I’m sure you are all aware of my dads FDA Approved minimally invasive procedure called The Acessa procedure, that removes fibroids via ablation. Inspired by his hard work and constant drive to positively change the world of medicine, I have started a group on here with the intention to learn, motivate and support women who have experienced the wrath of fibroids.
Many women struggle with fibroids and often more than we are aware of. We started this group for women to be able to share their stories and to be able to reach out and support one another.
If you, or anyone you know, has dealt with fibroids, please join the group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1877099889187785/
Yes, I’m Asian. Specifically Chinese. And also Diabetic. I suppose you could name a few reasons why this is not exactly a match made in heaven. Well, being diabetic to begin with is not anyone’s #1 wish to Santa or the Genie but the combination of being Asian AND diabetic is lame. Why? I can tell you exactly why.
Rice, rice, baby.
That’s it. Some would say this is a stupid reason, but growing up eating all types of Asian foods, it’s really not. I love rice. A breakfast scramble with veggies over rice with a drizzle of soy sauce? Yum. If you haven’t tried it, you should try it. Rice was integrated into every meal, along with noodles as well. Something about that simple tasting, sticky, slightly chewy goodness that I can never seem to fully give up. I tend to have a weird yearning… or craving if I don’t have it for awhile. Maybe it’s that I’m Chinese and try to limit my carb intake. Hmm probably. Love-hate it is!
Why is this bad for us diabetics?
1. Rice is one of the top foods that raise your blood sugar levels.
2. White rice has very, very little fiber which means that this food does not stay in your system for very long. Maybe this is why people say they are hungry not long after chowing down on some Chinese food?
3. Little nutritional value. Not a whole lot of vitamins, minerals, fiber… just plain rice goodness.
4. A cup of rice is about 45 grams of carbohydrates. This is the equivalent of 3 slices of bread or one and a half apples.
5. TWO cups of rice breaks down to the equivalent of 22 grams of SUGAR!
6. High glycemic index which means your blood sugar will increase rapidly after eating!
Okay, enough of the negative. Let’s be real, I eat it anyways. My endocrinologist says I should stay away but I’m doing pretty well as far as control with my diabetes. So… I’m going to enjoy that rice gosh darn it! It’s delicious and scrumptious and I doubt I could ever fully give it up. Moderation is key I suppose. You only live once, right? I feel so fortunate that I am able to have the insulin that suits my needs and the ability to know how much to take for any given meal. Being diabetic is not fun in a lot of ways, but there are always worse things. So, in conclusion, I eat what I love in moderation and I will never stop loving rice. Yum.
Trying my best to prep meals as much as possible. Especially when going to work. Gotta make sure my body feels healthy and good for the big wedding day in 13 days!
Ahhhh dreaded wedding day preparation! This includes weight loss, buying all of the right props, signs, programs, flowers, decorations, accessories, hair, make-up and the list goes on. It seems to add up very very quickly. The main thing for me is the weight loss deal. I go back and fourth on this…
On one hand, I know I will be photographed a lot and of course you want to be in great shape for them. On the other, I am who I am and that’s all there is to it. I am doing my best to eat healthier in general of course, primarily for my diabetes. Eating more veggies, lean proteins, soups, are all very important to me. Of course, doing my best to steer away from the sweets, carbs etc. I think I will also stop drinking anything alcoholic as well. Might as well, right?
Anyway, I find that all of the little things are starting to add up more and more. After wedding dress, bridal shower dress, shoes, hair pins, bracelets, necklaces, earrings etc. GEEZ!!
Keeping my portions small, working out four times a week, and stretching as much as I can. I suppose I can only do so much. Sometimes it’s discouraging.. and sometimes I don’t care enough to take it a step towards extreme. It depends on the day….
Lastly, I apologize for not getting more recipes out. I haven’t been cooking as much since I’ve been eating so much less, and more simply. I’ll get some out there soon…
Well hello! I know I haven’t been posting many recipes lately, and I do apologize for that. I have been changing my diet, exercise schedule and attitude about everything. Not to mention, getting the lab tests done for my Diabetes!
As you know, I was a bit worried about the last a1c reading I had which was a little above 7. I decided I needed to change to improve this number. The doctors also told me that in order to have kids in the future, my a1c needs to be below 6. I’m not going to lie, this freaked me out a bit. So I switched things up for the better and saw a huge difference!
Diet – Veggie Up!
I have been cutting down a lot of foods I eat and sticking to tons of veggies and a small amount of protein. I’ve also been on a huge seafood kick lately – for some reason, I feel better eating seafood than I do when I eat chicken, pork, or beef. That doesn’t mean that I don’t like it, my gut just feels better when I don’t!
We have also been extremely busy in preparation for the wedding… and oddly enough, I have lost some of my appetite due to stress. Fear not, of course, I am still definitely eating! Making more veggie/fruit smoothies for morning – not juicing – but smoothies, to make sure I get all the fiber, vitamins and minerals from the meat of them. I attempted the all smoothie diet for a couple days and that didn’t go over so well. All in all, I’ve made it a point to eat tons more veggies – specifically via smoothies and simple soups.
Exercise – 30-Minute-Minimum – Gympact
I’ve also increased exercise. I downloaded this app called Gympact. This is an interesting app. Basically you set a goal whether it is to work out 2-7 days a week (minimum 30 min workout, double days do not count), or eat more veggies. Every time you reach your goal, you MAKE MONEY. Granted, it’s not a lot, it may be $1 or $2, but hey it’s better than nothing! IF you MISS a day after week’s end (Monday through Sunday range), you will be CHARGED MONEY. This value can be changed such as $5, $10, $50 etc. You have the option to take a break if you’d like as well. So, if you’re sick, on vacation, injured etc., you can pause your regime on the app. So far, my goal is 4 days a week at the gym.
My personal goal is do at least 30 minutes of cardio at the gym, and then 30 minutes of weight lifting. I am seeing a HUGE difference with the combo. Cardio immediately decreases the blood sugar, whereas lifting weights is more of a prolonged decrease over time (2-4 hours). Not only have my blood sugars been so much better, but my energy is much better throughout the day!
RESULT?
Lab tests were done on Monday, July 21st. The results came back Tuesday. What was my a1c? 6.2!! My average blood sugar has been 131. It is so relieving to know that the hard work pays off. Lab results don’t lie (usually). I’ve got to remember to keep this up and to strive for the next goal… I would like to see my average lower, so this is what I’m striving for – 5.8 a1c.
I’m excited about the progress I’ve achieved thus far and am ready for the next goal! Let’s do this!
If you love peanut butter, you have no excuse NOT to get it. It’s basically all natural peanut butter – without the oil! Straight up ground peanuts – 85% less fat, protein packed and amazing!!
I could seriously eat this out of the packaging. But what I do is kind of odd – but it works!
I brew my coffee (12oz).
Add 1 teaspoon of local honey.
I add ice.
Transfer iced coffee into my shaker.
Add one scoop of protein powder (Currently using Raw Fit Protein).
Add 2 tablespoons of PB2 chocolate (made with real, delicious cocoa).
Sh-sh-sh-shhhhhake it.
It’s amazing. Do it. I strongly suggest it. This way, you’re drinking one beverage only, and getting your caffeine intake as well as your meal replacement!
Yes I have bought one of these… And I love it so far! These were at Costco and I was sold. So far I’ve set my goal for 10,000 steps a day which equates to 5 miles. If you have a semi desk job like me, it sure motivates you to get your butt off your chair and to take a walk. It definitely keeps you in check! Set whatever goals you’d like, enter in your food intake, it measures calories burned – sold. Time to get steppin’! br />
I go through every day with so many things running through my brain… my diabetes is always one of them. Diabetes and weight, fitness, weight loss, insulin resistance, and the diet I choose. It’s been tough. I had a great few months where I was working out a ton, eating right and not giving in too much. But let’s be honest, life gets so stressful (which increases insulin resistance, and also weight gain) and then we indulge. I guess that’s what’s been happening. Having Diabetes is so hard, especially when you are living with an individual that could eat muffins, ice cream, pasta, and candy every day and it not have any affect on him! Totally. Not. Fair. I look at a brownie, and think about how much I will need to work out to work that off! Ha!
Anyway, my most recent thing is really being smart about what I eat. Literally every bite. It is SO tempting to eat the little tiny piece of chocolate candy, but then I think, is it really worth it? Okay, you may say yes, and this may be true to most people. Yes it tastes delicious, scrumptious and wonderful but who am I kidding, it’s not worth the carbs, the jump in blood sugar and the way that it will make me feel later. My end goal is to get myself into better shape, decrease insulin resistance and take as little medications as possible. All of these little temptations can be so difficult to pass up, but I always think that I’ll be happy I made that decision afterwards.
My recent frustration is not losing the weight I know I can. I know that being on Metformin doesn’t help with weight loss either. There are many things are coming into play… diet, portion-control, amount of exercise and staying on track with my diabetes. I’ve been doing a lot of this lately, though I probably should be exercising more – just like how the dentist always says you need to floss more. The amount of stress has been higher lately due to many factors such as work life, wedding planning and overall energy levels. It’s just kind of been that ‘thing’ that just won’t go away. To be continued…
It’s true! Moderation is always key. I’m trying to find a great balance for my life… It is truly a lifestyle change, not just a temporary change in diet. What is realistic long-term? Find the right balance, and what suits your needs according to your exercise regime, and likes and dislikes in foods 🙂
Nourishing Zen 