High Cholesterol

The last time I went to see my doctor about my blood test for my blood sugar - they also tested me on a few other things - such as cholesterol.  So when I had seen him a few weeks ago - he had mentioned that my cholesterol was higher than usual and tried to explain to me what are the good type of food to eat to reduce cholesterol .  One of the few things he mentioned was nuts and salmon but both I am already taking them, so what else can i do .. in order to help bring down the cholesterol?  Well, I’m gonna eat my fruits, oats and barley and see how it goes.

Blood Tests Difficulties

I thought i should share some secret with you regarding about going for your blood tests - how i know? well, it’s because I had blood transfusion 1.5 yrs ago - like 6 bags of it due to low hemoglobin and then got admitted in the hospital for a huge operation and then another emergency operation.  Well, besides making sure you have all your insurances for your hospital bills and affordable term life insurance rates for yourself and the entire family - i think you need to know how to make life less painful and frightful for you .. if you were in my position.   So if you were asked to go for blood testing and getting blood transfusion and all - make sure you ask for a “butterfly needle”.

Blood Test For Diabetics

So I went for my HA1C test for my diabetes - one that you have to take every 3 months for a diabetes.  Mine was long overdue - due to the fact that the last half of last year went by in a frenzy due to Missy Moo’s school/classmate.  Anyhow, when i first went for my blood test, i sometimes had to wait for an hour or even more to be tested.  But you and I know .. that being a diabetic .. and having to fast for 12 hrs before you can get your blood tested is no fun.  I usually bring a long my Amazon books to keep my mind off the food and fainting part.

But let me share a trick with you - if you are diabetic .. and doing your fasting and then blood test - when you register at the counter - tell the receptionist that you are a diabetic and had been fasting.  By doing that - they will let you go in the testing room immediately - because they don’t want you to faint on them.  So there you have it - i wished someone told me about it when i first had my blood test done about 1.5 yrs ago.

Hearty Breakfast For Diabetics.

People always think that diabetics cannot have a hearty breakfast without escalating the blood sugar and raise it sky high and maybe even drop dead while at it.  Well, you can - and don’t be fooled and think you cannot enjoy the better things in life like any other.  You just have to tweet the recipe a bit and have yourself and diabetic friendly breakfast casseroles and you’ll feel full and satisfied.   A southern breakfast favorite, hominy grits form the base for this hearty egg casserole. Team it with a fresh fruit compote and bran muffins for a terrific company brunch.  I’ll check out the MWF filter while i’m at it.

Breakfast & The Diabetic

Most people think that being a diabetic - all our food looks deary and dull - in fact they are absolutely wrong - this is one diabetic breakfast recommended by a top diabetic magazine and they even have the recipe for us - using 2 popovers.  Giving one a great start of a day by eating a healthy and delicious breakfast goes a long way.  One not only jump start your metabolism but also gives the body the nutrients it needs to keep going.   Be careful what you choose to eat because even though sugar is what one should watch for - other factors like carbs and fats need to be taken into consideration as well, else you will need the top diet pill to help you keep your weight down.

OJ & Diabetics

Many years ago, before learning that I was a diabetic - i would drink fruit juices religiously.  Afterall, are they not better than pop or any other drinks including those alcohol beverages?  But nope not really - I was on a weight loss supplements once and they told me that if you really wanted the benefit of an orange juice either squeeze it yourself or eat an orange.   OJ in boxes of juice is full of sugar content, much of the processing makes for a huge intake of unwanted sugar in the morning.  So if you really must have orange juice.. you know what to do now.

Joint Pains

Lately, I have been having joint pains and had been quite worried about it.  So an appt to see my family doctor was made, he recommended something to me and I was wondering if it will work for me.  Anyhow, this new doctor was definitely a lot nicer than my old doctor - he gave me a website and told me to click here to learn more about glucosamine sulphate or click here to go look up this and that.   Very different that’s for sure.. and i really, really hope he is gonna stay for a bit instead of moving somewhere else.

Boost Your Metabolism

My friend who is in destin florida was having a chat with me the other and we were saying to ourselves how when one gets older our metabolism seems to be a lot slower.  Maybe it’s just because we don’t move much?  or eat too much at the wrong them.    Well, we know that different ppl metabolism works differently besides, your age, weight, hormonal changes  and what you eat but one thing for sure is being a diabetic you need to learn new ways to boost your metabolism to lose some weight.  Like my grandmother used to say,  God only help those who helped themselves.

So how do you boost your metabolism..??   The first thing one can do is eat your breakfast everyday. My dietician tells me that eating breakfast gives one the energy for your daily requirement of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. And eating breakfast helps prevent overeating.   But don’t make the mistake that most people do and eat garbage for breakfast.  A healthful breakfast should include one or more servings of a high-fiber whole grain food, a good source of low-fat protein or dairy such as 8 ounces of fat-free milk, and a serving of fruit.

New Year and New Food For Diabetic

Think before you eat .. that was what .. Mr Moo said to me while putting on his  tuxedo vest for the new year’s eve party yesterday.   It’s hard isn’t it?  But having diabetic need not be a no food zone for diabetes - one of the most important thing for diabetic to know is to make sure they take their medication properly.  And it’s not about avoiding even the food you are not supposed to eat - but eating them once in a while is ok - in my opinion.  Having to cut all the do not eat food, like pizzas, cakes, pies, fried chicken and frozen meal - in my opinion is not gonna work - because you and I know .. that it’s gonna make us wanna eat it more.

Yes, there are other alternatives like baking your own pie and pizzas.. but who has the time right..?? if and unless  you are a stay at home mom .. who has grown up kids, there is just no way.. to bake and cook all the time.  So exercise is important.. and i know it’s hard.. because sometimes.. we just don’t have enough time.  But this year.. i’m gonna count on it .. to keep me healthy - since i love my food so much.  But if you slack off.. or you have to take care of your kid because he was ill .. well, don’t fret, you can still jump on the bandwagon again .. as soon as everything is in order again.  Good luck.. and happy new year to everyone.

Alcohol & Diabetes

Christmas is over .. and the New Year celebration is round the corner.  Many of you are wondering, when you are doing your new year’s party..  are you gonna be able to have your bubblies (champagne toast) right?  Talking about champagne..  i need new  kitchen faucets but that’s another story for another day.

Ok.. into more serious talks now..  so can one drink alcohol..??  According to what i know.. please don’t quote me .. it’s ok.. to have the occasional drink.  Now what do you mean by occasional drink..??  well.. during celebration.. like the new year.. and christmases.. but no more than 3 glasses .. i would say.  But if you are not into drinking.. don’t just go drinking..and burnt out your liver.. just because you think .. it will help with your blood sugar.

Power Food For Diabetes

While Mr Moo looked up for Oklahoma City lawyers for his buddy in college, i looked for power food for my diabetes. We all know that following a healthful meal plan filled with whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and lean protein goes a long way.

For those who are taking the baby-steps approach to eating better, this list is even more helpful. Not only are these power foods high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals, they’re also familiar and easy to find. That means you don’t have to hunt down any exotic ingredients or shop at specialty grocery stores to find foods that will help you get on track with a healthful meal plan.

Recommended power food for people like us who has diabetes are asparagus, blueberries, red grapefruit, beans, broccoli, carrots, fish, flaxseed, cranberries,  apples, melons, nuts, oatmeal, red onions, raspberries, spinach, soy, tea, tomatoes and yogurt.  So here i have a list for you and also a reminder for myself and if you and I can keep this list in mind, we will be doing really good.  Good luck..!

Starch Turns Into Sugar

Many people with diabetes .. often do not realized that even without taking a handful of sugar directly or eating chocolate you are still consuming sugar.  Take for example a medium potato, it has 51 carbs. The starch turns into sugar and raises your blood sugar numbers, same for your pasta or chinese noodles and rice.

So the right way to eat your pasta and rice or potatoes.. is to make sure you only eat a fistful - yes..! yes..!! i know. you are still hungry.. if you don’t eat more pasta.. or potatoes.. it’s the same here.. but the truth is..  they do turn into sugar.  Try eating more of other stuff.. like vegies and peas. .to supplement .. the potatoes and pasta if you can.  I know it is not easy.. but you and I will get there.. i promise you.

Health Record Transfer Fees

Yes..! if you are in Canada.. or rather in my small town .. and your doctor leaves.. you have to pay to get your health record transfer.  YES..!!! HOW RIDICULOUS IS THAT RIGHT..?? so say .. you have 5 children.. with the same doctor.. and each time.. a doctor leaves.. no fault of yours.. you are expected to fork out .. $25 a piece for the photocopying.. of your health history to be sent to the new doctor’s office.  So every few years or so.. you have to pay like $125 .. for nothing at all.  Just things that actually already belonging to you.

Controlling My Cravings

Yes..! of course i have cravings.. and those that i craved for .. are not sweets.. but rich food like curry chicken.. with coconut.. or char kway teow that come with lard pieces.. or chinese dumplings.  Yes.. the high cholesterol type.. and fattening.

I teach Missy Moo all about moderation .. but i am sometimes not in control. The more i deny myself of some food .. the more i craved for it.  I know you know what i’m talking about.  So here’s what i found out.

Research repeatedly shows that, in moderation, sweets can fit in a healthful diabetes meal plan. And when it comes to control, people who give themselves permission to enjoy some treats seem to crave them less.

“It’s amazing how many type 2s are eating sweets but think they shouldn’t,” says Linda M. Delahanty, R.D., director of nutrition and behavioral research at the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “So they just trade cravings for guilt.”

Cravings can happen anywhere, any time of year, and often when you’re least expecting them. We’ll show you how to fend them off in three circumstances: daily, before a food-focused event, and when tempting foods stare you in the face. Practice these tips, and at your next party you’ll have more control over the cake and your blood glucose, too.

“It’s important to learn when and how to give in, and when it’s better to distract yourself,” Delahanty says.

There are very few foods you can’t have, although you do have to stay within your meal-plan allowance and possibly count carbohydrates. If you really love chocolate, eat it and count it. But don’t give in to a craving for something you like but could live without.

Best Holiday Treats That You Can Eat

When the holidays roll around, there’s never a lack of tempting treats. For a person with diabetes, it’s important to be armed with better-for-you options that satisfy your holiday cravings. The following substitutions, while more healthful than the traditional treats, still contain calories, fat, and carbohydrates, which need to be accounted for in your daily eating plan.

Fat free Kettle Corn over Caramel Corn is highly recommended.  Popcorn is typically a healthy snack choice, but caramel corn is loaded with sugar and butter — and calories and fat. Snacking on Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! Kettle Korn saves many calories and carbohydrates because it’s sweetened with Splenda.

Sugar Free Hard Candies and not Caramels.  Traditional caramels are made with sugar, sugar, and more sugar, which makes them hard to work into a healthy eating plan. Trading a piece of sugar-free hard caramel candy not only saves carbohydrates and fat, it also takes longer to eat, making it a longer-lasting treat.

More to come soon.

New Doctor For Us

Yes..!! we lucked in .. we got ourselves new doctors in town..!!  hahha!! now whose getting the last laugh..??  i don’t know if he is gonna be any better than the ex-doctor.. but having a doctor is better than not having any..??  but this time.. i’m not gonna have much high hopes.. for the new doctor.. and just go with the flow.  If i really  need any advice.. i know to call home.. to get advice.. from my own doctor from home.

Holiday Weight Gain

For many ppl the holiday is the time where everyone puts on weight.  Fortunately, for me.. i’m so busy .. because of work .. Missy Moo and the house.. and cooking our regular meals.. there is just no time to binge.  Yes..! but what about those who have a more regular job..??  my advise.. ?? is to keep busy with the festivities.. and not go near the buffet table and be tempted.  For every party you are invited to..  make sure you take your regular meals.. that way.. when you do arrive at the party.. well, you only need to nibble.. and can choose healthy choices.. like a celery stick.. or a piece or two of this and that.

Not Serious About My Health

My old doctor who left late last month - accused me of not being serious of my healthy… because i keep missing my appt and didn’t do my blood test.  He seems to forget i have an online job, a store and also a kid - he forgets i don’t have a filipino maid.. or a pakistani one nor do i have a house husband .. like has has a housewife .

Yes.. blunt and without good bedside manners were some of the comments and views of his ex-patients who also happens to be our customers.  It’s bad to criticize your patient .. without even considering their feelings whatsoever.  And for someone who a year and a half ago.. didn’t wanna give me my diabetic medication .. and now doing it in full force .. *shake head* - no lost to the ppl in my small town - as far as we are concerned.

PS :  Does any doctor in the right frame of mind thinks that anyone wouldn’t be serious about their health?  only the really dumb ones.. or the ones with I DONCH CARE attitude would think that way.

Lower Your Blood Sugar By Staying Active

Now that I don’t have a family doctor no more, I have to make sure that I stay active and even though I cannot go mountain climbing or long rides to remote places for vacation with my Garmin GPS , I can at least walk 30mins a day to help lower my blood sugar. It is recommended to take your walks before you eat… or first thing int he morning.  Exercise leads to lower weight and overall better health, but researchers have discovered that it’s also linked to the way the liver dispenses glucose for the body to use.

The liver makes glucose to fuel your activity. A workout in the morning, when the liver’s glucose stores are already low after overnight inactivity, allows the liver to make sufficient glucose and sends a message to the brain to lower its demand for glucose because supplies are low. This results in higher blood sugar levels right after a workout, but then levels run about 18 percent lower through the rest of the day and night. The benefit of one workout lasts 24 hours.

Burning When Peeing

So Missy Moo complained since yesterday that she felt like it was burning when she peed - like any anxious parents.. we called our family doctor to be told that since it is his last week in town - he is moving away for good, we can only take a urine sample and have the lab test it.   So we did and here i go thinking.. so i pick up the bottle tomorrow.. and then take the pee the next day, since the lab is closed by 11.30am.. and then i have to wait for the next day before i get some medication from the doctor for Missy Moo.  I wonder if i need to get some cigars online the next time i have a new doctor, so that Missy Moo don’t have to suffer this long before getting medication.

One have to take off my hats to the doctor and his secretary.  Why? one donch have kids.. and the other must be thinking.. not my kid what..  ! if you want.. bring her to the emergency room.  But with the H1N1 thing going around.. you think i wanna bring my kid there..??  *sigh* ..  you know.. for our family doctor and the secretary.. they sure don’t show a lot of compassion at all.  One can only say.. no lost for me.. and Missy Moo.  I’m totally aghast and should have known better.. afterall, the secretary asked me .. to look for Dr Google.. when my hemoglobin was so low.. and i needed to know..  what i should do.. or eat..  to keep me from dying a year and a half ago.