Nuts for COCONUT OIL

My aunt recently emailed me about a new diet she is testing out. I am typically on board with the new diets she tries, but this one was different. It is a fat-based diet called the ketogenic diet. The chart below paints a clear picture of what I am talking about.

Just for some context, the typical American diet is:

• 55% Carbohydrates
• 30% Fat
• 15% Protein

I was shocked and decided that I had to do some more research. Ketogenic diets are extremely popular right now! Recently, Americans are going nuts over the Bulletproof Coffee trend. This also falls in line with the ketogenic diet. The more I scoured the internet, the more I kept finding articles about ketogenic diets and T1 Diabetes. The key in this diet for diabetics is coconut oil--a kitchen product I have never purchased.

I am not going full-swing into the ketogenic diet, but I am implementing the coconut oil. Basically, this diet is low-carb. As a diabetic, I would say I aim for this on a daily basis. If you would like more information on ketogenic diets, read here.

I began by replacing all of my cooking oils with coconut oil. I typically use olive oil for EVERYTHING. If you do not like the coconut taste, don't worry unless you use too much! Please note that coconut oil is solid (like butter). Once you heat it, it will melt into oil. You cannot taste the coconut flavor unless you use too much. A little goes a long way! Another note--be sure to buy virgin coconut oil. Regular coconut oil usually has chemicals added in and it won't work as well as pure/virgin coconut oil.

Secondly, I began eating 2t of coconut oil every morning and have worked to eating 2T each day. It doesn't taste bad, but the texture takes some getting used to. Imagine spooning butter/margarine in your mouth. Needless to say, it feels a little uncomfortable at first.

I have tried many different "quick fixes" for my T1, but incorporating coconut oil into my daily routine has by far been the most dramatic. My blood sugar levels are low and stable throughout the day and I stay full longer. This is important for me because I am a HUGE snacker. Other than being my saving grace with my health, coconut oil has many other benefits. For example, my roommate began swishing some in her mouth to reverse a cavity. See below for a short list of the great benefits:

I plan to keep you all updated on my progress. I am excited to see what my next AIC is when I visit my endocrinologist in March. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I would also love to from anyone who has adopted the ketogenic diet lifestyle or has incorporated coconut oil into their diet. 

The DiaBlogger 

Black Bean Brownies

I think that one of the most horrible parts about having T1 Diabetes, is knowing that I have the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I have ever met--dead serious. Clearly, this has become an issue time and time again. I think I am pretty good at controlling my cravings, but chocolate wins every time.

This recipe is a nice alternative to actual brownies. and ADDED BONUS: each brownie contains about 5g of protein AND 5g of fiber. This is obviously due to the main ingredient being black beans. I know it sounds disgusting, but you have to trust me..I think they might be better than actually brownies.

Here is the recipe:

Gluten-Free Brownies

 1 15oz Black Beans, rinsed and drained

3 eggs

3T vegetable oil

5T cocoa powder  (I added 6T)

1 pinch salt

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¾ c sugar (can be substituted for artificial sweetener)

Nuts and chocolate chips (optional)  (I added chic chips--obviously) 

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth, absolutely NO chunks. Lightly grease 8x8 glass pan.  Bake 30 min @ 350°.

Enjoy this sweet treat along with some steady blood sugars!

xoxo

The DiaBlogger 

Educating Co-Workers

I have always worked in retail, so I have never really been in a work environment that was too strenuous for my health to handle. My managers all know that if I work in the evening I have to take a quick break to shoot up some Lantus and check my BG periodically throughout my work shift.

My biggest concern with Diabetes in a workplace setting is not putting myself in a position where I feel unsafe but actually educating my co-workers on diabetes.

I think it is safe to say that we have all become comfortable with diabetes, we live with it. The problem is that  I think sometimes it is easy to forget to mention crucial things when explaining how to treat diabetes to others. We deal with this stuff ALL the time.

[True story, I had a dream the other night that I was out to dinner and before my meal I counted my carbs...in my dream. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed when I woke up. ]

So who do you educate, when do you tell them, and what do you say?

In my opinion, the most important people to educate are your superior, and the people that you are surrounded by the most. These will be the people who will notice a change in behavior or attitude that can be attributed a low blood sugar.

Depending on the job, I don't necessarily think that your health status needs to be brought up in an interview. However, after landing the job it is important to make your close co-workers aware. I have found that it is the easiest to bring up my struggles with T1 diabetes when I am out to lunch with somebody. It easily explains why I have made certain food choices or why I mysteriously leave for the restroom with a sack full of needles before each of my meals.

When you do talk to your co-workers, they may be overwhelmed if you over-educate them. You want to focus on telling them what a low blood sugar is and what they can do to help you.

Something I always share when educating people on my health is the way I act during a low blood sugar. I am usually stubborn and am adamant that I do not have a low blood sugar.

"I don't need to check my blood sugar, I'm fine"

That is probable when I do need to check my blood sugar. Make the people around of aware of this. I think that people feel like you know what you are talking about and do not want to bother you about your health. However, in situations like blood sugars it is important for them to step in.

xoxo
The DiaBlogger

Our Future as DiaRobots

I just read this fabulous article about Diabetes research going on in Israel!
Please read and share with all of your dia-friends...maybe we have something to look forward to in the near future!

Check it out here!

I hope you are having a consistent sugar kind of day,

The DiaBlogger

To Flu or Not to Flu

That is the question...

Is the true for Diabetics also?

As I sit here blogging out to all of you, I am of course stricken flu symptoms. I am not a huge fan of the flu, and as I am sure neither are you. Growing up, the flu had its positives--skipping school, full attention from mom, "my throat hurts"--unlimited supply of popsicles, etc. 

But now that I am living on my own...over 500 miles away from my mom, and as a T1 Diabetic, there are a lot more negatives. 

At the beginning of January, my mom pleaded that I get a flu shot. Of course, I did not listen. I know that my immune system is pretty shady and that I can pick up things easily, however, I am extra cautious when it comes to taking my vitamins and washing my hands. Also, I tend to get mixed answers from endocrinologists when it comes to getting a flu shot. Some say to get one no matter what. and others seem pretty wary to suggest getting one due to us having a week immune system. What do your doctors say?

I have yet to vomit--HOORAY! But I do have a pretty high fever and a sore throat. When I previously felt flu symptoms coming on about a month ago, I talked to a Pharmacist in order to find out what the best immune system booster is for Diabetics--Vitamin C!! My dad lives and breathes Alka-Seltzer for reasons that I am unsure of, and he insisted that I give it a try. The Pharmacist instructed me that Alka-Seltzer tablets and Airborne are basically a Vitamin C supplement with additives, mainly sugary additives that diabetics do not need. 

According to Ask Dr. Sears: “You don’t have to take in massive amounts of vitamin C to boost your immune system. Around 200 milligrams a day seems to be a generally agreed-upon amount. If you take vitamin C supplements, it’s best to space them throughout the day rather than take one large dose, most of which may end up being excreted in the urine.”

So, currently I am pretty high on Vitamin C in case you were wondering. Obviously now that I am sick I am not going to run out and get a flu shot, but in the future I wonder if I should?

The DiaBlogger 

Travel Snacks

Today I am starting my journey back to Kansas to see my family and friends for the holidays. Unfortunately, I waited too long to get a flight home so I am taking the Amtrak. I have taken the Amtrak before to Milwaukee from Chicago and it was a fabulous experience (that trip was an hour and a half). My trip from Chicago to Kansas City will take about 12 hours because I have a long stop in St. Louis.

My only opportunities to eat from 9am-9pm will be from food on the train cart (soda, crackers, candy, etc.) or at the Amtrak station in St. Louis. I am really looking forward to getting home with a good attitude...so that means good blood sugars all day. This triggered a day of finding healthy snacks that will keep my blood sugar balanced, keep me full, but also not take up a lot of room--I am taking A LOT back home.

Here is what I decided to pack:

-WATER: obviously water is key for all of us. The water offered on the train is in small bottles and is extremely overpriced so I made sure to bring a lot of my own.

-Tomatoes: I bought a small box of cherry tomatoes, simply washed them and put them in a Ziplock bag.

-Celery: and I brought a lot of celery. We all know that consuming celery actually helps you burn calories because the amount of effort it takes for your mouth to crunch up celery burns more calories than the calories you are digesting from the celery itself. This snack is always a winner in my book. I bought a bag of celery that I washed, cut, and put in Ziplock bags.

-Carrots: a small bag of pre-washed baby carrots were perfect for this trip. Plus we could always use some help with our eyesight, right?

-Craisins: these are easily packaged and are a good alternative to raisins because they have less sugar.

-Nuts: these are my salty snack. If I don't bring any, I know I would definitely be hitting up the chips on the snack cart. Plus they are a good source of protein.

-Apples: a healthy snack that fills me up and is easy to dispose of. I brought 3 Honeycrisp Apples. To me, these are the equivalent of eating a spoonful of sugar. I am hoping that these sweet treats with help away me from my chocolate cravings on the train.

-Oranges: I just brought one, but oranges are great for traveling because the thick peel keeps the actual inside of the fruit clean and sanitary so you can throw one in any bag and not have to worry too much about it. Cuties are a must if you are traveling with T1 kids.

-Cliff Bars: of course I brought my favorite kind, Blueberry. This is my snack with the most dense amount of carbs/sugar so it will be my lifeline during a plunging low blood sugar. Of course I have a small tube of frosting as well!

-Sandwich: as a main meal to make SURE I stay full, I went to the grocery store Deli and had a sandwich made and packaged for me to bring with me. I will probably eat 1/2 for lunch and 1/2 for dinner..unless I get too excited at lunch.


My trip is a little extreme because I will be traveling for 12 hours, however, all of the snack options are good for any kind of traveling or even going out for the day. Nobody wants to be the person to hold up a travel day because you are unprepared. bringing snacks that are prepackaged, easy to Carb-Count and also easy to carry around are key when it comes to traveling.


Have a safe holiday and keep that 70-140!!

By the Way, here were my menu choices. Thanks for aiding obesity and inconsistent blood sugars Amtrak. We appreciate it, truly. 👎👎👎