OK, I admit it. I am terrible at writing a daily blog :-) I'm also terrible at sticking to a diet.
Having said that, I've been doing well, its more a problem of eating too much of a good thing rather than eating naughty stuff.
I haven't been pigging out on junk, but I've been eating way too much of the things that I am allowed to eat.
Which means that, in terms of my hypoglycemia, it is starting to get under control - physically I feel exceptionally well, and mentally, I have improved - I used to get regular 'black days' - I haven't had one since I've started eating correctly.
I am still on my anti-depressants though - the plan is to be well enough to stop them - but I think it will be a good 6 or more months before I feel comfortable enough to plan their exit.
It is a fantastic feeling knowing that you are doing what is good for your body - I've lost a few kgs during the process so far, and I can't imagine why that weight loss would stop - its extremely slow - only 1/2 a kilo or so a week, but because weight loss is not the focus, I haven't been all bonkers about sticking to calories, or beating myself up over gaining weight.
I've found it quite easy to stick to the hypoglycaemic diet - my blood sugar doesn't seem to be overly bothered by fruits like pear, mandarin and strawberries, so I've been using them to balance out my sugar cravings. I have the odd sultana in amongst my nuts & seed mix as well. I know sultanas are naughty, but mixing them around with the nuts/seeds seems to work ok for me.
I also use some sweetener when I need to - though I hate the aftertaste! I use Madurah teabags because they are extremely low in caffeine, and a splash of skim milk in my tea. I've almost stopped having sweetener in my tea at all - I've been happy with just milk - but every now and then I feel like it needs to be sweet, and thats when I put in a bit of sweetener.
Actually, I've just realised that today I've not had caffeine at all, and I really haven't missed it!! This is a milestone, believe me!
The other interesting thing is that since I've been on the diet, my body is alot more sensitive to when I go off the diet - for example, I had a Saturday recently where I was out all day, and didn't have opportunity to eat correctly - the next day I could hardly get myself out of bed, and my stomach made it very clear that it was not impressed!!!
All in all, things going along nicely.
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Last Day of Week 1
It seems I've made it through the first week with no massive dramas, and the advice of two of my friends who independently said I look as though I've lost weight to provide impetus to continue.
I still wonder, tho, if I'm eating correctly to combat the hypoglycemia symptoms. I'm eating differently, for sure, but am I taking all the right steps?
Only time will tell, I guess :-)
I still wonder, tho, if I'm eating correctly to combat the hypoglycemia symptoms. I'm eating differently, for sure, but am I taking all the right steps?
Only time will tell, I guess :-)
Friday, 29 July 2011
Almost a Week Down - Progress Report!
Well, as you know, I did have a hiccup at the start of the week that taught me alot.
Having said that, I've done really well over the past few days - and I think the scales are showing a little improvement as well, which is always welcome! Tho not the purpose of the exercise.
Its really quite difficult to balance up all the different things, but I think with a bit of practice, it will get easier. I have found myself eating the same sandwich every day at work for the past few days - I need to consider other options for lunches. I would have had a few warm lunches, except I didn't end up making some of the things because they didn't follow the 'new' rules I created in the middle of the week.
Tonight I'm making a chicken, walnut and rocket salad - warmed chicken, warmed red capsicum, rocket, walnuts, ricotta, seeded mustard....I think it will be delicious! Am looking forward to making it.
Made a 'breakfast shake' earlier this week with rolled oats - it was OK, but the oats left kind of a claggy feel to the whole thing, so I'll look for a different base I think. Was skim milk, strawberries, natural yoghurt and oats.
What I really need to do is find some time to do a little exercise - I need to commit to dancing (that will help!) and fix my bike tyre so I can go riding - which I really like to do, but am too slack to fix the tyre :-)
Am going to a girlfriend's place tonight for a gossip and a video - I think this will be the telling moment - can I resist her snacks and wine, and stick to my own healthy snacks and water?? Only time will tell....
Until next time, stay happy & healthy.
Having said that, I've done really well over the past few days - and I think the scales are showing a little improvement as well, which is always welcome! Tho not the purpose of the exercise.
Its really quite difficult to balance up all the different things, but I think with a bit of practice, it will get easier. I have found myself eating the same sandwich every day at work for the past few days - I need to consider other options for lunches. I would have had a few warm lunches, except I didn't end up making some of the things because they didn't follow the 'new' rules I created in the middle of the week.
Tonight I'm making a chicken, walnut and rocket salad - warmed chicken, warmed red capsicum, rocket, walnuts, ricotta, seeded mustard....I think it will be delicious! Am looking forward to making it.
Made a 'breakfast shake' earlier this week with rolled oats - it was OK, but the oats left kind of a claggy feel to the whole thing, so I'll look for a different base I think. Was skim milk, strawberries, natural yoghurt and oats.
What I really need to do is find some time to do a little exercise - I need to commit to dancing (that will help!) and fix my bike tyre so I can go riding - which I really like to do, but am too slack to fix the tyre :-)
Am going to a girlfriend's place tonight for a gossip and a video - I think this will be the telling moment - can I resist her snacks and wine, and stick to my own healthy snacks and water?? Only time will tell....
Until next time, stay happy & healthy.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Day Four
There is some truth, it seems, in everyone's advice that the first few days after the first few days will be the hardest. I've stuck to my plans today, but am really craving.
It doesn't help that we've had some employees based in Belgium rock up at work and bring a lovely big box of Belgian chocolates. I've been very strong - today I took a step in the direction of the box, then turned myself around.
I reworked my diet last night to try to meet some more of the requirements to minimise sugar intake, but I just can't reconcile to having no fruit at all. Fruit has its own health benefits, and I can't imagine a diet that pulls fruit out completely can ever be good for you. I have stuck to strawberries, mandarines and pears, with maybe the odd 1/2 an apple and the odd kiwifruit.
Not sure about sultanas. They are high GI, but I only have a few of them through my fruit & nut mix - are they going to mess the entire thing up??
I still have a headache, but its very minimal - so looks like the caffeine detox is perhaps working. I suspect the sugar detox was kind of interrupted by the binge day I had the other day, so am still working on that. Had a low kick in just after lunch today - I was working and all of a sudden I just started to fall asleep. Had something to eat, and it went away...
I'm feeling kind of serious and a tiny bit stressy today - I badly feel the lack of a partner in my life - I'm just not the type to be alone - I don't need someone who lives with me, just someone who loves me. Is that too much to ask??
Not sure if I told you that 'the guy' I was talking about at the very beginning has proven himself to be a first quality arsehole, so I'm not contacting him - it'll be up to him to contact me, and make me want to see him. But personally, I think that will never happen.
Anyway, enough wallowing.
It doesn't help that we've had some employees based in Belgium rock up at work and bring a lovely big box of Belgian chocolates. I've been very strong - today I took a step in the direction of the box, then turned myself around.
I reworked my diet last night to try to meet some more of the requirements to minimise sugar intake, but I just can't reconcile to having no fruit at all. Fruit has its own health benefits, and I can't imagine a diet that pulls fruit out completely can ever be good for you. I have stuck to strawberries, mandarines and pears, with maybe the odd 1/2 an apple and the odd kiwifruit.
Not sure about sultanas. They are high GI, but I only have a few of them through my fruit & nut mix - are they going to mess the entire thing up??
I still have a headache, but its very minimal - so looks like the caffeine detox is perhaps working. I suspect the sugar detox was kind of interrupted by the binge day I had the other day, so am still working on that. Had a low kick in just after lunch today - I was working and all of a sudden I just started to fall asleep. Had something to eat, and it went away...
I'm feeling kind of serious and a tiny bit stressy today - I badly feel the lack of a partner in my life - I'm just not the type to be alone - I don't need someone who lives with me, just someone who loves me. Is that too much to ask??
Not sure if I told you that 'the guy' I was talking about at the very beginning has proven himself to be a first quality arsehole, so I'm not contacting him - it'll be up to him to contact me, and make me want to see him. But personally, I think that will never happen.
Anyway, enough wallowing.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Day Three - BACK ON TRACK
So I seem to have got it all back under control today - ate the right things, etc.
I woke up this morning absolutely lethargic - pressed the snooze button twice before turning the alarm off and going back to sleep for another hour and a half - not good for my morning preparation!! I had 1/2 an hour to cram 1 1/2 hours worth of stuff into - and I did it! But I'd prefer not to have to!
I'm what they call "Not a morning person" - and now, without even caffeine to give me a kick, it takes heaps of effort to start up in the morning. I'm hoping along the way the new diet will help with that.
I did eat alot today - I think perhaps more than I should have - and definitely more fat than I should have. I'm finding it difficult to balance protein, fat and carbs - if I eat lots of protein, I end up with a WAY higher fat content than I'd like.
Then again, perhaps I need to concentrate on the fact that this is not a weight loss exercise, but a blood-sugar-balancing exercise. On the other hand, being overweight is not good for blood sugar either...
I found a new site today written by a family that all have hypoglycemia, and giving not only other net references, but food ideas, general advice, and a little bit of encouragement. Its www.keepinghappy.com and it's great - info from a mum about feeding her family, what's on her shopping list, research that she and her son have done....
Til tomorrow stay healthy & happy
I woke up this morning absolutely lethargic - pressed the snooze button twice before turning the alarm off and going back to sleep for another hour and a half - not good for my morning preparation!! I had 1/2 an hour to cram 1 1/2 hours worth of stuff into - and I did it! But I'd prefer not to have to!
I'm what they call "Not a morning person" - and now, without even caffeine to give me a kick, it takes heaps of effort to start up in the morning. I'm hoping along the way the new diet will help with that.
I did eat alot today - I think perhaps more than I should have - and definitely more fat than I should have. I'm finding it difficult to balance protein, fat and carbs - if I eat lots of protein, I end up with a WAY higher fat content than I'd like.
Then again, perhaps I need to concentrate on the fact that this is not a weight loss exercise, but a blood-sugar-balancing exercise. On the other hand, being overweight is not good for blood sugar either...
I found a new site today written by a family that all have hypoglycemia, and giving not only other net references, but food ideas, general advice, and a little bit of encouragement. Its www.keepinghappy.com and it's great - info from a mum about feeding her family, what's on her shopping list, research that she and her son have done....
Til tomorrow stay healthy & happy
Monday, 25 July 2011
Day 2 Part 2
It only took 2 days for me to break my diet - but I discovered something extremely interesting about myself as a result, and will be able to look closely into that in the weeks ahead.
I had pasta. I should have had a specific type, but I didn't have any, so I thought I'd cook normal pasta, cook it as little as possible so it wasn't too high carb.
Oh. My. God. As soon as I ate it, I wanted more. I ate the leftovers. Just the pasta by itself - not even with a sauce over it. And then I was craving sugar, so I had some icecream.
Moral of the Story - Avoid processed white things. COMPLETELY!!
Oh, but I still have a headache - I guess that's pure caffeine withdrawal.
I had pasta. I should have had a specific type, but I didn't have any, so I thought I'd cook normal pasta, cook it as little as possible so it wasn't too high carb.
Oh. My. God. As soon as I ate it, I wanted more. I ate the leftovers. Just the pasta by itself - not even with a sauce over it. And then I was craving sugar, so I had some icecream.
Moral of the Story - Avoid processed white things. COMPLETELY!!
Oh, but I still have a headache - I guess that's pure caffeine withdrawal.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Day 2 - No serious withdrawal, but headaches & lethargy galore!
Have made it successfully to Day 2 - with little more discomfort than a nagging headache and some severe tiredness (par for the course for a busy mum!)
I know that the first few days you are still running on your old stores of caffeine & sugar, and that tomorrow or the next day I should plunge, but I'm really pleased that it hasn't happened yet!!
Yesterday went to the park with my son & kicked the soccer ball around for a bit - I was also pleased to get a bit of exercise in - the hypo plan doesn't actually include exercise (although everyone knows it's good for you, the resetting of neuro-transmitters doesn't rely on it) - so I am trying to add a bit in where I can - can only do me good!
I was pleased to wake up this morning without being extremely lethargic - I certainly didn't spring out of bed, but I didn't get up moaning and groaning about having to get up either.
Today's diet is a little more carb & fat, and a little less protein - I have the feeling that after this first two weeks I will be making some adjustments to increase the protein back up - I've calculated the amounts of fat, carbs & protein in the first few days of meals, and found that there are more carbs than protein - which I think is not exactly how it's supposed to be. From what I've read, a higher level of protein works better (without cutting carbs out all the way, of course - its still about balance).
There are so many things to consider - carb, protein & fat levels, whether to go with wholegrains (which can apparently upset a delicate tummy) or not (which will increase the GI level of the grainy things), adding supplements to my diet, making sure that I'm not damaging my iron levels (which are genetically low), keeping an eye on my energy levels but understanding that for the first couple of weeks (or perhaps months) I am still going to feel tired because the awesome highs in blood sugar aren't there anymore, finding something to have instead of my usual cuppa tea, working out how I'm going to go round to my friends places and not have a glass or three of wine or spirits or something else...
Then I look at the picture of my son on my desk and remember exactly why I'm doing this - its for me, so that I can be there for him, and so that I can get my relationship back on track with the love of my life. All these sacrifices are worth it when I think about both of those guys and what they mean to me.
Until next time, be healthy & happy
I know that the first few days you are still running on your old stores of caffeine & sugar, and that tomorrow or the next day I should plunge, but I'm really pleased that it hasn't happened yet!!
Yesterday went to the park with my son & kicked the soccer ball around for a bit - I was also pleased to get a bit of exercise in - the hypo plan doesn't actually include exercise (although everyone knows it's good for you, the resetting of neuro-transmitters doesn't rely on it) - so I am trying to add a bit in where I can - can only do me good!
I was pleased to wake up this morning without being extremely lethargic - I certainly didn't spring out of bed, but I didn't get up moaning and groaning about having to get up either.
Today's diet is a little more carb & fat, and a little less protein - I have the feeling that after this first two weeks I will be making some adjustments to increase the protein back up - I've calculated the amounts of fat, carbs & protein in the first few days of meals, and found that there are more carbs than protein - which I think is not exactly how it's supposed to be. From what I've read, a higher level of protein works better (without cutting carbs out all the way, of course - its still about balance).
There are so many things to consider - carb, protein & fat levels, whether to go with wholegrains (which can apparently upset a delicate tummy) or not (which will increase the GI level of the grainy things), adding supplements to my diet, making sure that I'm not damaging my iron levels (which are genetically low), keeping an eye on my energy levels but understanding that for the first couple of weeks (or perhaps months) I am still going to feel tired because the awesome highs in blood sugar aren't there anymore, finding something to have instead of my usual cuppa tea, working out how I'm going to go round to my friends places and not have a glass or three of wine or spirits or something else...
Then I look at the picture of my son on my desk and remember exactly why I'm doing this - its for me, so that I can be there for him, and so that I can get my relationship back on track with the love of my life. All these sacrifices are worth it when I think about both of those guys and what they mean to me.
Until next time, be healthy & happy
Saturday, 23 July 2011
DAY ONE
OK, so I've made it to day 1.
It's 11:00am and I'm already starting to shake - no caffeine & no sugar.
On waking up, I felt extremely positive - got through breakfast without any sugar or caffeine cravings - which surprised me a little - I've had a cuppa tea with breakfast for many, many years - thought there would be much more distress. But not as yet! Just a bit of shakes, and the withdrawal headache beginning to kick in.
Also, I'm feeling really tired - also expected.
Am going for a walk with my son to the park later, to kick around the soccer ball a bit, so I'll probably need a little nap before that!
Todays menu is:
Breakfast - 1 poached egg, 1cup of english spinach, 1 piece of wholegrain toast, 1/2 teaspoon of seeded mustard and 1/2 cup of skim milk
Snack - 1 mandarine
Lunch - 50 grams of chicken, 2 pieces of wholegrain bread, garden salad
Snack - 3 x 9 Grain Vita Weats, 1/2 tbsp peanut butter
Dinner - 100g steak, beans, carrots, cabbage with bacon & onion
Snack - 3/4c skim milk, blended with 4 strawberries and a kiwifruit
Lots of water, a multivitamin, and fish oil with breakfast, lunch and dinner
This equates to 1284 calories (5367 kilojoules)
OK, going for my nap - hopefully the headache is nipped in the bud by a quick sleep.
Til next time be healthy & happy.
It's 11:00am and I'm already starting to shake - no caffeine & no sugar.
On waking up, I felt extremely positive - got through breakfast without any sugar or caffeine cravings - which surprised me a little - I've had a cuppa tea with breakfast for many, many years - thought there would be much more distress. But not as yet! Just a bit of shakes, and the withdrawal headache beginning to kick in.
Also, I'm feeling really tired - also expected.
Am going for a walk with my son to the park later, to kick around the soccer ball a bit, so I'll probably need a little nap before that!
Todays menu is:
Breakfast - 1 poached egg, 1cup of english spinach, 1 piece of wholegrain toast, 1/2 teaspoon of seeded mustard and 1/2 cup of skim milk
Snack - 1 mandarine
Lunch - 50 grams of chicken, 2 pieces of wholegrain bread, garden salad
Snack - 3 x 9 Grain Vita Weats, 1/2 tbsp peanut butter
Dinner - 100g steak, beans, carrots, cabbage with bacon & onion
Snack - 3/4c skim milk, blended with 4 strawberries and a kiwifruit
Lots of water, a multivitamin, and fish oil with breakfast, lunch and dinner
This equates to 1284 calories (5367 kilojoules)
OK, going for my nap - hopefully the headache is nipped in the bud by a quick sleep.
Til next time be healthy & happy.
| Lunch | 50g chicken 2 x wholegrain bread 1c garden salad 1/4c sprouts | |
| Snack | 3 x 9 Grain VitaWeats 1/2 tbsp peanut butter | |
| Dinner | 100g steak 1/2c beans 1/2c carrots 1c cabbage 1sl bacon 2 sl onion 1tsp spread | |
| Snack | 3/4c skim milk 4 x strawberries 1 x kiwifruit |
Friday, 22 July 2011
Recipes and Relationships
I've had a few wins today - T minus 2 and counting - I finished the second week of my menus, and I re-connected with 'the guy'.
You'll remember that 'the guy' broke up with me because of my depression? And that's why I started looking into exactly why I had depression? And discovered that everything I suffer can be explained by my hypoglycemia? Well, we got to chatting earlier, then he invited me round, and...well... you need not have explained in detail what happened.
I'm still a little pensive - his walls were well and truly up - but so were mine, I think there needs to be a little more conversation and a little less action before we really start knocking those back down.
But hey! its a start, right?
Back to the menus - I'm sticking to a fairly strict regime to begin with - I don't want to undermine all my efforts by sneaking in some small things that might undo all the good, so I'm being pretty strict. Calorie count of around 1300 per day, less than 30g fat, balanced proteins & complex carbs. Tomorrow is Shopping Day - where I get to buy up all the little bits and pieces of food I'll need to be able to cook so that I don't fall off the wagon.
I'm feeling very positive - I am quietly optimistic that this will work - just from previous experiences (losing a heap of weight on a low-carb diet; visiting an iridologist YEARS ago and being told that my adrenals were not working properly) it feels like its going to be the right thing to do.
Until next blog, stay happy & healthy!
You'll remember that 'the guy' broke up with me because of my depression? And that's why I started looking into exactly why I had depression? And discovered that everything I suffer can be explained by my hypoglycemia? Well, we got to chatting earlier, then he invited me round, and...well... you need not have explained in detail what happened.
I'm still a little pensive - his walls were well and truly up - but so were mine, I think there needs to be a little more conversation and a little less action before we really start knocking those back down.
But hey! its a start, right?
Back to the menus - I'm sticking to a fairly strict regime to begin with - I don't want to undermine all my efforts by sneaking in some small things that might undo all the good, so I'm being pretty strict. Calorie count of around 1300 per day, less than 30g fat, balanced proteins & complex carbs. Tomorrow is Shopping Day - where I get to buy up all the little bits and pieces of food I'll need to be able to cook so that I don't fall off the wagon.
I'm feeling very positive - I am quietly optimistic that this will work - just from previous experiences (losing a heap of weight on a low-carb diet; visiting an iridologist YEARS ago and being told that my adrenals were not working properly) it feels like its going to be the right thing to do.
Until next blog, stay happy & healthy!
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Home Again!
You know, I love coming home after a few days away. I love hopping into my own bed, under my own shower, using my own plates and cups and things... The hotel we were staying in was nice, but I think Dorothy had it right when she said "There's no place like home."
We are up to T minus 3 days (I think I said that yesterday, but a recount was made :-) ), and my tasks for the next few days are to plan the second week of my menus (I'll be planning out probably between 4 and 8 weeks of menus - I like variety in my food so I need to be sure I can provide that), shopping for non-perishables and supplements, and cleaning out my refrigerator and cupboard of thing that are likely to tempt me.
I have re-read the information I've discovered regarding Hypoglycemia and its just reinforced in my mind that I fit all the symptoms. It is so nice to be able to say "Yes, I have xxx symptom, but its caused by blood sugar imbalances, which I am about to fix."
OK. So there are three basic rules to follow in the Hypoglycemic Diet:
1. Avoid sugar, coffee, strong tea, nicotine and refined carbohydrates
2. Commence a diet of high protein and complex carbohydrate foods eaten at least every three hours or sooner to provide a slow release of glucose.
3. Supplement the diet with vitamin B complex, chromium, zinc, Vitamin C, Fish Oil, B12, Folic Acid and Vitamin D. I'm going hunting for a good multi that includes all of these - I already take Fish Oil regularly.
Shouldn't be too difficult, right??
Except that I am a sugar-and-caffeine addict from way back :-). I'm not looking forward to the few weeks of withdrawal - I'm warning all my friends that I'm likely to be an absolute ogre. However, I AM looking forward to after that, when I feel better.
Til next blog, stay healthy and happy.
We are up to T minus 3 days (I think I said that yesterday, but a recount was made :-) ), and my tasks for the next few days are to plan the second week of my menus (I'll be planning out probably between 4 and 8 weeks of menus - I like variety in my food so I need to be sure I can provide that), shopping for non-perishables and supplements, and cleaning out my refrigerator and cupboard of thing that are likely to tempt me.
I have re-read the information I've discovered regarding Hypoglycemia and its just reinforced in my mind that I fit all the symptoms. It is so nice to be able to say "Yes, I have xxx symptom, but its caused by blood sugar imbalances, which I am about to fix."
OK. So there are three basic rules to follow in the Hypoglycemic Diet:
1. Avoid sugar, coffee, strong tea, nicotine and refined carbohydrates
2. Commence a diet of high protein and complex carbohydrate foods eaten at least every three hours or sooner to provide a slow release of glucose.
3. Supplement the diet with vitamin B complex, chromium, zinc, Vitamin C, Fish Oil, B12, Folic Acid and Vitamin D. I'm going hunting for a good multi that includes all of these - I already take Fish Oil regularly.
Shouldn't be too difficult, right??
Except that I am a sugar-and-caffeine addict from way back :-). I'm not looking forward to the few weeks of withdrawal - I'm warning all my friends that I'm likely to be an absolute ogre. However, I AM looking forward to after that, when I feel better.
Til next blog, stay healthy and happy.
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
What I Know
I'm going to tell you now what I understand about Hypoglycemia. This is purely from my bits and pieces of research along the way, and is not medical advice in any way shape or form. If you think you might fit the bill, go see your GP and get yourself a glucose tolerance test. That's probably the surest way to know for sure.
1. Relatively minor processes inside your body affect your whole body.
2. If your body responds to stimuli in a certain way often enough, it will learn that behaviour.
3. Change takes time. Resetting your body's functions takes time.
4. We live in a society saturated with sugar.
5. We can't cut sugar 100% out of our diet.
6. To cut as much sugar out of your diet as possible, you need to plan your meals, snacks and the times you go out.
7. Expect some bad days. Expect some days of feeling like shit.
8. Expect a few weeks of absolute hell when you start, as you will be likely suffering sugar and (if you are like me) caffeine withdrawal.
9. We live fairly lazy lives. Human bodies are not designed to live lazy lives. We need some exercise - light and air are also good for us.
10. We live fairly stressful lives. Human bodies are not designed to live permanently in a stressful state. We need some relax time, some chill time, some 'me' time, some recharge time.
So, today is T minus 3 days - I go home today from my conference interstate, and begin taking stock of my life and lifestyle, and hopefully by Sunday morning, I'll be ready to make all changes for the better.
Rock on Sunday!
Until next blog, hope you are healthy and happy,
xoxo
1. Relatively minor processes inside your body affect your whole body.
2. If your body responds to stimuli in a certain way often enough, it will learn that behaviour.
3. Change takes time. Resetting your body's functions takes time.
4. We live in a society saturated with sugar.
5. We can't cut sugar 100% out of our diet.
6. To cut as much sugar out of your diet as possible, you need to plan your meals, snacks and the times you go out.
7. Expect some bad days. Expect some days of feeling like shit.
8. Expect a few weeks of absolute hell when you start, as you will be likely suffering sugar and (if you are like me) caffeine withdrawal.
9. We live fairly lazy lives. Human bodies are not designed to live lazy lives. We need some exercise - light and air are also good for us.
10. We live fairly stressful lives. Human bodies are not designed to live permanently in a stressful state. We need some relax time, some chill time, some 'me' time, some recharge time.
So, today is T minus 3 days - I go home today from my conference interstate, and begin taking stock of my life and lifestyle, and hopefully by Sunday morning, I'll be ready to make all changes for the better.
Rock on Sunday!
Until next blog, hope you are healthy and happy,
xoxo
Monday, 18 July 2011
How does Hypoglycemia make you feel?
I can tell you, since discovering I had Hypoglycemia I've been paying more attention to how what I eat makes me feel. And I can tell you, the effect of foods on my body is incredible.
Eating poorly makes me tired, uninterested and sluggish. I prefer not to see people, or talk to people, because they are only ever going to piss me off, and I'll just end up snapping at them.
I haven't yet had opportunity to see how carbs v protein v fat changes affect me in a good way - one blog that I read suggested that it will depend on quite a bit of self-balancing - but this I do know - they way I've been eating is NOTHING like what I'm planning to be (I am away from home for work, so the food is not exactly designed to meet Hypo-g requirements!) and I'm looking forward to feeling better, more awake, less irritable and more energetic. We are at T minus 4 days and counting....
Eating poorly makes me tired, uninterested and sluggish. I prefer not to see people, or talk to people, because they are only ever going to piss me off, and I'll just end up snapping at them.
I haven't yet had opportunity to see how carbs v protein v fat changes affect me in a good way - one blog that I read suggested that it will depend on quite a bit of self-balancing - but this I do know - they way I've been eating is NOTHING like what I'm planning to be (I am away from home for work, so the food is not exactly designed to meet Hypo-g requirements!) and I'm looking forward to feeling better, more awake, less irritable and more energetic. We are at T minus 4 days and counting....
This Starts as a Very Sad Story
I have been depressive since I was 19, and I am now 37. I know it's more physiological than psychological - I'm a relatively well adjusted grown up, with a good job, a steady income, a nice place to live, and a wonderful almost-eight year old son. I do also have an ex-husband, and ex-religion and some family issues, but I suspect not much more than anyone else!
I recently met a wonderful man who I clicked with in an instant. It was like talking to my clone, only a male...well, OK, not a clone then, but the yin to my yang, the black to my white, the night to my day. Together, we seemed complete. I heard this from him as well - it was like we'd known each other forever. We contemplated a long life together, discussed next years holidays, and moving in together and met each others kids and seemed to get their approval. His family and friends commented that they hadn't seen him this happy in a very long time, and I was expecting a long and extremely happy life with this fabulous man.
Now, the strange part about this is that we met each other online, and met each other in person three weeks later, and were only together for one week following that. But the connection was amazingly strong, and we were saying the "L" word to each other on the 2nd day we actually clapped eyes on each other - I suspect I'd already fallen in love before we even met, and he told me he really had too.
We had a fabulous Friday night of our first week... then came Saturday. My depression gave me a jolt, and I had what I call a 'black day' - just moping around, sleepy, grumpy, snapping at people (mainly him) and just generally being a miserable bitch. My 'black days' occur every 2 months or so, and last for 2 or 3 days at a time. I will admit - I am no fun to live with at those times.
Anyway, so I went from receiving around 10 contacts a day from him (text, phone and skype) to none. And none the next day either. You can imagine I was becoming just a tiny bit frantic.
Then, the bombshell. He had only just got out of a relationship with a depressive woman, and my 'black day' convinced him that the relationship with me was not going to work either.
I was devastated, angry, betrayed. I was looking at forever with this man - I was prepared to put up with some of his baggage. Surely he should be prepared to put up with some of mine. However, I was only devastated, angry and betrayed for a very short while. Soon, I started thinking that if it was depression that caused him to leave me, then I would have to combat that to get him back. But I was confused - I've had depression for over 20 years - how was I going to get rid of it that easily??
Then I started to draw some logical conclusions. My depression is mostly physiological - its not usually triggered by any emotional state. So, if I have depression that is really only physiological, then it must be caused by something. But what? I'd previously done a Glucose Tolerance Test and found I was Hypoglycemic. On checking out what Hypoglycemia involves, I was very surprised to find that it creates a whole pile of other conditions as well, including depression.
There were four indicators of Hypoglycemia and anyone showing three of them was thought to have the condition. I showed four.
So, as a result of my researches, I am planning to combat my Hypoglycemia and, in turn, do away with my depression. I am really quite excited by the prospect - after suffering 20 years of black days, I'd love to see a future horizon without them. I'd gotten used to them being part of my life, but now I think I can see a future without them, and that makes me very excited. It can take between 9 and 14 months to tidy up the mess inside one's head caused by hypoglycemia, so its not going to be a short journey, but it should be a fantastically fulfilling one.
Sunday 24 July is Day 1 of my new life. I need a few days to clean up some old mess from my old life, so Sunday it is. I'm going to use this blog to let you know how I'm faring, to drop the odd bit of info on hypoglycemia and its related nasties, and hopefully tell you how good it feels to be depression-free.
Oh, and just so you know, I am also going to try to get the guy back. Our connection was way too strong to let it go over something that might not even be an issue a year from now. Not exactly sure how I'm going to do that, but I am going to. I'll keep you informed on that front as well.
Until next blog, stay well and happy.
I recently met a wonderful man who I clicked with in an instant. It was like talking to my clone, only a male...well, OK, not a clone then, but the yin to my yang, the black to my white, the night to my day. Together, we seemed complete. I heard this from him as well - it was like we'd known each other forever. We contemplated a long life together, discussed next years holidays, and moving in together and met each others kids and seemed to get their approval. His family and friends commented that they hadn't seen him this happy in a very long time, and I was expecting a long and extremely happy life with this fabulous man.
Now, the strange part about this is that we met each other online, and met each other in person three weeks later, and were only together for one week following that. But the connection was amazingly strong, and we were saying the "L" word to each other on the 2nd day we actually clapped eyes on each other - I suspect I'd already fallen in love before we even met, and he told me he really had too.
We had a fabulous Friday night of our first week... then came Saturday. My depression gave me a jolt, and I had what I call a 'black day' - just moping around, sleepy, grumpy, snapping at people (mainly him) and just generally being a miserable bitch. My 'black days' occur every 2 months or so, and last for 2 or 3 days at a time. I will admit - I am no fun to live with at those times.
Anyway, so I went from receiving around 10 contacts a day from him (text, phone and skype) to none. And none the next day either. You can imagine I was becoming just a tiny bit frantic.
Then, the bombshell. He had only just got out of a relationship with a depressive woman, and my 'black day' convinced him that the relationship with me was not going to work either.
I was devastated, angry, betrayed. I was looking at forever with this man - I was prepared to put up with some of his baggage. Surely he should be prepared to put up with some of mine. However, I was only devastated, angry and betrayed for a very short while. Soon, I started thinking that if it was depression that caused him to leave me, then I would have to combat that to get him back. But I was confused - I've had depression for over 20 years - how was I going to get rid of it that easily??
Then I started to draw some logical conclusions. My depression is mostly physiological - its not usually triggered by any emotional state. So, if I have depression that is really only physiological, then it must be caused by something. But what? I'd previously done a Glucose Tolerance Test and found I was Hypoglycemic. On checking out what Hypoglycemia involves, I was very surprised to find that it creates a whole pile of other conditions as well, including depression.
There were four indicators of Hypoglycemia and anyone showing three of them was thought to have the condition. I showed four.
So, as a result of my researches, I am planning to combat my Hypoglycemia and, in turn, do away with my depression. I am really quite excited by the prospect - after suffering 20 years of black days, I'd love to see a future horizon without them. I'd gotten used to them being part of my life, but now I think I can see a future without them, and that makes me very excited. It can take between 9 and 14 months to tidy up the mess inside one's head caused by hypoglycemia, so its not going to be a short journey, but it should be a fantastically fulfilling one.
Sunday 24 July is Day 1 of my new life. I need a few days to clean up some old mess from my old life, so Sunday it is. I'm going to use this blog to let you know how I'm faring, to drop the odd bit of info on hypoglycemia and its related nasties, and hopefully tell you how good it feels to be depression-free.
Oh, and just so you know, I am also going to try to get the guy back. Our connection was way too strong to let it go over something that might not even be an issue a year from now. Not exactly sure how I'm going to do that, but I am going to. I'll keep you informed on that front as well.
Until next blog, stay well and happy.
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