Sunday, January 19, 2014

COUNTING CARBS

My older brother turns 65 tomorrow.  And started on metformin for prediabetes.

Our Mom had Type 2 diabetes.  She did not really change her lifestyle so she started on oral meds and continued on to insulin.

At my physical in May, my blood sugar level was just past the high end of normal.  I do NOT want to take medication so I'm ramping up my healthy habits.  The number one thing is increasing the exercise.  I am now walking for 15 minutes twice a day.  Last week Janet and I did laps when no one showed up for water aerobics.  It was great exercise.  

Naturally I went to the internet to see how many carbs per day are normal.  My previous diet was pretty heavy on carbs.  I found a great iPhone app called FatSecret (free ... how do they do that?) where I just type in my food and portion, and it keeps track of carbs, protein, calories, etc.  Very little effort on my part.  I've been successful at having breakfast every day (since the first of the year).  Now I have to plan on a couple of healthy snacks each day.  No more grabbing the bag of potato chips.  Half an apple with a tiny bit aged goat cheese kept me satisfied until the next meal.  I'm portioning roasted almonds for on the go snacks.

I'll keep you posted.  Gotta go on my walk!

5 comments:

  1. Keep it up! I need inspiration to get back to healthy eating. I'm heading in the right direction again, but I'm not there yet.

    I'm going to check out that app.

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    1. Help ME keep it up. I imagine it's harder for you since your weather is cold. Here I can do more uncooked things ... salads with a grilled piece of protein. Cottage cheese and FRESH fruit. But a nice omelette with healthy greens is also going to be my once a week warm breakfast for dinner night. My cooking class is Tuesday night ... vegan nachos and avocado chocolate mousse!

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    2. I learned to make the avocado chocolate mousse at a cooking class, too. LOL

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  2. Good on you!
    I'm a carb queen. I love bread, pasta and potatoes - all those white foods. I dusted off my walking tape yesterday and did a short 20-minute walk. I have to get back on track after all the holiday indulging.

    I can see how diabetes would definitely get your attention. It's great that you're being proactive. You will benefit in so many ways. Your heart is going thank you. Much luck.

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    Replies
    1. Giving up the white stuff is hard. I'm definitely addicted. Rather than give it all up .... I'm going to have a splurge meal once a week. I'm watching a Netflix series called RUBY ... who is TV documenting her journey from 700 lbs ....

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