to recuperate. I am so sore. So, in the mean time and in between time. Made a classic Ed Whalen reference. R.I.P.!
I know I have been going harder than rest of the winter with the walking and exercise. You might even say that I might be overdoing it. But I have never pushed myself this hard to do this at all. I wouldn't count the summer of 2010 because I just walked and there were other factors at work during that time. So it was not like I was pushing myself.
While I was pushing myself last week, I never felt it at the time. But upon finishing my long walks, I can feel the soreness all over my body. After the long walk yesterday (Sunday), I really felt it. I also felt it after my 2 1/2 hour jog on Tuesday. I don't usually jog. Now I am slowly building my stamina for jogging.
I have mentioned, maybe not in a blog post, that when I don't walk, I feel slugish. That was during the winter. Maybe winter has that effect in making you feel slugish. I don't feel so slugish now that the beautiful weather is here. Maybe that is all the hard work so far is paying off. When I get back to Saskatoon, I am hoping to get some people walking with me. Keep me motivated. Maybe I'll get some walking to get their ass moving. I am thinking my buddy Brad. BWAHAHAHAHA!
Well, I need a few days to recuperate. I am so sore. So, in the mean time and in between time. Made a classic Ed Whalen reference. R.I.P.!
Tuesday, February 09, 2016
Follow Up With the Endocrinologist
February 1st was my follow up with the endocrinologist. I had to look up what an endocrinologist was. One of things an endocrinologist deals in is diabetes. So, my appointment was at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. It was a very positive follow up.
I had to get a blood test prior to this follow up. That was a piece of cake. One the day of my follow up, the news was something I wasn't expecting. I was a few things. They are in no particular order.
1. Blood Pressure: She said my blood pressure was right where it needed to be. I don't remember the exact numbers, but she happy with my numbers. I have tried hand held blood pressure monitors, but the numbers were outrageous. I wonder what margin of error there is. Those numbers were higher than they were at my follow up.
2. Cholesterol: Blood work tests for a lot of things. Cholesterol is one of them. The doctor said you want your numbers to be under a certain number. Even though they weren't under that number, she was very happy with those numbers. Positive news on the cholesterol front.
3. Diabetes: She reiterated what my LiveWell educator said and that is I can be off insulin completely. But the best news I could have gotten is that if I keep on the positive path I am going on, I can be free of diabetes! That was something I never thought was possible. Than again, what do I know. But what she also said is that I am always at risk of getting diabetes again if I go back to what I was.
I won't need to see the endocrinologist again unless it is absolutely necessary.
When you have certain health issues, it can put things in perspective. That is what it did for me. I know of one person who has diabetes and doesn't care. That is why he is in a wheelchair after having part or all of his leg amputated. That's what I want to stay away from.
Even if you don't have health issues, take care of yourself. You'll be thankful you did. This new lifestyle is prompting me to change myself for the better. Once again, thank you for all your love and support. It means the world to me.
I had to get a blood test prior to this follow up. That was a piece of cake. One the day of my follow up, the news was something I wasn't expecting. I was a few things. They are in no particular order.
1. Blood Pressure: She said my blood pressure was right where it needed to be. I don't remember the exact numbers, but she happy with my numbers. I have tried hand held blood pressure monitors, but the numbers were outrageous. I wonder what margin of error there is. Those numbers were higher than they were at my follow up.
2. Cholesterol: Blood work tests for a lot of things. Cholesterol is one of them. The doctor said you want your numbers to be under a certain number. Even though they weren't under that number, she was very happy with those numbers. Positive news on the cholesterol front.
3. Diabetes: She reiterated what my LiveWell educator said and that is I can be off insulin completely. But the best news I could have gotten is that if I keep on the positive path I am going on, I can be free of diabetes! That was something I never thought was possible. Than again, what do I know. But what she also said is that I am always at risk of getting diabetes again if I go back to what I was.
I won't need to see the endocrinologist again unless it is absolutely necessary.
When you have certain health issues, it can put things in perspective. That is what it did for me. I know of one person who has diabetes and doesn't care. That is why he is in a wheelchair after having part or all of his leg amputated. That's what I want to stay away from.
Even if you don't have health issues, take care of yourself. You'll be thankful you did. This new lifestyle is prompting me to change myself for the better. Once again, thank you for all your love and support. It means the world to me.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Exercise and Physical Activity
As you may or may not know, I have been exercising and getting more physically active because of my diabetes. Losing weight and being active helps keep my blood sugars low, reduces insulin, and potentially reduces the amount of pills I have to take. All that is a positive.
I notice when I don't do anything, I feel sluggish. I try to something each day, but it is not always possible. When I am busy, I don't feel it as much. But when I am lazing around being a "couch potato," I feel it more.
Sometimes there is the motivation factor. There was one day I didn't feel like doing anything. I didn't feel motivated. But I did a little bit regardless of that lack of motivation. I need to find other things aside from walking and Wii Fit to add to my weight loss regime. Something to help change up what I am doing as from those two things.
I noted to myself that I will go to the gym once I am back in Saskatoon. I do have the muscle. If I worked on that, I would be ripped if I did. I even thought of going to the gym before all this happened. But that never happened. My laziness and lack of motivation got the better of me. It is one thing to say you'll do it and another to actual do it. I just need to stick to it.
Being faced with something like diabetes really puts things in perspective. It shouldn't have to come to this to make a physical change in my life. Than again there are a lot of diabetics who still don't make that change. They don't care. I am not going to be one of those people. You can tell them all you want. That doesn't mean they will listen. Sometimes it is hard to be told this. That perverbial pill can be hard to swallow. I know for myself that I have a hard time hearing this. When I was younger I didn't want to hear. They weren't saying it to be a jerk or asshole. They said it because they care.
Hindsight is 20/20. If I had listened, I would not be diabetic. I made those choices. Now I have to live with the consequences for the rest of my life.
So here's to a better me physically. Let's see what the rest of 2016 brings me in that regard.
I notice when I don't do anything, I feel sluggish. I try to something each day, but it is not always possible. When I am busy, I don't feel it as much. But when I am lazing around being a "couch potato," I feel it more.
Sometimes there is the motivation factor. There was one day I didn't feel like doing anything. I didn't feel motivated. But I did a little bit regardless of that lack of motivation. I need to find other things aside from walking and Wii Fit to add to my weight loss regime. Something to help change up what I am doing as from those two things.
I noted to myself that I will go to the gym once I am back in Saskatoon. I do have the muscle. If I worked on that, I would be ripped if I did. I even thought of going to the gym before all this happened. But that never happened. My laziness and lack of motivation got the better of me. It is one thing to say you'll do it and another to actual do it. I just need to stick to it.
Being faced with something like diabetes really puts things in perspective. It shouldn't have to come to this to make a physical change in my life. Than again there are a lot of diabetics who still don't make that change. They don't care. I am not going to be one of those people. You can tell them all you want. That doesn't mean they will listen. Sometimes it is hard to be told this. That perverbial pill can be hard to swallow. I know for myself that I have a hard time hearing this. When I was younger I didn't want to hear. They weren't saying it to be a jerk or asshole. They said it because they care.
Hindsight is 20/20. If I had listened, I would not be diabetic. I made those choices. Now I have to live with the consequences for the rest of my life.
So here's to a better me physically. Let's see what the rest of 2016 brings me in that regard.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Epileptic: Yes or No?
On Tuesday, January 19, 2016; I went to Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon to see the specialist about my seizures. Here is the "verdict" as someone said.
The doctor, even with his Latino accent was easy to understand. He was nice. He was good at explaining stuff. With that being said, I will continue on my anti-seizure medications. Even though I haven't experienced a seizure, it is important I continue taking them.
I told him what lead up to the seizure. Even though I am diabetic, that wasn't the main cause of it. My mom and dad were sure that was it. But I was told that it wasn't. I high had glucose. That was probably what lead to it. So I got to keep that and my diabetes in check.
I was told the various things that could trigger a seizure. As stated above, having high glucose and my diabetes are two factors that can trigger it. A couple other factors are lighting and how much I drink. When it comes to lighting, it is a common trigger. Those flashing lights on Christmas lights and whatnot are what is the common trigger. When it comes to drinking, if I have to much to drink where I get a hangover, that is another trigger.
I have another appoint in March. The doctor wants to do more tests. He will also fill the form and fax it over the SGI for medical purposes on my licence.
So the verdict is yes. But as long as I keep everything in check, I will be fine.
The doctor, even with his Latino accent was easy to understand. He was nice. He was good at explaining stuff. With that being said, I will continue on my anti-seizure medications. Even though I haven't experienced a seizure, it is important I continue taking them.
I told him what lead up to the seizure. Even though I am diabetic, that wasn't the main cause of it. My mom and dad were sure that was it. But I was told that it wasn't. I high had glucose. That was probably what lead to it. So I got to keep that and my diabetes in check.
I was told the various things that could trigger a seizure. As stated above, having high glucose and my diabetes are two factors that can trigger it. A couple other factors are lighting and how much I drink. When it comes to lighting, it is a common trigger. Those flashing lights on Christmas lights and whatnot are what is the common trigger. When it comes to drinking, if I have to much to drink where I get a hangover, that is another trigger.
I have another appoint in March. The doctor wants to do more tests. He will also fill the form and fax it over the SGI for medical purposes on my licence.
So the verdict is yes. But as long as I keep everything in check, I will be fine.
Friday, January 15, 2016
LiveWell Went Well (Pun Intended)
LiveWell (LiveWell Chronic Disease Management is the official name) is a program offered to individuals and families who have arthritis, sleep apnea, asthma, and other conditions. But in my case, I go for my diabetes.
I had my LiveWell appointment on Monday (January 11th). I knew going in that there would be a lot of information coming my way. You might wonder if there is a lot of information to take in. There is, but it is beneficial.
One item that was talked about was my blood sugar numbers. My educator said they were great and was where they should be. Points 4-7 is where they should be. Even though there were a few readings that were that were borderline, they were generally in the good range. I told her that when I checked one time, it was lower than usual, but I checked again and it was normal. But if it was lower She asked if I felt different due to that reading. No I didn't. We looked at the symptoms such as headaches, irritability, sweating among other things. I noted that I haven't had symptoms. I wake up with headaches sometimes if I don't get enough sleep.
She said that different fingers give different reading. That was something I didn't actually know. I've just been poking different fingers and not thinking anything of it. I told her I was down to three tests at most a day as I used to test six times a day which was before and after each meal. She it is okay to test after a meal once in a while.
One thing I told her was that if I was at a 3.5 that I would take something sugar related, wait 15 minutes and I would be at a normal reading, She said that was good to do. She said there these tablets I could take which are chewable that can help with my sugars. I said there is the powder form I put in water help raise my sugars to normal levels.
We also looked at the medications I take from insulin to medications. We looked at the doses and what they do. I was misinformed from my doctor about what one of the pills does. I told her my doctor said this particular pill does this, but she said no. She said that this pill and my insulin can cause low sugars. If when I test and I have low numbers to drop my insulin to one or two units. So far I have dropped it one units.
My educator asked me where I have been injecting my insulin. I pointed in the areas. I noted to her that I go in this particular order. I was told while in the hospital to change up where I inject insulin to keep the area healthy. She told me to inject on the side of the leg as the front of the leg has more muscle, That was good and useful information to know.
Another point talked about what physical activity and fitness. She asked what I do. I told her that I go walking if weather permits. I said that one day I did some walking around the Art Hauser Centre. I explained that every seven laps are equivalent to one mile and I did 50 laps which means I walked seven miles. She thought that was awesome. What was noted by her was that physical activity like walking lowers blood sugars. That is a no brainer.
We discussed a little bit about what I eat. I didn't get any real options as far as breakfast and lunch goes and what I could have that is different than what I usually have. I said I need something to feel satisfied from breakfast. She said to have some fruit with my breakfast and I said I do. I was told what I could add to oatmeal when I eat it. So I have been adding raisins to it. I told her that they seemingly have a lot of sugar. But she said it was okay. I don't know if I would like flax in my oatmeal. Bran maybe, but I would have to try it. Something I asked is if there is diabetic jam. She said that there is and even jam with less sugar. But what was good to hear was that I could have regular jam as long as I use a small amount.
When it comes to fruit, something like an orange raises blood sugar. That was good to hear because I told her that I don't eat oranges a lot because it has a good amount of sugar. More fruit is good.
When it comes to my evening snack, I told her that my pills require food. She was wondering why I needed a snack in the evening.
When it comes to carbs, I told her when I look at the nutritional information of something, I see things that are higher in carbs. She told me that the more fibre is in something, the less carbs there is. For example, if something has 36g of carbs and 6g of fibre, that would reduce the amount of carbs. Knowing that is awesome! Having more fibre is a good thing.
Portion sizes were talked about and the amount of rice I would have is next to nothing. But different have different have amounts based on their size. So because I am currently a bigger guy, my portion size will be different.
I told her that when I was in the hospital that they were not giving me a true diabetic menu and meals. They were giving options like ice cream for instance. That was why my numbers were over 9. Once I was out of the hospital and on my way to changing my eating habits and getting more active, my numbers went down noticeably. I told her that when my numbers first went down, I rewarded myself.
Another useful item was a sheet of what I could eat, drink, or use a lot of in moderation, or stay away from. Something useful she said was, "If is swims or grows, it is good for you."
She said I will referred to someone to keep watch on vision and eyes so they can catch anything that might to my eyes and fix it right away.
I have my next appointment is in March. I will have to go see them sooner if my test reading or more consistently lower. Otherwise, every two to three months.
Overall, it a great feedback and information. She told me to continue doing what I am doing and I can be off insulin completely which awesome!
This wasn't every little detail of what was discussed, but it was a vast majority of it.
I had my LiveWell appointment on Monday (January 11th). I knew going in that there would be a lot of information coming my way. You might wonder if there is a lot of information to take in. There is, but it is beneficial.
One item that was talked about was my blood sugar numbers. My educator said they were great and was where they should be. Points 4-7 is where they should be. Even though there were a few readings that were that were borderline, they were generally in the good range. I told her that when I checked one time, it was lower than usual, but I checked again and it was normal. But if it was lower She asked if I felt different due to that reading. No I didn't. We looked at the symptoms such as headaches, irritability, sweating among other things. I noted that I haven't had symptoms. I wake up with headaches sometimes if I don't get enough sleep.
She said that different fingers give different reading. That was something I didn't actually know. I've just been poking different fingers and not thinking anything of it. I told her I was down to three tests at most a day as I used to test six times a day which was before and after each meal. She it is okay to test after a meal once in a while.
One thing I told her was that if I was at a 3.5 that I would take something sugar related, wait 15 minutes and I would be at a normal reading, She said that was good to do. She said there these tablets I could take which are chewable that can help with my sugars. I said there is the powder form I put in water help raise my sugars to normal levels.
We also looked at the medications I take from insulin to medications. We looked at the doses and what they do. I was misinformed from my doctor about what one of the pills does. I told her my doctor said this particular pill does this, but she said no. She said that this pill and my insulin can cause low sugars. If when I test and I have low numbers to drop my insulin to one or two units. So far I have dropped it one units.
My educator asked me where I have been injecting my insulin. I pointed in the areas. I noted to her that I go in this particular order. I was told while in the hospital to change up where I inject insulin to keep the area healthy. She told me to inject on the side of the leg as the front of the leg has more muscle, That was good and useful information to know.
Another point talked about what physical activity and fitness. She asked what I do. I told her that I go walking if weather permits. I said that one day I did some walking around the Art Hauser Centre. I explained that every seven laps are equivalent to one mile and I did 50 laps which means I walked seven miles. She thought that was awesome. What was noted by her was that physical activity like walking lowers blood sugars. That is a no brainer.
We discussed a little bit about what I eat. I didn't get any real options as far as breakfast and lunch goes and what I could have that is different than what I usually have. I said I need something to feel satisfied from breakfast. She said to have some fruit with my breakfast and I said I do. I was told what I could add to oatmeal when I eat it. So I have been adding raisins to it. I told her that they seemingly have a lot of sugar. But she said it was okay. I don't know if I would like flax in my oatmeal. Bran maybe, but I would have to try it. Something I asked is if there is diabetic jam. She said that there is and even jam with less sugar. But what was good to hear was that I could have regular jam as long as I use a small amount.
When it comes to fruit, something like an orange raises blood sugar. That was good to hear because I told her that I don't eat oranges a lot because it has a good amount of sugar. More fruit is good.
When it comes to my evening snack, I told her that my pills require food. She was wondering why I needed a snack in the evening.
When it comes to carbs, I told her when I look at the nutritional information of something, I see things that are higher in carbs. She told me that the more fibre is in something, the less carbs there is. For example, if something has 36g of carbs and 6g of fibre, that would reduce the amount of carbs. Knowing that is awesome! Having more fibre is a good thing.
Portion sizes were talked about and the amount of rice I would have is next to nothing. But different have different have amounts based on their size. So because I am currently a bigger guy, my portion size will be different.
I told her that when I was in the hospital that they were not giving me a true diabetic menu and meals. They were giving options like ice cream for instance. That was why my numbers were over 9. Once I was out of the hospital and on my way to changing my eating habits and getting more active, my numbers went down noticeably. I told her that when my numbers first went down, I rewarded myself.
Another useful item was a sheet of what I could eat, drink, or use a lot of in moderation, or stay away from. Something useful she said was, "If is swims or grows, it is good for you."
She said I will referred to someone to keep watch on vision and eyes so they can catch anything that might to my eyes and fix it right away.
I have my next appointment is in March. I will have to go see them sooner if my test reading or more consistently lower. Otherwise, every two to three months.
Overall, it a great feedback and information. She told me to continue doing what I am doing and I can be off insulin completely which awesome!
This wasn't every little detail of what was discussed, but it was a vast majority of it.
Sunday, January 03, 2016
Diabetic Diet: Carbohydrate Free
On New Years Day, I was talking with my cousin briefly about my diet as she asked me about. She said I could go carbohydrate free, but it is hard. I acknowledge that it would be. But there is one thing people don't realize. Most of the things we eat have carbs.
Items we don't realize have carbs, even a small amount, have carbs. Making breakfast this morning (January 2), I was thinking and wondering about what stuff have carbs. So I started looking at various items and checking their carb content. Bread is a no-brainer. But comparing one type of bread to another, I found rye bread has the same amount of carbs as a whole grain/12 grain bread. I've been eating 12 grain because it is supposed to be better for you. But carb wise, it actually isn't. In fact these ancient grain wraps I've been eating has more carbs than those two types of bread mentioned respectively.
Other items like milk, soups (canned or packet), crackers (ie: soda crackers, Triscuts), oatmeal, cereal, and a lot of other items have carbs. I can't live on butter/margarine, pickles, bacon (I could actually, but seriously though...), eggs, and other such no/very low carb items, for example, for the rest of my life. I could try, but it would be very hard for me. I've grew up eating high carb items by choice. Stuff like junk food, drinking pop, and other high carb items. It would be a testament to my will power if I ate and drank low to no carb items.
I told my stepdad about carb content in those two breads I mentioned. He essentially said that this healthy eating is non-sense. What seems healthy might actually not be. But than again, you have all those articles trying to tell you what is good and what isn't. How do you know if these articles are legit and based on actual research? One article might say, for example, that this vegetable is good or this vegetable is not as good for you as you think. But how does one truly know?
Getting back to my point about carbs is that you will never truly escape them. You can watch what you eat and look at the nutritional content of food. But that might not truly rid you of carbs. In fact, there are articles that state there are good carbs such as dietary fibre, and they apparently prevent some diseases and diabetes. But where does a person find out what has good carbs and what has bad carbs. It is hard to know if you don't have that information.
Another thing about carbs is they give you energy. But if you are not using those carbs through exercise, for instance, than eating carbs just turns to fat. That is what happened to me growing up. When I gained weight, I did very little to no exercise. That meant that all carbs I ate turned to fat.
According to an article I read, it stated that the adage of carbs makes you hungry is a myth. It goes on to state that that only happens in people who already have metabolic impairment, but not in healthy people that eat the appropriate amount of carbs for their needs. This article doesn't actually state what research they've done to debunk this supposed myth. So how do you know if they are right?
Talking about carbs with my stepdad and different articles, I told him what I read. He said he could find articles that support something such as carbs make you hungry, for example. He said that people get freaked out when it comes to carbs and automatically think they are bad. I wholeheartedly agree. My mom is like that. She automatically think carbs are bad. But is that blind ignorance? Or maybe she is one of people just think carbs are bad. I don't know.
My stepdad said it comes down to moderation. That is actually true. You can have carbs if you moderate it with everything else. If you don't moderate carbs, than of course it can become a problem.
For myself, being carb free is not something I could realistically do. If you can do it, more power to you. I will moderate my carb intake. That is something I can realistically do.
Items we don't realize have carbs, even a small amount, have carbs. Making breakfast this morning (January 2), I was thinking and wondering about what stuff have carbs. So I started looking at various items and checking their carb content. Bread is a no-brainer. But comparing one type of bread to another, I found rye bread has the same amount of carbs as a whole grain/12 grain bread. I've been eating 12 grain because it is supposed to be better for you. But carb wise, it actually isn't. In fact these ancient grain wraps I've been eating has more carbs than those two types of bread mentioned respectively.
Other items like milk, soups (canned or packet), crackers (ie: soda crackers, Triscuts), oatmeal, cereal, and a lot of other items have carbs. I can't live on butter/margarine, pickles, bacon (I could actually, but seriously though...), eggs, and other such no/very low carb items, for example, for the rest of my life. I could try, but it would be very hard for me. I've grew up eating high carb items by choice. Stuff like junk food, drinking pop, and other high carb items. It would be a testament to my will power if I ate and drank low to no carb items.
I told my stepdad about carb content in those two breads I mentioned. He essentially said that this healthy eating is non-sense. What seems healthy might actually not be. But than again, you have all those articles trying to tell you what is good and what isn't. How do you know if these articles are legit and based on actual research? One article might say, for example, that this vegetable is good or this vegetable is not as good for you as you think. But how does one truly know?
Getting back to my point about carbs is that you will never truly escape them. You can watch what you eat and look at the nutritional content of food. But that might not truly rid you of carbs. In fact, there are articles that state there are good carbs such as dietary fibre, and they apparently prevent some diseases and diabetes. But where does a person find out what has good carbs and what has bad carbs. It is hard to know if you don't have that information.
Another thing about carbs is they give you energy. But if you are not using those carbs through exercise, for instance, than eating carbs just turns to fat. That is what happened to me growing up. When I gained weight, I did very little to no exercise. That meant that all carbs I ate turned to fat.
According to an article I read, it stated that the adage of carbs makes you hungry is a myth. It goes on to state that that only happens in people who already have metabolic impairment, but not in healthy people that eat the appropriate amount of carbs for their needs. This article doesn't actually state what research they've done to debunk this supposed myth. So how do you know if they are right?
Talking about carbs with my stepdad and different articles, I told him what I read. He said he could find articles that support something such as carbs make you hungry, for example. He said that people get freaked out when it comes to carbs and automatically think they are bad. I wholeheartedly agree. My mom is like that. She automatically think carbs are bad. But is that blind ignorance? Or maybe she is one of people just think carbs are bad. I don't know.
My stepdad said it comes down to moderation. That is actually true. You can have carbs if you moderate it with everything else. If you don't moderate carbs, than of course it can become a problem.
For myself, being carb free is not something I could realistically do. If you can do it, more power to you. I will moderate my carb intake. That is something I can realistically do.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Diabetic Diet: A Learning Process
Adjusting to a new diet due to my diabetes is and has been a challenge. I've had to eat or try things I don't like or normally eat. I've also been making sure not to eat certain things. So formed last few weeks it has been limiting. I know diabetics that can eat certain things that I can't. Or they can only eat a little bit of it. I am not at that point yet. I don't know if I'll ever be there. Or I might just stay way from those things for good.
Eating less is good, but especially at breakfast and lunch, I feel like I never ate anything. I feel empty. Eating something like instant gratification oatmeal for breakfast doesn't leave me feeling satisfied. I don't need to feel overly full or stuffed. But I'd like to feel satisfied. By the time lunch rolls around, I'm hungry. Or I try not think I'm hungry. But I eat a small lunch because supper might be bigger than the other meals. Most times supper is.
Looking at the nutritional content of food has been frustrating because what a person that thinks is good for a diabetic is not. It gets discouraging because I need some diversity in what I can eat as I need an evening snack so I can take my pills. For example, I eat certain fruit, cottage cheese, certain crackers, and humus for my evening snack. The nutritional content also limits the other meals.
Besides nutritional content, things like starch, natural sugar, protein, and wheat based foods I have to monitor and moderate. Some of my favourite foods like potatoes I can have in moderation. Something like corn, which is a favourite vegetable of mine, I been staying away from because of the sugar content. With fruit, I've been having a lot less oranges than when it first started on this diabetic diet. It might have something to do with the higher natural sugar content.
When it comes to sugar, I only have sugar if my sugar is low. I can have stuff such as sugar water, juice, a little bit honey straight, a certain amount of pop (haven't drank any pop since becoming
diabetic), or tea with sugar in it. But for the most part when I have been in range, I have used sweetner like Splenda in my tea. I have to use it because it is my only option to have some sweetness in my tea. You may or may not know how I feel about artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. One thing I'll always stay away from is Stevia. If you don't know about Stevia, than you need to know about it.
Even though Stevia is natural as it comes from a plant, it tricks your body into thinking you are getting sugar. Your body needs sugar. Health side effects are damage to your heart and kidneys. For me as a diabetic, Stevia may cause bloods sugar control problems. That would be a big problem for me.
My aunt said that since she has cut out sugar she has felt better. I haven't felt any difference. Maybe I will, maybe I won't.
I snack in the evening so I can take my pills. What I stated above is what I have been eating in the evening for a snack. I have cut out junk food and beverages like chips, pop, slush, chocolate bars, candies, and other such items. But those were just an example. But how fair is it when I have to be in the presence of people who are eating and drinking such things? Sure my mom has said sorry for eating chips while I am in the room. That's all fine, but my mom and step dad still eat chips, candies, and chocolate in my presence. I have just learned to deal with it.
So far up to this point, it has been a learning process. I will continue to learn because you will never be able to know everything about there is too know about diabetes in terms of what I can and can't eat. Hopefully I'll be able to get some good information when I go to my appointment with Live Well program at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.
Eating less is good, but especially at breakfast and lunch, I feel like I never ate anything. I feel empty. Eating something like instant gratification oatmeal for breakfast doesn't leave me feeling satisfied. I don't need to feel overly full or stuffed. But I'd like to feel satisfied. By the time lunch rolls around, I'm hungry. Or I try not think I'm hungry. But I eat a small lunch because supper might be bigger than the other meals. Most times supper is.
Looking at the nutritional content of food has been frustrating because what a person that thinks is good for a diabetic is not. It gets discouraging because I need some diversity in what I can eat as I need an evening snack so I can take my pills. For example, I eat certain fruit, cottage cheese, certain crackers, and humus for my evening snack. The nutritional content also limits the other meals.
Besides nutritional content, things like starch, natural sugar, protein, and wheat based foods I have to monitor and moderate. Some of my favourite foods like potatoes I can have in moderation. Something like corn, which is a favourite vegetable of mine, I been staying away from because of the sugar content. With fruit, I've been having a lot less oranges than when it first started on this diabetic diet. It might have something to do with the higher natural sugar content.
When it comes to sugar, I only have sugar if my sugar is low. I can have stuff such as sugar water, juice, a little bit honey straight, a certain amount of pop (haven't drank any pop since becoming
diabetic), or tea with sugar in it. But for the most part when I have been in range, I have used sweetner like Splenda in my tea. I have to use it because it is my only option to have some sweetness in my tea. You may or may not know how I feel about artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. One thing I'll always stay away from is Stevia. If you don't know about Stevia, than you need to know about it.
Even though Stevia is natural as it comes from a plant, it tricks your body into thinking you are getting sugar. Your body needs sugar. Health side effects are damage to your heart and kidneys. For me as a diabetic, Stevia may cause bloods sugar control problems. That would be a big problem for me.
My aunt said that since she has cut out sugar she has felt better. I haven't felt any difference. Maybe I will, maybe I won't.
I snack in the evening so I can take my pills. What I stated above is what I have been eating in the evening for a snack. I have cut out junk food and beverages like chips, pop, slush, chocolate bars, candies, and other such items. But those were just an example. But how fair is it when I have to be in the presence of people who are eating and drinking such things? Sure my mom has said sorry for eating chips while I am in the room. That's all fine, but my mom and step dad still eat chips, candies, and chocolate in my presence. I have just learned to deal with it.
So far up to this point, it has been a learning process. I will continue to learn because you will never be able to know everything about there is too know about diabetes in terms of what I can and can't eat. Hopefully I'll be able to get some good information when I go to my appointment with Live Well program at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Headaches
Everybody gets headaches in their life. But lately I've been getting these nasty headaches. Finally I went to a walk-in clinic yesterday evening. The doctor told me based on what I've told him is that I got muscle tension headaches. Hopefully taking Advil will cure me of my headaches. They are brutal and don't wish on even my worst enemy. I took some Advil a few hours ago. Let's hope in another few hours I feel better. I just want these headaches to go away. Until then I'll just keep taking Advil, drinking lots of fluids, and trying to keep my place cool.
I hope you are doing well. If not, peace be with you and shalom. I trust you will get through it. I hope I get through these headaches. I don't want to be stuck doing nothing because of these headaches. Being robbed of a life because of a medical issue is not something I want. I'll see how Friday goes. Peace out.
I hope you are doing well. If not, peace be with you and shalom. I trust you will get through it. I hope I get through these headaches. I don't want to be stuck doing nothing because of these headaches. Being robbed of a life because of a medical issue is not something I want. I'll see how Friday goes. Peace out.
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