I’m trying to eat healthy since stepping on the scale to discover that I’m running 10 pounds over what I was pre-Thanksgiving. Not good. And with any change, my diabetes plays a big part in it.
For example, I’ve been hitting the fresh (and organic) veggies. And while doing this has been great, I’ve kept track of my daily insulin levels since my diet change. (Okay, so I told my family that I was doing a “lifestyle change”, but my 10 year old mocked me saying I was really on a diet. Ah, kids. Gotta love ‘em!) My insulin levels have gone down an average of 15 units per day with “diet” alone.
So, what does this say? The less insulin I use on a daily basis, while keeping my blood sugar between 90-120, is healthy. Add exercise in the mix, and life gets better. But…one step at a time. So far, I’ve done the following:
1. Eliminate beer. Beer brings gut. Gut bad.
2. Drink more water. I am now drinking 64 ounces of water a day. Pee good.
3. Replace carbohydrates with lettuce, peppers, celery, and carrots. Veggies good.
4. Reduce caffeine by 50 percent the first couple of weeks, then 75 percent. Caffeine is no doubt my best friend. But, I need to cut back to get healthy.
5. Separate meals by 4 hours or longer. Personally, it is much better for me to wait than to keep full.
I have a long way to go. My goal is 20 pounds by April and I know I can do it!
Wish me well!
Nice one Mark – glad to hear you’re doing so well.
Interestingly enough I lost weight over Christmas after going on a pump. I think this might be because I’ve been having far fewer hypos and thus consuming far fewer sweeties.
I’ve also started doing twenty minutes cycling on the bike (on rollers, in the garage (Scotland is far too cold and dark to actually go outside at the minute)) and ten minutes of ShovelGlove (http://www.shovelglove.com/) every once in a while. That and cutting down on the booze a bit has made a big difference to the gut (as you say, bad!) and I’m generally feel quite perky. So it’s all good, eh?
Sounds like a good plan Mark! Keep us posted!
I’m on a similar path my friend! I want to lose 20 as well! So far 5 pounds down by just reducing portions and white foods. For me as well, less insulin is better.
Oh i’m also kettle bell training. (just wanted to give full disclosure lol)