Category: Diabetes

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Eating Healthy

Typically, budget friendly frozen berry blends are available at your local store. Yes, I’ve been shopping at Walmart lately, so their frozen strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry combo makes a lot of sense. If you are a fan of Greek yogurt (and budgeting), the store brand makes a lot more sense also. If you are watching carbs, always buy “plain”, unflavored. Why? Because we are going to be adding a TON of natural carbs later.

A buddy of mine suggested tart cherry juice a while ago. Problem is, the sugar/carb content. It is loaded with anti-oxidants and is great for joint health. Use sparingly in mixtures. Stay well under “serving size” on label. It’s very important to buy 100% juice.

So it was a different breakfast this morning. Normally, I don’t mince fresh garlic, throw it in a pot with broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans..sprinkle with salt and pepper, let cook. But, this morning, I felt like it. Felt like being weird this morning (not exactly an ususual day). Still needed some carbs.

1/2 banana, berry blend mentioned above, 1/4 naval orange, about 1 1/2 tablespoons cherry juice, 2 tablespoons greek yogurt, 1/3 cup 2% milk, 2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill Apple Blueberry Granola.

Tossed in the smoothie maker, and had a wonderful breakfast. Definitely not traditional. But with coffee, before and after, felt fantastic. Ready to start the day.

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Walmart (+)

Same products, cheaper prices, excellent service. You know what? I rarely, nearly refuse, to promote products or services. But, let me tell you what, Walmart, yes Walmart, is making a very strong case to be a lead competitor against Amazon. If not over take them. The main advantage, brick and mortar stores, facilitating faster shipping and better service (even with groceries and pharmacy).

I did a pickup order the other week, and my car died in the parking lot. Weather, and the fact that my battery hasn’t been changed for quite a few years, probably the culprits. The staff at the store could not have been more helpful. Offering to jump the car (for free), the auto department quick to help out with any future needs which might ensue. A young kid, skipped out to the car with me, couldn’t have been more happy about the weather, and jumped my wagon.

W+, Walmart’s answer to Prime, has been awesome. Grocery delivery for free (within reasonable expectation, usually same day). A shipping option, for free, for non-perishable items, typically same day also. And all this with other perks and a ton of savings.

No shame in this Walmart shopper.

(produce, as far as fresh vegetables, fruit, rice, beans, etc all competively priced also… just a great experience)

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Just Cooking.

Living alone has it’s perks. Sure, you are free to watch what you want on tv, choose your own music, do what you want on your free time, etc. But it also forces you to learn a few things. One of them is meal preparation. Are you a leader, follower, or creatively go by your taste buds?

A few things I’ve considered over the years are nutrition, tastes, carbs, calories. Over the past few year I’ve actually cooked with oranges (not orange peels) to sweeten meals. At certain points, I’ve gone “carb free” UNLESS it was a natural carb (derived from fruit or plant). And snacked on only greens and nuts.

There is always a temptation, though, isn’t there? Sometimes you have to indulge.

The slow cooker is one of my favorite devices in my cooking arsenal. You can buy a seasoned pork loin, the kind in the sealed bag, throw it in a crock pot for about 8 hrs, and end up with delicious “pulled” pork. Or, grab a can of beer, some sauer kraut, and a few sausage links, and end up with a delicious German meal.

At this moment, I’m cookin dry beans and rice, to store and add to other meals I’ve created or a salad. Versatile items also, in meal preparation.

The last thing I’ll mention is hard boiled eggs, always good to have on hand. They can be used for any homemade salad…chef, chicken, potato, etc, turned into the DEVIL, or simple salty bliss.

Maybe I’ll start posting recipes at some point. As a T1, I’ve heard diet is important ;).

Is Ti T1?

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Pump it up!!

So, anyone familiar with Type 1 Diabetes knows that the duration of time (and age of onset) with the disease plays a huge role in outcome/development of complications. Don’t believe me? Do your own research/investigate. Thirty years seems to be a key point when it comes to circulatory issues, kidneys, eye problems, and other challenges related to the disease. Anyone with existing complications is going to spend ALOT more time at different doctors’ offices and face an onslaught of bills.

As I’m nearing 43 years with the disease, I thought I needed to find an insulin pump that works well for me. And I think I found it. Numbers have been in range the majority of the time. No terrifying lows in the middle of the night. No panicking while in the midst of mowing and chomping on a handful of glucose tabs.

The recent A1C was not good. But given the last 4 mo. of stress and uncertainty, it’s forgivable. My doctor is extremely happy with the other blood work and lab tests and thinks the new pump is already doing wonders.

Pretty damn good news.

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Paused.

Would rather not have divisive or hostile political content up here right now. It seems like things are really heating up.

Need to spend more time on T1, not politics. And work on diet and health. (Take care of the pup also, he did just have his nuts worked on)

Thanks.