Thursday, January 13, 2011

What a week I have had. I showed up a day early for my class on diabetes. I call it my trial run and I found out that I need at least an extra ten minutes to get there. So today, I showed up for the real class. I learned some really interesting facts in class today.


I don't have to be afraid of carbs. What? You mean I can eat the white foods? I can't believe it! I can eat rice, baked potato, some pasta and even bread. That is not the information I have been getting. Of course, I have to count all of the carbs, but if I want them I can have them. I already feel less deprived.

I count my carbs, proteins and fats. I admit that I am a little lost right now, but I am sure in time I will get the hang of it. It reminds me of Weight Watchers. I will have to study up on the values. I can tell that I probably eat too many carbs, too much fat and not enough protein. We learned about portion control and the correct amounts of food per serving.


Also, I have to test my blood sugar. I was not prepared for that because my doctor did not tell me I would be testing my blood sugar. It sure is a lot to keep up with right now and I am to write everything down. Ouch! my fingers hurt.

28 comments:

Cindy Swanson said...

Hi Pam! Thanks so much for your comment about Biggest Loser. Always nice to find another fan of the show!

I'm kind of having to start from scratch with my diabetes. I had become complacent, then lax, and my A1c shot up to 7 per cent...not good. I have 3 months to bring it down before the next A1c. I know exactly what to do, and I'm trying to do it! It's a constant battle! I'm Type 2, by the way.

Blessings!

Sandee said...

You'll get the hang of this in no time Pam. You'll feel better and you will live a full life if you follow this plan. I've watched those that didn't and well, some are blind, some have lost limbs and some have died. You will do this because you are strong and determined.

Have a terrific day. Big hug. :)

Akelamalu said...

I found the 2 day Diabetic information course I did, when I was first diagnosed diabetic, invaluable. I had cut out all bread and potatoes because I was dieting, and really missed them, only to find out I really should be eating them - Deep Joy! Since then I have lost 14lbs even eating the things I love. :)

larkswing said...

I would think, in a few months you will look back and see how easy the counting has become - just a part of your thoughts. I have customers who use the zone diet and I have had to learn the portions to be able to portion it out for them. And the same for my weight watcher customers - but it was intimidating at first, second nature now :)

Your doing good!

Finding Pam said...

Cindy, I have another month until I return to the doctor for my A1c blood work. The hardest thing for me is to realize that I am the only one that can turn this around. I know what it involves with the exercise and balanced eating and medicine. I scare myself sometimes knowing I have to depend on me.

Good for you getting back on track. I lift you up for the battle you face as well as myself. I know you can do it.

Sandee, my sweet little cheer leader. It is like trying to behave all the time when all I want to do is misbehave. I appreciate your vote of confidence in me. HUGS my friend.

Akelamula, it is so ironic that we thought we could not have those foods. My husband still won't eat them because of all the negative things he has heard over the years.

That is wonderful that you have lost 14 pounds. My classes are monthly and will last about 6 months. I have learned a lot about Diabetes.

Lanlani, I wish I had a chef. I am so tired of cooking and trying to come up with new receipes. I like a variety of flavors. Tonight it's baked chicken served on top of a mixed green salad with lite dressing and some mandarin oranges. I still crave snackes though.

Thanks for the comment. I really appreciate it.

The Bear's Blog said...

Hi Pam,

Well - my Dad, my Grandmother (Dad's side)his sister were all diabetic and I am ALMOST there so I appreciate what you are saying.

I have a friend who tests before every meal and her kit is just about pain free. THAT scares me the most. I find out next month. But I am okay with it. If this is the worst that happens to me - I am truly blessed. (o:

Blessings and you will get into a routine and correct diet for YOU. And you are on my prayer list & the one at Church too.

Hugs,
Joyce

Gail said...

HI PAM

I so understand how hard it is at first to manage a health condition - in time, it will be very natural I promise.
Love to you
Gail
peace, hope and health

crochet lady said...

I hope that all gets easier for you for you Pam and your blood sugar evens out.

Blessings.
Jen

Finding Pam said...

Joyce at THe Bear's Blog, I hope that you don't have diabetes. Please let me know your results. There are so many bad illnesses that you can get from having diabetes. I watched a show on Pancreatitis and it was pretty sobering to view.

THanks for keeping me on your prayer list. I keep you in mine as well. Sister is taking Carmen, her dobie, to her vet today. I pray that her breast cancer has not spread, but I am fearful about the results.

Gail, I am going to believe you on this. Right now I am lost as I can be. Just the trip to the grocerey store tugs at all of the bad foods. I decided that I will choose not to eat bad food, but it is hard to get out of the store without any bad food.

Much love and peace to you.

Crochet Lady,Right now I feel like I'm on a roller coaster. I hope it levels out too.

Unspoken said...

It's worth it. SOOOOO worth it :). You go, girl.

Finding Pam said...

Amy @ She Writes, thank you my friend. I really appreciate it.

Xmichra said...

There are these plates that you can buy on-line.. i will have to look for them now, but they are like portion sizing for dummys! I thought that they were great|!!

just a sec... *searches the almighty google*..
POW!~
http://www.slimware.com/
there it is!! Anyway, so these help with portion control, and are SO CUTE!!

Susanne said...

It will get easier as you start doing it. It didn't take my mom long to catch on at all.

DeEtta said...

Before you know it, it will be a natural part of your life and you won't give it another thought. Admire your strength. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

Jeni said...

I'm still in a major state of confusion! Don't know if I have type 2 or what the heck the deal is. At first, my pcp said to watch what I eat, cut back on carbs and sugars and exercise. That was a year ago. My exercise was walking our dog and that lasted about 7-8 months. Had surgery the end of July which showed I had cancer of the uterus (had hysterectomy) so on to chemotherapy -again (7 years ago it was colo-rectal cancer) and then, weekly blood work and blood sugar counts were all over the place! So oncologist and pcp put me on metformin and got me a tester kit. But no one has really shown me how to work with the test results. I know zilch about the carb counting and such but my blood sugars are starting now to level out since the chemo ended last month. The good news though -I have lost 38 pounds since Dec. 2009! About 12-15 before the surgery and the rest since then but I think the chemo helped that as food all tastes like crap it seems so even if it looks inviting, I start eating it and it's automatic portion control as I eat about 1/2 of what I thought I wanted and just can't eat the rest. Easy to push the plate away that way! Maybe when you get the counting stuff down pat, you can explain it to me!

Just Be Real said...

Pam sounds like a good program dear one. Looking forward to the days ahead in hearing how things are progressing. Blessings.

Finding Pam said...

Xmichra, Thank you for the web site. Those plates are awesome! You are so great to search and find it for me. I am so happy for you in your weight loss journey.

Susanne, I hope it will become easier in time.

DeEtta, I appreciate your comment and your hugs. You are the best. You are a source of inspiration to me.

Jeni, I don't know what to say except WOW! You have been through a lot. I hope that your cancer is is gone. I would be lost if I had been through what you have been through.

You can go to the American Diabetes Assoc. and find out a lot of good information about this disease. I am sorry that you feel so alone in this journey. I feel your dispair.

Have you ask about diabetes classes? Your medical provider should make the class availble as it is a good resource. I keep you in my prayers for answers.

JBR, everything requires effort on my part. It has to start with me, and I hope I can depend on myself to get where I need to be. I appreciate your prayers. Thanks my friend for the love.

Anonymous said...

Hi Pam,
I come from a long line of diabetics and my brother was just recently diagnosed. I know how confusing and difficult it must be for you but it will get easier in time.
{Big Hugs}

Finding Pam said...

Dawn, you are not diabetic are you? Thank you for always supporting me and believing in me.

I hope all is well with you my friend.

Nessa said...

I worked with a woman who has diabetes. She was quite healthy from her diet and she got to eat very well.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Hi Pam. My sister has diabetes and i've watched her do what you post here. It is a hard...but you can do it....and you'll be okay....I'm in your corner...routing for you...cheering you on.

Finding Pam said...

Nessa, I wonder if your co-worker had to struggle with food like I am right now? Especially, the bad foods that I want and can't eat.

Sarah, I am sorry to hear that your sister has diabetes. Changing old habits for me is the hardest challenge. I appreciate your cheering me on. I really need it right now.

Travis Cody said...

Information is always the key! And when you have the right information, most things are much less scary.

Finding Pam said...

Travs, you are right about information is the key. Thank you for the reminder.

Melissa said...

Your fingers will get used to all the sticks. It will still hurt some, but not as much.

One of my favorite bits of food information I learned is that I can have popcorn, and more of it than I thought I could. Although it is a carb, it is also mostly puffed air so the carb count on it is less that I thought it would be.

Finding Pam said...

Melisa, thank you for that information about my fingers and the popcorn. I hope you are doing well.

j said...

I have confidence in you - YOU CAN DO THIS! I'm proud of you for being proactive in your health.

My Dad managed to control his diabetes (he was actually border-line though) completely with diet. He takes Niacin too and some other supplements. His weight has been the same for about 10 years now (I wish I could say that as long as it was a lower weight).

Have a great day!

Finding Pam said...

Jennifer, THANKS for the vote of confidence! I have to tell you that it sure is hard to stay the course and to forge on to a new path that I have never been before.