Hello to all of my Monday people! I hope this is the beginning of a productive, calm and blessed day for you all!
While I have had many health issues, I can thankfully say that today’s topic hasn’t been one of them. Unfortunately, I can’t say that for all of my family. This is why I do what I do. It isn’t always easy and sometimes I fail, but I keep on anyway.
What I have lost is cravings that use to haunt me. Dennis and I have both seen our cholesterol drop and our blood pressure is excellent. We rarely take medications. We do have some aches and pains that apparently are brought on by the “golden years”, but we do pretty well!
Has it all been worth it? Without a doubt! Have we felt deprived? No! If we want something badly enough, we will have it or find a substitute that is just as satisfying. He eats some things that I don’t, but he has, on his own, embraced a much healthier attitude and lifestyle than he had before.
I thank God every single day that He has led me in this direction. I pray that someone has had at least one or two habits change too. It is when we can really accept ourselves as a child of the King that we learn to love ourselves as that same child of the King and care for ourselves accordingly. Go out today and be the true prince or princess that you were created to be!
Pray Unceasingly!
In His light,
Lois
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Dr. Lauren Vreeland While most people know blood sugar control is important for preventing and treating Diabetes, it is not always obvious how blood sugar control affects our daily lives. Our brain relies on glucose for fuel so it is important to keep blood sugar balanced to feel good, have energy and think clearly. The goal with “balancing” blood sugar is to prevent a sharp rise or fall in blood sugar levels. The body uses hormones, namely insulin and glucagon, to maintain a normal blood glucose level, but we can help it by eating in a way that stabilizes this level. Eating this way will help prevent blood sugar from getting too high or too low. Symptoms that can occur as a result of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include fatigue, headaches, shakiness, weakness, sweating, abdominal pain, palpitations, blurred vision, mental confusion, impaired memory, depression, insomnia, irritability, muscle cramps, dizziness and vertigo. Sugar cravings may be a sign of hypoglycemia because the brain is telling your body it needs fuel and carbs are the quickest way to get fuel. Hypoglycemia can be a result of not eating frequently enough or eating meals high in refined carbohydrates that stimulate a large release of insulin followed by too great a drop in blood sugar. The key is to prevent your body from getting to a hypo state, because it is in this state that your body overrides any good decision making powers and bullet trains you right to the simple carbs. This is what the Daniel Plan refers to as a “food emergency”. How – Eat small, frequent meals every 2-3 hours – Eat breakfast! (not just a cup of coffee) – Eat satiating foods (healthy fats and protein) that keep you full longer. – Combine complex carbohydrates with protein and fat. Don’t eat carbs alone. – Avoid simple, refined sugars including fruit juice, soda, cookies, etc. – Eat foods with a low glycemic index. – Increase fiber intake. The best sources of fiber are leafy greens, fruits, veggies, beans and legumes. This does not mean eat more cereal. – Avoid caffeine because it may worsen hypoglycemia symptoms. – Exercise! Exercise increases chromium levels and improves insulin sensitivity. – In some cases, supplementation with chromium is advised to regulate glucose control, usually at a dose of 500-1000mcg/day. Snack ideas: – Hummus and veggie sticks – A handful of nuts with a piece of fruit – Nut butter (almond, cashew or peanut butter) – Hard-boiled egg – Sardines on crackers – Edamame (organic soy beans) – Smoked or canned wild salmon – Avocado slices wrapped in turkey – Pumpkin seeds – Plain Yogurt with nuts/seeds and fruit and small amount of honey if needed – Olives – Artichoke hearts Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not meant to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any disease. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on this page.
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