The Battle Begins-Days 4 & 5

I did not start out for this to be a day-to-day diary of my life. I did want it to be something helpful. So, this is what I have learned in the past five days.

1). I need to be aware not only of what I eat, but also of what I have going on in my life.

2) I've made some major changes in the past month.

A) I sold my house. The one I had lived in for 26 years.

B) I not only moved, I moved to a new state.

C) Eating out on a regular basis does not help blood sugars.

D) I need to drink more water.

E) Exercise is essential.

F) Stress causes blood sugars to rise.

As a result, I am drinking anywhere from 80 ounces of water to 128 ounces of water a day. Which does not count the water used in making my tea. I am moving daily. Even if I just go window shopping, I'm on the move. I cannot take on other people's stress. I have to let it go. Yes, I can volunteer and help others. But, even I have to learn when to let go.

Testing the past two mornings has had my blood sugar readings in the high 200's. They are no longer registering too high to calculate at night. They are still much higher than I would like at night, but the insulin is getting a chance to work. I will be doing a happy dance when they start falling below 150 on a regular morning basis. It means they will have lowered by nighttime.

I am learning the many uses of cauliflower. I'm also remembering not to overdo. I'm going to find my recipe for boiled dinner. I want to take it down to less than a crockpot size. Or to my two meal crockpot size. I can eat bad carbs as long as it is on a rare basis and in moderation.

Soaking okra in water all day and drinking it at night does nothing for blood sugars. Eating a lemon slice in hot water with a teaspoon of honey really does give you energy. Cinnamon tea will reduce blood sugar. (Finding cinnamon tea is the challenge).

Broccoli, carrots, turnips, cucumber, spinach, celery, tomatoes, green onions, are all good veggies and ones I can eat. Mushrooms and fresh green beans also top the list. I need to spend some time making veggie purchases at Stono Market. (Or the tomato barn). They have fresh from their own garden veggies.

I should be making my own breads. I can control what goes in them. Just the basics, no preservatives or other additives I don't need. I should start tomorrow as I'm out of store bought poison bread.

I need to experiment with different foods and tastes. I tend to find myself in a rut. I find foods I like and they stick with them until I am bored to tears. No one can do that and expect to maintain a healthy life style.

I will add to this post from time-to-time. Especially if I find a great recipe or form of exercise anyone can do.

I'll be checking out the pool across the street. Even if I just swim laps for half an hour. I've pretty much stopped being a sun goddess. I burn to easily, even with the use of sunscreen.

If I've helped one person while writing this, I've accomplished something. For now I am going to plug myself into my iPod and take an evening stroll. Good luck to all.