In my ever aging state and looking at my family history (and my HUGE sweet tooth), diabetes is always a threat for me. I feel it lurking round every corner, rubbing it's nasty little hands together and smirking malevolently. - Did you know that there are over 100 million North Americans affected by diabetes! Staggering statistics!
- And did you know that most people can avert or reverse both pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes with dietary changes? (http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/healthy-living-ideas/Diabetes/TheFacts/FastFacts.aspx)
 |
| Well, as my old friend Maimonides said "No disease that can be treated by diet should be treated with any other means". |
May's Prevention magazine has a wonderful article on this subject. Key to preventing or beating diabetes are eating plenty of vegetables, watching your fats, practicing portion control and doing some form of fitness.
They spoke about what's called the "plate method": your plate should contain one-half nonstarchy vegetables, one-quarter lean protein; and one-quarter slow-digesting carbs. Vegetables are crucial: eating just 1.35 servings of leafy greens a day can cut your risk by 14%; eating beans and soy reduces your risk by almost half.
And equally important is what you leave off your plate: if you're eating a diet rich in trans-fats, saturated fats and simple carbs, you actually increase your odds of diabetes.
And eating bacon can bring your risk up to 50%. Oh, oh, ohoh, oh oh!
But to end on a high note (because I know you're all as upset by the bacon comment as I am!), they're not telling you to live the life of a Franciscan monk. The experts all say you can occasionally splurge, but they do suggest you be smart and have your "treat" on a day when you know you'll be exercising.
Me? I continue to enjoy moderate weekly weight losses; and I've been fairly/somewhat/mostly consistent in my healthy eating discipline. Sadly, however, bacon is off the menu for a couple of months. And chocolate covered bacon will probably have to wait until my birthday!
5 comments:
More and more people our ( you are young yet compared to me) age get a diagnosis of diabetes these days. Well I do have a sweet tooth for sure but also love to eat my beans so maybe there is still hope for me... Diet, exercise and a good laugh can cure a lot of ills. Hope your Thursday is a wonderful one!
What? No bacon? OK, that's just wrong (although I'm not tempted by the chocolate covered bacon only because I'm not a big chocolate fan)! Diabetes runs in my family, as well - the sweets aren't what's going to get me, it's the simple carbs (love bread, pasta, potatoes). I love the plate division picture - going to try and remember that, so thanks :)
Chocolate covered bacon??? GAK! I can feel my arteries clogging just looking at the picture. :)
Hi, Doris! Just got my diagnosis (pre-). My downfall is the spud. I love 'em baked, fried, chipped, mashed... I guess I have less to give up than most. Think I'll spend some time perusing your work here. I see you like books. Let me extend an invitation to visit me at the Hideout. I review the occasional book (I have two up right now), and among my friends are an editor, a teacher, a library professional, and a famous author. Hope to see you around!
Oh my goodness glory, chocolate covered bacon!!! My stars!
Farm Boy and I have our annual BLT's (the only time of the year we have bacon) and let me tell ya, it's a celebration.
Yep, I battle the sweet~tooth myself.
Great advice sweetie!
Have a blessed day!
Post a Comment