Finding that Balance
I am finding it difficult to find balance in my foods. Being diagnosed as a diabetic has not been easy. I can see why diabetics find it overwhelming and take as much medication as necessary to keep their blood sugars in check. I have been trying to find that right balance of not taking too much insulin while still incorporating a healthy eating plan.
Last September I switched to a low glycemic raw food eating plan. I found it to have a few challenges but overall I enjoyed it. In the new year I started to incorporate fish, eggs and some soy products but still staying off meat products and all dairy. I think that I now have a sensitivity to nuts…maybe I have been eating too many nuts and seeds since that is my main protein source. I have started to develop a rash and I have Rosacea on my face. It is sometimes hard to figure out if I am doing things the right way because my numbers are good, I haven’t gained or lost weight so I think this must be working. Until I start seeing some of the underlining issues…Rosacea and a rash. Perhaps I need to make another change, I can not live on veggies alone, I do need a protein source as well as variety.
What now…I ask myself. After taking some time to ponder the question and figure out what I was now prepared to do…yet again!! I have decided for the most part to take out nuts from my eating plan, I will have a few sparingly. I will continue to have chia, flax and hemp seeds. I have decided to try this to see if this will clear up the Rosacea and the rashes. I will incorporate some meat products as well. I really don’t miss meat products and I have tried chicken since and I don’t like the taste of it anymore but I did enjoy turkey for Thanksgiving. I will continue to keep a low glycemic eating plan. I find that if I don’t allow my blood sugars to spike up too high it is much easier to manage. It is surprising how high my numbers can rise by having a piece of fruit or something like beans and lentils.
I’m hoping that this may be a healthier balance for me and I’m trying not to be so consumed and overwhelmed with making everything perfect. So over the next while I will try to be a little more relaxed about my eating plan.
I will keep you posted on how I am making out.
October 13th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Lois,
By talking to you and reading your blog, I get a glimpse of how complicated (and frustrating at times) it has been to find balance in your diet. Many experiments, many tough decisions, some great discoveries and some disappointments. However you always keep looking, trying and being positive. I admire you, truly. And I’m all for a relaxed attitude! Easy for me to say for sure, but you hit the nail on the head when you said you don’t have to make everything perfect. Hope the relaxed attitude gives some good results.
October 13th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
Good for you Lois! Food really is a drug of sorts and we all react differently to what we eat. Most people do not even consider that what they are putting in their mouth has relevance to how they feel in a day… or lifetime.
Keep us posted on how things go with eating less nuts.
Kim Blair
October 13th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
I like how you have kept an open mind throughout the last year. All your decisions are made thoughtfully and yes perfection can be overwhelming. A relaxed attitude may be just what you need. Good luck!
October 13th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Lotus, great post, as always. Thanks for sharing your story. I agree with the comments about the inspiration you provide by sharing and agree that your willingness to try new things is admirable. taking a relaxed, rather then intense approach to anything in life seems like such a wonderful idea, and something I practice daily – and when I say practice, I mean practice, a lot… So thanks again for your inspiration, and for all the wonderful feedback your fans share.
October 13th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
Francoise, I appreciate your insight on my journey. It is friends that help me get through it, thank you for your friendship.
October 13th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Thank you Kim. I know you have been on your own journey with foods and how it can be a challenge. Your right…food is a drug, it can be my medicine! Feeding my body full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep me going.
October 13th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Thank you Carolynn. I know you are a perfectionist as well so you know where I’m coming from! I do appreciate your support.
October 13th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
Thank you Melanie. You’re right listening to other peoples experiences or perspectives gives us a new way of looking at the same picture. I couldn’t be doing this without the support of my friends…thank you.