Mastering Diabetes: Month 1

Wow.

That pretty much sums up my response to one month on the whole food, plant based diet advocated in “Mastering Diabetes”.

In 30 days, I lost 10 pounds. On my previous low carb diet, my weight did not budge - despite the fact I was walking/running a 5k a day, plus regularly doing yoga, Tai Chi, and toning exercises. I’m wearing the same size pants and shorts as I did in high school.

I’m also taking Amla Green, which they recommend. It is proven to help with cholesterol. I gave blood during this first month - my last total cholesterol (I am on a statin) was 195. It is now 135 - the lowest I have ever seen it. Ever.

My insulin use is already down 30%. Gone are the days of roller coaster blood sugar. My blood sugar is much more stable. Three months ago my blood sugar was in range only 56% of the time - now it’s in range 71% of the time. And climbing!

Prior to this lifestyle change, my blood sugar has always climbed at night, often to over 200. Now, my blood sugar is just above normal when I go to bed. My fasting blood sugar is normal when I wake up - I mean normal as in normal for any human being!

Running is easier. Stiffness has lessened. Aches and joint pain have improved vastly. While I’m still tired, the crushing exhausting has left.

On my low carb diet, my food choices were few and limited. I felt I was eating the same thing over and over.

Now, I’m eating as much as I want of fruits, vegetables, and legumes. I am sticking to mostly fresh produce right now, as it is abundantly available. I find myself having to eat more throughout the day - unprecedented! I love fruit and I’m eating a ton of it. I was previously eating 40-60 carbs a day. Now, I’m eating 300 or more carbs a day.

I have an appointment with my endocrinologist in August, and I can’t wait to see what my lab work looks like.

It is difficult to eat out - but not impossible. I just have to choose restaurants wisely, and be prepared.

I’m thrilled, and I’m just one month in. I can’t wait to watch my own progress!

Day 15

Today is day 15 of my whole food, plant based diet lifestyle.

I’m very early into this. I am following the “Mastering Diabetes” book. I have been eating mostly “green light” foods - foods that I’m allowed to eat as much as I want of. Fruits, veggies, legumes, greens. I eat them in as close to their natural state as possible. I also avoid all dairy and oils.

It has not been a struggle so much - my biggest problem is the oil part. Cooking without any oil, and not putting butter on bread. I’m thrilled to have bread back in my life once a week - sprouted grain bread, and especially the English muffins!

The first week, I had a terrible headache. It started around lunchtime and persisted until bedtime. I am off all caffeine, and of course all sugar.

Oh, but I am loving all the fruit! I’m eating a lot of it! I’ve always loved fruit, and most veggies.

My family is not on this plan, so I cook for me, and eat a lot of leftovers. I’m fine with that. They are eating healthier sides, as my veggies are incorporated into their meals.

So what has changed so far? As of today, I’ve lost 6 pounds. Pretty amazing since insulin put 20 pounds back on me after I had lost over 30 pounds. I could not lose an ounce doing keto.

My last total cholesterol was 195 - on Crestor. Friday, my cholesterol was 135. The lowest it has been my entire adult life!

My insulin use has gone down 25%...and falling.

All of this, at day 15!

I am glad for all the foundational education and habits I had. I already was tracking all my food on the My Plate app. I have been drinking 80-100oz of water a day.

It’s been a journey, but I’m very hopeful that this new plant powered lifestyle will be the one that keeps me the healthiest. I am happy to report that I’m not having the roller coaster blood sugars I have been plagued by in the last three years.

I truly believe this plan could reverse prediabetes and type 2. It’s amazing with my LADA - late onset type 1 diabetes.

I can’t wait to see what my next update will be!

Below is a picture of how many carbs I ate, as well as my other macros. It’s mind blowing! I used to eat 40 carbs a day or less! I was hungry and miserable.