The Frightening Part of the Year

This is too funny. I have more weight to lose than you do, and I am really going to try as a New Year's Resolution. I just do not like exercise and sweating! You are right about having a sense of humor with this disease because I never know what's coming down the pike with it. Every day is different, so it keeps me on my toes.
Can't wait to get the Chase book.
@retiredteacher

Your welcome, I have the Mayo Clinic book on diabetes also. I never did finish that one; I will have to go back and read it. I forgot about it, as I was battling really high sugars back then.

@chocolate5lover, The Understanding Diabetes book came in the mail this afternoon. It is a large paperback and looks as if it's filled with information that will be helpful to me and anyone who has questions about Diabetes. I love the Pink Panther format; that keeps it from being so scary.
Well, my first hurdle is only 6 days away; have to watch out for the carb monster, so no sweets in the house. The little ghosts and goblins will just have to go by our house. No goodies here.
Thanks again for recommending the book. I'll let you know how it's going as I read various parts of it.
@retiredteacher

I think you will enjoy it--I strongly recommend the various charts that are in the book; they are great to study, and use as a handy reference guide. Happy reading!

Thanks for starting this conversation, Caro, @retiredteacher . As we all deal with this "Frightening Part of the Year" I wanted to share with you something that I saw in the Mayo Clinic Diet Newsletter that came in my Inbox today. The title is: Friends and family: How to Deal with Diet Saboteurs

"Don't let those closest to you unravel your weight-loss plan. Stay on course in any situation with this advice. This article offers some good advice on how to be appreciative of the efforts people make to provide food and yet how to avoid the practice of overeating on all of these goodies.

Often, the people you spend the most time with — your family, friends and co-workers — may create high-risk eating situations for you. This could be an intentional attempt to undermine your weight-loss effort from a jealous friend or sibling, or it could be unintentional because many people don't understand how difficult it is to eat healthy on a consistent, ongoing basis. To stay focused on your goals, you need to know how to manage negative influences in your social circles. Review these scenarios and make a plan for the next challenge a potential saboteur presents.

Scenario: Your spouse surprises you by bringing home your favorite dessert.

Your response: Stay cool. Thank your spouse for thinking of you, and then remind your loved one that you are adopting healthier eating habits and don't need any food treats right now. Ask that the dessert be put somewhere you won't see it. If you can work it into your meal plan, divide the treat into multiple portions. If this scenario happens more than once, throw away the food treats — and be sure to tell your spouse that inedible gifts, like flowers, are the appropriate surprises for you.

Scenario: Friends expect you to continue with the group's eating traditions, such as beer and appetizers after work, junk food while watching sporting events together or regular stops at your favorite ice-cream shop.

Your response: Take the lead in scheduling nonfood activities, such as a game of badminton or bocce ball. Invite your friends to your house so that you can serve some of your favorite healthy foods. Ask for their help as you lose weight, and make it clear that your decision to change eating habits is not meant as a criticism of them. Let them know that you value their friendship and that their support for your healthy lifestyle changes is very important to you.

Scenario: Your family refuses to eat the new, healthier meals you're preparing.

Your response: First, take it slow. Don't change the whole menu overnight. As you introduce new foods, remind your family how important it is for all of you to take better care of yourselves. Healthy eating is more than weight management; it can improve the energy level and quality of life for everyone. Tell your family that you're managing your weight in part for them, so you can be a healthier, happier person. Invite them to suggest some healthy foods or recipes to try.

Scenario: Your best friend surprises you with a birthday party, complete with a table of tempting treats.

Your response: Express your amazement and pleasure at the thoughtful gesture. Comment on the visual appeal of some of the foods (you're giving praise without taking a bite). Slowly sip a glass of water with a lemon slice. Then, before visiting the food table, decide what and how much you're going to eat. Keep portions small, nibble slowly and occupy yourself with something else — chatting with friends, introducing people who don't know one another or getting groups together to take photos. Finally, congratulate yourself on managing a high-risk situation! After the event is over, talk to your best friend about ways to truly support you.

Your turn! Think of how your support people can help you in your journey: Can they provide emotional support by simply letting you vent or offering encouragement? Or can they provide practical support and go for a walk with you? Talk to your friends and family and ask for their help. Then identify your most-challenging scenarios with family and friends. Think through your best responses and strategies, and store them for future use. We can all benefit from support in our weight-loss journeys."

@hopeful33250
Thanks for mentioning this .I get the newsletter every day also. It has good information. Others who don't get it might want to sign up and take advantage of the suggestions.
@retiredteacher
Volunteer Mentor

@hopeful33250 Thanks. I already get this newsletter. It has helpful information. Maybe others who don't receive it will start reading it and get some pointers.
@retiredteacher

Yikes! I was at a church group Wednesday, and as usual, someone brought a plate of yummy goodies. Well, this time I was challenged with, "Why didn't you take any of the brownies that 'I' made?" I very calmly said that once I started with sweets/chocolate, that I knew I wouldn't be able to stop at one. It is true for me. It was a reminder to me that the holidays are starting next week. I sure hope I can retain some of that willpower 🤞

It would be dishonest of me to omit the following personal note: I make a practice of avoiding snacking goodies because it requires me to use my hand sanitizer every time (transplant patient - immunosuppression/germ safety practice).

May we all enjoy some holiday foods.

@rosemarya as flu season gets underway it really is wise to not eat any of those snacks out in the open too. If I can convince myself of that maybe it will help my resistance.
JK

After fighting the battle of the bulge all my life and after my doctor telling me I should fill half my plate with veggies (which I never eat) and the rest with stuff I wouldn't eat if I were starving, I decided to look back on when in my life I was at the weight I wanted. In high school, I was 110 pounds at most. I was on the swim team and could eat whatever I wanted, but we had two-a-day workouts (about 3-1/2 hours) every day except Sundays. In college, same thing except it was dance for 2 to 3 hours a day. I still ate anything I wanted and never gained an ounce. Same thing when my son was a toddler - always on the run after that busy little boy.

So I decided to get back to doing and eating what I wanted to eat. Instead of the no-fat, no-fun food the experts told me I SHOULD be eating, I eat mostly complex carbs and a little dairy. Yes, I am the last person on earth who loves Grape Nuts and All Bran. I work full-time, walk for a reason (to get to meetings or events - not just for the sake of walking because I find that boring), and take a couple of dance classes every day (because that's my exercise of choice). Following the doctor and dietician's instructions and with meds, I never got below 7.0 and I was 50 pounds heavier. I am back to my high school weight, I take no medication, and my last A1C was 5.6. If I indulge, which I often do, I just work it off - no restrictions at all, nothing is off limits. I know I am lucky to have found what works for me, but I think with trial and error everybody can find that sweet spot. It gives me the confidence I need to stand up to my doctor at my very veggie-focused HMO. The only negative is that my annual doctor's visit is always an argument about my diet, but they can't argue with the numbers. For me, it's no longer a horrible or frightening part of the year. I am in charge of me. If I want to make my Aunt Carol happy, I'll eat a bite or two of her horrid casserole or or a big slice of her awesome pumpkin pie, then I'll stay for a second aerobics class the next day. No regrets, no guilt, and good numbers.