Every now and then I write a blog for our hoomans. Let's face it, if not for them where would we be? I know my life would be considerably different had I not gotten the folks I did. My prime go to example is when I developed SARDS at the young age of just 5 years old. My folks noticed I wasn't seeing my ball as well as I'd used to. This got their curiosity up and promptly took me to my dogtor. She diagnosed me with SARDS, which is a very time sensitive progressive visual disease.
(Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome SARDS) is a disease in dogs causing sudden blindness. It can occur in any breed, but female dogs may be predisposed. Approximately 4000 cases are seen in the United States annually.)
I was rushed to an animal specialty emergency clinic where they did an experimental treatment on me and thanks to God answering prayers, dogtors with incredible talent, and my very attentive caring pawrents some of my vision has been restored. (I have to tell you I'm a bit of a celebrity there. They told me most dogs don't get their sight back.)
That being said, our pawrents take wonderful care of us, so I wanted to give a little back to our peeps in sharing a bit about my Mom's experiences with diabetes. I want to share Mom's story so they can see that with time, dedication, exercise, and diet they can regain control of their life and health.
My grandmother, (my Mom's Mom) was a very serious, diabetic. Sadly diabetes can be hereditary and sure enough Mom became diabetic.
What only a few of our furiends know is Mom was house-bound for several years due to her diabetes. She had been told by her doctors that all she had to do was watch her diet and take her medication. This didn't prove to be the case. Mom kept getting sicker and feeling worse. This progressed to her being housebound and barely able to take me on my one mile walk down our driveway and to the pond. If she and Dad went to do any shopping Mom would give Dad a list and stay in the car while he took care of the shopping.
The folks were very confused and didn't understand what was going on with Mom's health. After all she was only fifty. They both wondered if it was typical for people to be so sick at just 50 years old.
Not wanting to go on even more medication for her diabetes Mom started spending hours online reading information about controlling your blood sugar as well as diets for diabetics. She even made a phone call to their insurance company one day. Something the lady told her stuck, and that was the beginning of Mom getting her life back. They were talking about getting older and the changes that occur with our bodies as we age, when the lady said,
"You know we were never meant to sit all day, and as we age that becomes even more of a challenge for our bodies that have developed diabetes. Walking lowers your blood sugar so possibly walking after you eat a meal may be part of a solution".
That was the beginning of Mom's goal of walking 5 miles a day. (Now we understand everyone might not want to walk 5 miles a day). That's completely fine. Just get up, walk and move.
Walking lowers your blood sugar considerably. Mom breaks up her walking to 3 or 4 times a day depending on how her blood sugar is running. (Most days now it's either normal or slightly higher than normal anywhere from 86-103). She'll walk after every meal, and before bed.
The next big change was her diet. Mom had to adopt a zero carbohydrate diet. This translates to No, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. Yups zero. She also eats no grains, or sugar (all recipes calling for sugar or honey etc she substitutes Splenda Blend) at all.
The doctors had told her she could eat whole wheat bread, and limited carbohydrates but this simply didn't work for her. Mom got sick, felt horrible and stayed that way for several years following their advice.
Until she started reading and applying the info she found on controlling your diabetes, and getting rid of the carbohydrates. You're right if you thought this translates to eating a LOT of salads. LOL It did indeed for a few years.
Mom gradually began to feel better. This resulted in her A1C numbers getting lower, not to mention all the weight she'd lost. Life was getting better and I was getting my Mom back.
Eating salads for 4-5 years does begin to get old, even though you experience all the health benefits that go with eating a more plant based diet.
Now Mom was on a different mission, finding recipes that were healthier versions of the foods she loved and had to give up. She did indeed find substitute recipes for everything she'd loved in the past.
She found a pizza crust made from zucchini squash that even Dad will eat and not complain about. (recipe link)
Mom also has found bread recipes that have anywhere from 0-2 net carbs per slice or Hamburger Bun.
Soul Bread Hamburger Buns
Soul Bread
Almond Flour Brownies
Thin Mints
We're not going to tell you these recipes are going to taste exactly like the foods you loved before you developed diabetes. What we will tell you is these are acceptable substitutes that will make your challenging life journey with diabetes a bit more tolerable, and your diet more enjoyable.
Most of the recipes Mom uses are either Keto Based or Paleo Based recipes. You can Google low carb, Keto or Paleo recipes and find something that will make your taste buds tingle.
This hasn't been an easy journey for my Mom. At times it's been difficult to watch her struggle as she's conquered this latest challenge in her life; and if we're completely honest you truly never conquer diabetes you simply manage it on a day to day basis. We wanted to share this with you all to let you know getting your blood glucose levels back into the normal range is doable. If my Mom can do it anyone can. (Of course I think my Mom is exceptional), but as far as hoomans go, there's no difference between my Mom and your pawrents.
If your hooman is following their doctors advice for diabetes control and not getting better, tell them to get a second opinion, or research online as my Mom did and find another alternative. (One that seems medically sound we don't want you doing something that may jeopardize your health even more)
Walking five miles a day everyday can get tough...sometimes prayer is what got her through that last quarter mile. Eating salads everyday for a couple of years gets equally hard.... LOL Prayer got Mom through that too, and then miraculously she finds recipes for low carb breads, cookies and even cakes. It took Mom several years to get where she is today. The thing is she simply never gave up. Life gets better furiends and with God all things are possible.
We hope our sharing this helps those of you having difficulty managing your blood sugar. Trust us we understand how discouraging this can be. Please know you have our thoughts and prayers as you go through this challenge in your life.
I told Mom to share a few of her most used staples with her low carb cooking. One thing she and Dad eat a lot of now is Shirataki Pasta with Mexican dishes and stir fries (click the high lighted text to learn more about Shirataki Noodles). You can find them at most health food markets, and even some Walmarts. Please read all info you can find about how to prepare them as some people don't particularly care for the smell when you first open the bag. We're not bothered by the odor (which isn't noticeable at all after rinsing and cooking them as directed).
Shirataki Noodles
Hoosier Hill Farm Whey Protein Powder
Bobs Red Mill Super fine Almond Flour
Xanthan Gum
Muffin Top Pan (to make Hamburger Buns)
We feel the need to place a disclaimer in this blog post.
Neither Mom nor myself are dieticians, or medical professionals. Mom is simply someone who has had a rather challenging experience in controlling her blood sugar due to Diabetes.
Please do Not make any changes to your diet without first consulting your medical doctor. This blog is simply information for you to consider. Though this route has proven successful for Mom this doesn't make it medically sound for others.
Love and Peace,
Molly and my Mom
(Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome SARDS) is a disease in dogs causing sudden blindness. It can occur in any breed, but female dogs may be predisposed. Approximately 4000 cases are seen in the United States annually.)
I was rushed to an animal specialty emergency clinic where they did an experimental treatment on me and thanks to God answering prayers, dogtors with incredible talent, and my very attentive caring pawrents some of my vision has been restored. (I have to tell you I'm a bit of a celebrity there. They told me most dogs don't get their sight back.)
That being said, our pawrents take wonderful care of us, so I wanted to give a little back to our peeps in sharing a bit about my Mom's experiences with diabetes. I want to share Mom's story so they can see that with time, dedication, exercise, and diet they can regain control of their life and health.
My grandmother, (my Mom's Mom) was a very serious, diabetic. Sadly diabetes can be hereditary and sure enough Mom became diabetic.
What only a few of our furiends know is Mom was house-bound for several years due to her diabetes. She had been told by her doctors that all she had to do was watch her diet and take her medication. This didn't prove to be the case. Mom kept getting sicker and feeling worse. This progressed to her being housebound and barely able to take me on my one mile walk down our driveway and to the pond. If she and Dad went to do any shopping Mom would give Dad a list and stay in the car while he took care of the shopping.
The folks were very confused and didn't understand what was going on with Mom's health. After all she was only fifty. They both wondered if it was typical for people to be so sick at just 50 years old.
Not wanting to go on even more medication for her diabetes Mom started spending hours online reading information about controlling your blood sugar as well as diets for diabetics. She even made a phone call to their insurance company one day. Something the lady told her stuck, and that was the beginning of Mom getting her life back. They were talking about getting older and the changes that occur with our bodies as we age, when the lady said,
"You know we were never meant to sit all day, and as we age that becomes even more of a challenge for our bodies that have developed diabetes. Walking lowers your blood sugar so possibly walking after you eat a meal may be part of a solution".
That was the beginning of Mom's goal of walking 5 miles a day. (Now we understand everyone might not want to walk 5 miles a day). That's completely fine. Just get up, walk and move.
Walking lowers your blood sugar considerably. Mom breaks up her walking to 3 or 4 times a day depending on how her blood sugar is running. (Most days now it's either normal or slightly higher than normal anywhere from 86-103). She'll walk after every meal, and before bed.
The next big change was her diet. Mom had to adopt a zero carbohydrate diet. This translates to No, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. Yups zero. She also eats no grains, or sugar (all recipes calling for sugar or honey etc she substitutes Splenda Blend) at all.
The doctors had told her she could eat whole wheat bread, and limited carbohydrates but this simply didn't work for her. Mom got sick, felt horrible and stayed that way for several years following their advice.
Until she started reading and applying the info she found on controlling your diabetes, and getting rid of the carbohydrates. You're right if you thought this translates to eating a LOT of salads. LOL It did indeed for a few years.
Mom gradually began to feel better. This resulted in her A1C numbers getting lower, not to mention all the weight she'd lost. Life was getting better and I was getting my Mom back.
Eating salads for 4-5 years does begin to get old, even though you experience all the health benefits that go with eating a more plant based diet.
Now Mom was on a different mission, finding recipes that were healthier versions of the foods she loved and had to give up. She did indeed find substitute recipes for everything she'd loved in the past.
She found a pizza crust made from zucchini squash that even Dad will eat and not complain about. (recipe link)
Mom also has found bread recipes that have anywhere from 0-2 net carbs per slice or Hamburger Bun.
Soul Bread Hamburger Buns
Soul Bread
Almond Flour Brownies
Thin Mints
We're not going to tell you these recipes are going to taste exactly like the foods you loved before you developed diabetes. What we will tell you is these are acceptable substitutes that will make your challenging life journey with diabetes a bit more tolerable, and your diet more enjoyable.
Most of the recipes Mom uses are either Keto Based or Paleo Based recipes. You can Google low carb, Keto or Paleo recipes and find something that will make your taste buds tingle.
This hasn't been an easy journey for my Mom. At times it's been difficult to watch her struggle as she's conquered this latest challenge in her life; and if we're completely honest you truly never conquer diabetes you simply manage it on a day to day basis. We wanted to share this with you all to let you know getting your blood glucose levels back into the normal range is doable. If my Mom can do it anyone can. (Of course I think my Mom is exceptional), but as far as hoomans go, there's no difference between my Mom and your pawrents.
If your hooman is following their doctors advice for diabetes control and not getting better, tell them to get a second opinion, or research online as my Mom did and find another alternative. (One that seems medically sound we don't want you doing something that may jeopardize your health even more)
Walking five miles a day everyday can get tough...sometimes prayer is what got her through that last quarter mile. Eating salads everyday for a couple of years gets equally hard.... LOL Prayer got Mom through that too, and then miraculously she finds recipes for low carb breads, cookies and even cakes. It took Mom several years to get where she is today. The thing is she simply never gave up. Life gets better furiends and with God all things are possible.
We hope our sharing this helps those of you having difficulty managing your blood sugar. Trust us we understand how discouraging this can be. Please know you have our thoughts and prayers as you go through this challenge in your life.
I told Mom to share a few of her most used staples with her low carb cooking. One thing she and Dad eat a lot of now is Shirataki Pasta with Mexican dishes and stir fries (click the high lighted text to learn more about Shirataki Noodles). You can find them at most health food markets, and even some Walmarts. Please read all info you can find about how to prepare them as some people don't particularly care for the smell when you first open the bag. We're not bothered by the odor (which isn't noticeable at all after rinsing and cooking them as directed).
Shirataki Noodles
Hoosier Hill Farm Whey Protein Powder
Bobs Red Mill Super fine Almond Flour
Xanthan Gum
Muffin Top Pan (to make Hamburger Buns)
We feel the need to place a disclaimer in this blog post.
Neither Mom nor myself are dieticians, or medical professionals. Mom is simply someone who has had a rather challenging experience in controlling her blood sugar due to Diabetes.
Please do Not make any changes to your diet without first consulting your medical doctor. This blog is simply information for you to consider. Though this route has proven successful for Mom this doesn't make it medically sound for others.
Love and Peace,
Molly and my Mom
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