Today I am sharing part two of the questions that were left on this post. You can read part one here. Are there any alternative therapies you believe are supportive of your diabetes management? I know you've written about the value of apple cider vinegar (I've seen a positive impact on my blood sugar as well). Any other things you find helpful - supplements, foods etc. thanks!
Yes, apple cider vinegar for sure. I notice that when I drink it before a meal my post meal blood sugar is much lower compared to when I eat the same thing and do not drink the apple cider vinegar. I also have found that liquid stevia (I put it in my coffee and smoothies), matcha green tea powder and chia seeds all help to lower and control my blood sugar. Chia seeds is actually the weirdest thing yet as far as alternative therapies go. Sometimes if my blood sugar is a little on the higher side I will have a small bowl of chia seed pudding (1/4 cup of chia seeds, unsweetened almond milk, stevia and cinnamon) and with just a tiny correction of insulin my blood sugar always comes down. It is the craziest thing!
Just wanted to say that you are looking great post baby, great work! Do you attribute this to the Paleo diet you have started more recently? What type of exercise do you?
Well thank you! I attribute my post baby weight loss to a combination of eating clean (Paleo) and working out. I truly believe that you really must do a combination of both in order to get results with weight loss. I do a lot of running, spin class at my gym and I recently started weight training, which I feel has made the biggest difference in my body post baby. I have also made it a priority to involve my family with exercise on the weekends. We love to go hiking, go on family bike rides, bring the boys to the park and throw around a frisbee etc. Over all for me it's about making exercise fun and involving my family so everyone benefits.
Do you have suggestions for low carb snacks and easy lunch ideas (Paleo)?
Here are a few snack ideas: almonds, a can of tuna, turkey jerky (my favorite), superfood energy balls, a spoonful on almond or sunflower seed butter dipped in roasted flax seeds (amazing), avocado sprinkled with nutritional yeast, hard boiled eggs and coconut milk yogurt.
Here are a few lunch ideas: baked or grilled salmon (I make this for dinner and make extra for lunch), spinach salad with whatever fixings on it you like, lettuce wraps with ground turkey and veggies, cauliflower or tomato soup, protein style hamburger (everything except the bread) and low carb smoothies or protein shakes if you are short on time.
I know getting getting my a1c under better control is #1, but what other advice do you have for a T1 woman, hoping to have a baby down the road?
Start planning financially. There is no price on a child but just be aware that being pregnant while being T1 is very expensive even if you have great health insurance.
Any experience with juicing and how to adjust for carb counts?
Yes, you can read all about it here and here. I did a carb correction for the fruit and higher carb vegetables in each smoothie ex...apples, kiwis, carrots and oranges. If I was unsure about the exact carb count I looked it up online.
Did you have to switch to carb counting when you started using a pump? If so, how difficult of an adjustment was it?
I have been carb counting since I was diagnosed at seven years old, so when I switched to the pump it was a really easy transition for me. But if you are new to carb counting and thinking about getting the pump there is SO much support and help from your doctor and the pump specialists that it will soon become second nature to you.
Do your boys eat the same way as you (paleo)?
I would say my boys eat Paleo 80% of the time. I love to cook and try to make all the meals my husband and two year old love but with healthy Paleo alternatives. But with that said we are totally normal and have treats and non Paleo things from time to time.
Well that sums up all your questions! I hope I was able to give you a little more insight on what has worked for me and how I am managing my type 1 diabetes.
14 comments:
Thank you so much for all the answers! So appreciated!
great post, I must try to make the chia seed pudding, sounds yummy :)
Hey! I have a question that you are probably not going to be able to answer for everyone, because I know we are all different. But, my blood sugar control is almost perfect now ... a1c=6, but I NEVER EXERCISE, AND I HATE THAT! I CANNOT seem to find a balance ... either my BG gets too high before, or goes low during or after ... what have you found that works? Temp. basal? Snack before?
Thanks!
Thanks for all the answers and all your great recipe finds. I am a Type I (I'm 51-diagnosed at 32yrs, have 2 girls born after diagnosis-one normal pregnancy and one with pre eclampsia0 but control with 5+ shots a day. Couple of questions. 1)How much apple cidar vinegar do you take before meals? 2)where do you buy your liquid stevia (we don't have Trader Joe's unfortunately) 3) Does your pump have a continuous glucose monitor built into it?
Thank you SO. MUCH. I have been following your blog casually for a while (for my hubby's Gluten-free kick) and I just got diagnosed with gestational diabetes. It will be a new lifestyle for the next couple of months at least!
Beth- awesome A1C! For me I like to have my blood sugar around 170 before exercising. I know that might seem a little high but I put my pump on suspend and even eat a few fruit snacks throughout my workout to keep me stable and by the time I am done I am usually around 90-110. Different exercises effect my blood sugar differently though. For example my body is used to running but whenever I bike ride I get low so have to sip on juice throughout my workout. Hope that helps!
Anonymous- I usually take about 2-3 tbs of APC before a meal. I buy my liquid stevia from a natural market called Organic Roots, any health food store should have it though. And Yes, I do have a CGM system along with my pump :)
Thanks! I think I am going to try to do some juice before, juice during, and juice after combined with a temp. basal and see what happens. :)
Thanks for the responses and insights, Lindsay! A couple of follow-up questions, if you're willing :) Do you still use protein powders in your smoothies? I know you mentioned designer whey in one smoothie recipe, but I'm wondering if that's still something you've found useful. Lastly, do you have a sense of how many carbs you eat in a day? I know you exercise frequently, so I'm wondering what you find works for you to balance that out! Thanks again!
Thank you Lindsay for sharing your experience. My 7 year old grandson has type 1 diabetes. Where do you usually ware your CGM and pump ( on your tummy ? )
I just have to say thank you. You may not know it, but you are such an inspiration! I've been T1 since I was 8 and am trying to get ready for babies. It's such an overwhelming feeling. Knowing you've successfully done it twice is helpful. Thanks for having this blog!
Lindsay,
This blog is so incredible.
I've been Diabetic for 24 years now and it has been one of the weirdest roller coasters of my life. I constantly struggle but I know that will be an every day for the rest of my life type of thing. Reading your blog makes me feel better knowing that there are others out there trying to find recipes to help stabilize and control their bGs.
Thanks for this sharing all of your experiences!
I didn't know about the BG effect of chia until I lived it. I had some chia pudding and was dealing with unexpected low bgs for a few hours. I am going to add this to my meal plan for sure! Plus I am a big fan of tapioca and this is a zillion times better.
I just discovered chia and (for me) the unexpected bg lowering experience. as a Type 1 who has moments of giving up on food, I was very excited to find this new treat. I have been missing tapioca for YEARS.
So excited to find your blog.
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