Twenty-eight years ago I lost my first husband, James, due to complications caused by unmanaged diabetes. I learned a lot from James and there are lessons for you too. I learned: 1. I couldn’t keep him alive or control him. Everyone is responsible for their own self care. 2. No two people with diabetes are alike. I saw that it was important to listen to the person with diabetes and know what was important to him/her. James did best when he was involved in the decision making. (Now I use that approach with my clients.) 3. When people get diabetes, they don’t know about diabetes. … [Read more...]
Four Ways to Live Your Best Year in 2022!
The New Year is a great time to look at your life and decide what changes you are willing to do to live your best year in 2022! While there is much we cannot control, we each have the ability to live a meaningful life. When I was younger I floated along from year to year. Now, it’s clear that life is short and I can take steps to live my best life. A big part of those steps is helping my clients make changes to live the life of their dreams. Here’s the first question I ask a new client: “What is important to you?” Why ask this? People do not make changes that are not important to them. Some … [Read more...]
What to do if you Know What to do to Manage Your Weight, but you don’t do it
Today I'm going to tell you about what I do when people want to manage their weight but aren't sure they want to change. They made an appointment with me so I know there is something that makes them somewhat uncomfortable. Linda's story might help you too. At my first appointment with Linda she blurted out “I know what to do. I just don’t do it.” “Do you know why?” I asked “I’m rebellious” she said. “I got tired of watching my diet. Ever since I was a kid my mom was always on me about my weight and how much I ate. Something snapped in me in my 20s. I rebelled and ate and ate.I gained a lot … [Read more...]
The Sugar Scare! What to do When your Blood Sugar is Too High and you Don’t Eat Carbs
“It’s the Sugar Scare!” he said. That’s why he didn’t eat any fruit, bread, pasta and rice. Today let's talk about what to do when your blood sugar is too high and you don't eat carbs. “That orange looks and smells so good,” he added, “but I know it’ll jack my sugar up so I’m trying to stick to keto”. The “Sugar Scare” is when people avoid all fruit and starches (anything with carbohydrate) because they think it will raise their blood sugar too much. Instead, they eat only meat, poultry, fish, leafy vegetables and fats (butter, gravy, sauces, dressing and nuts). For many, this “no … [Read more...]
Change Your Thinking To Manage Diabetes
Instead of dreading all the chores of managing diabetes, change your thinking and have a positive attitude. Try these tips for success. I hear people all over town saying that this is the year they will: lose weight; eat better; get more exercise; get more sleep; watch less television and any number of other significant changes to their lives. In each instance it seems to be said with a deep breath as they prepare themselves for these difficult and unpleasant changes. Not surprisingly, most people don't meet their goals. Why? I suggest they don't have enough positive reinforcement in place … [Read more...]