((((((wildflowerchild ))))))

I am full of suggestions and need to get going on this myself!

I don't know what you do and do not want to read on any of this. I certainly do not want to cause you to feel harassed in any way! I think you know this,..

I will share this, as it has been discussed:

In all honesty, I would not be able to tolerate the chili, with or without sugar. It is too high carb for me when I am trying to both stabilize my blood glucose and also trying to lose weight.

I used to feel like a healthier diet was such a drag, in that it seemed to require such an effort at every meal time.

I then started to cook protein all at once. I would choose a time, maybe Sunday afternoon and cook a lot of lean meat in the oven or in a crockpot. I can be doing other things while these are cooking. Having a large amount cooked an on hand made meals easier all week long.

Sometimes, I would make a huge salad while the meat was cooking. I made enough to last at least 3-4 days. Meals are then almost ready. I might even take some cold chicken, cut it into strips and throw it on the salad.

I did/do make chili. When I am trying to stabilize blood glucose and losing weight, I make chili out of all meat. I had first had this at a Mexican restaurant and loved it! Meat, onions, green peppers and the seasoning you use for your usual chili and meat... in a crockpot and let it go! I am just throwing out ideas for anyone reading.

To be honest, in thinking about it, I tend to do a Paleo (the original Paleo dietaty guidelines ) and/or a "healthier" version of "Atkins."

I had learned about these approaches from joinging the web site of the American Diabetes Association. A "coach" helped me and I had started to feel so much better! I had been on a wild glucose roller coaster ride.

I had found out my constant hunger, in my case, was due to this rapid swings in blood glucose levels. I was taught how to get control of this. A higher protein, lower carb diet was/is helpful.

The "coach" also had me eat some protein every 3 hours for a month or so. I then could cut back on the frequency or could continue the intake every 3-4 ours if I felt best doing so.

I then had decided that my best chance at avoiding a diabetes diagnosis is to eat a diet just like someone with diabetes!

I feel my input might be stressing you. That is not my intention. I might comment upon random posts about this topic here. However, I will stop addressing my posts to you, so you do not feel singled out or feel stressed somehow.

I have seen you come such a long way in your life!
I hope you realize how much you have done for yourself and for your son.
Please do celebrate yourself and your efforts!

I might get a little overly zealous if/when I feel I can somehow support you as you continue moving forward in your life. I hope you will forgive me if I have caused you any additional stress.

If you ever have any questions about anything I share, please do feel free to ask either here on the forum and/or via PM.

I do think it very important to see your doctor asap to investigate your symptoms. I know you are taking care of yourself in this way!

I am sure you can do anything you decide/intend to take on.
I continue very hopeful for you, in every way, as you move forward in your life!

With Love and Admiration!