CHIT CHAT in VOLTVILLE

[JoAnnW]

I also do the low carb thing but for a different reason Marlou. In the frozen bread section of high end grocery stores look for Ezekiel 4:9 bread. It's made from sprouts and doesn't have any carbs but it must be kept frozen and comes in several varieties from Flax to Sesame and Raisin bread. I buy Stevia in the Raw in large bags and use it basically the same way as sugar for coffee and baking. It takes a little less but it's a natural product from a plant and once you get used to the amount to use it doesn't taste much different. Overuse produces an aftertaste. I luvs me some Almond Milk as well. A very low carb diet while undergoing cancer treatments actually starves out a lot of the cancer and can regulate a number of other common ailments.

I tried the almond milk because I can't tolerate cow's milk and really love it... much better than Silk soy milk to me.

 

[Konstantine]

That's a pretty kitty! Love the color. Are you keeping it?

No! It was on a yard with wood pallets.
The female was the same only with brighter colors.

 

[marlou]

Thank you kiko and awsum. More good advice and information.

Awsum, I just recently found out about breakfast cereals and have stopped buying cold cereals. I still have oatmeal some mornings, but have always used only the old fashioned variety, never the instants.

I've only been advised that my blood sugar is a little elevated and that I need to watch carbs. If I make a serious effort perhaps I can avoid actually becoming diabetic. Also, the same blood test showed a deficiency in vitamin D. After taking a supplement, a follow up test showed normal Vit. D and a lower blood sugar level. I've since read that Vit. D deficiency alone can elevate the blood sugar. So now I also take Vit. D daily. I'm beginning to feel like a pre-med student.

 

[Wuzznt Me]

Thanks, Wuzz! I made note of that and will look for the Ezekiel 4:9 bread. It's always good to have alternatives and variety.

I've been doing a lot of reading about foods. It seems a lot of our problems are that our food isn't what it used to be. Processing methods, over processing, additives, etc. have made what used to be nutritious foods actually harmful to us. I don't expect to live forever, but think that what eating right just might make me feel better while I'm still here.

Exactly. I'm a 68 year old 5 year cancer survivor and can still get out and do things like cut my own firewood, wrestle aligators and slap bears around. If I don't live the rest of the day it's the quality of life that counts. For me it's all about taking responsibility for the part of my own health I can control. Another pleasent result of my diet and excersise is my weight stays self regulated and my cholestrol problem has for the most part resolved itself. Things like that are often two fold. Some is hereditary and some is lifestyle. Seems the only thing in my jeans (genes) is my .... and if I want to keep it healthy there are some things I need to do myself instead of depending on the Dr to fix everything wrong with me by better living through chemistry. I'm only shareing my experience and speaking only for myself so please don't think I'm preaching to anyone else. Not everyone has a choice but I was very blessed to find out I did.

 

[awsum140]

Thank you kiko and awsum. More good advice and information.

Awsum, I just recently found out about breakfast cereals and have stopped buying cold cereals. I still have oatmeal some mornings, but have always used only the old fashioned variety, never the instants.

I've only been advised that my blood sugar is a little elevated and that I need to watch carbs. If I make a serious effort perhaps I can avoid actually becoming diabetic. Also, the same blood test showed a deficiency in vitamin D. After taking a supplement, a follow up test showed normal Vit. D and a lower blood sugar level. I've since read that Vit. D deficiency alone can elevate the blood sugar. So now I also take Vit. D daily. I'm beginning to feel like a pre-med student.

Yeah, the pre-med thing happens when you get involved with diets and foods, that or chem major, LOL. The factors involved are probably more complex than even the experts know.

Another trick I used was that terrible word "exercise". I joined a gym and used to go three to five times a week for a few hours at a time. Then we got an elliptical trainer for the house and weights and a weight bench. I know most women don't like the idea of pumping iron, but anerobic exercise can also help lower blood glucose as well as regulate to keep it more in the normal range and weight training doesn't mean you need to use heavy weights and look like Arnold. I did use a whey supplement as well and that also helps you feel full and avoid those wonderful carb filled snacks we all love. The biggest trick will be finding foods you like and can eat regularly that help control your glucose.

 

[Wuzznt Me]

Thank you kiko and awsum. More good advice and information.

Awsum, I just recently found out about breakfast cereals and have stopped buying cold cereals. I still have oatmeal some mornings, but have always used only the old fashioned variety, never the instants.

I've only been advised that my blood sugar is a little elevated and that I need to watch carbs. If I make a serious effort perhaps I can avoid actually becoming diabetic. Also, the same blood test showed a deficiency in vitamin D. After taking a supplement, a follow up test showed normal Vit. D and a lower blood sugar level. I've since read that Vit. D deficiency alone can elevate the blood sugar. So now I also take Vit. D daily. I'm beginning to feel like a pre-med student.

While you're at it high nic levels, like chain vaping, when you're supposed to be fasting can also show up as elevated sugar. Don't ask me how I know that lol.

I'll go back to my corner now.

 

[Renolizzie]

WuzzntMe - Good for you for grabbing your lifestyle by the horns and realizing that you can often change your eating habits to assist your body in staying healthier. Congrats for being a five year cancer survivor. That is great!!!

I try to plan for tomorrow but remember that I actually have to live today!!!!

It's great that a lot of people here are reaching for good solutions to their blood sugar and cholesterol readings.

 

[marlou]

Exactly. I'm a 68 year old 5 year cancer survivor and can still get out and do things like cut my own firewood, wrestle aligators and slap bears around. If I don't live the rest of the day it's the quality of life that counts. For me it's all about taking responsibility for the part of my own health I can control. Another pleasent result of my diet and excersise is my weight stays self regulated and my cholestrol problem has for the most part resolved itself. Things like that are often two fold. Some is hereditary and some is lifestyle. Seems the only thing in my jeans (genes) is my .... and if I want to keep it healthy there are some things I need to do myself instead of depending on the Dr to fix everything wrong with me by better living through chemistry. I'm only shareing my experience and speaking only for myself so please don't think I'm preaching to anyone else. Not everyone has a choice but I was very blessed to find out I did.

That was very well said and didn't sound like preaching at all. Our diet IS one thing over which we have control......though my sweet tooth makes it kinda hard at times. That's what I hope the almond flour and stevia will help to satisfy without carbs.

But no matter what I eat or don't eat I will never be able to chop wood, wrestle alligators or slap bears around! LOL

 

[marlou]

Yeah, the pre-med thing happens when you get involved with diets and foods, that or chem major, LOL. The factors involved are probably more complex than even the experts know.

Another trick I used was that terrible word "exercise". I joined a gym and used to go three to five times a week for a few hours at a time. Then we got an elliptical trainer for the house and weights and a weight bench. I know most women don't like the idea of pumping iron, but anerobic exercise can also help lower blood glucose as well as regulate to keep it more in the normal range and weight training doesn't mean you need to use heavy weights and look like Arnold. I did use a whey supplement as well and that also helps you feel full and avoid those wonderful carb filled snacks we all love. The biggest trick will be finding foods you like and can eat regularly that help control your glucose.

I bought an exercise bike not too long ago. Weight bearing exercises play heck with the arthritis in my knees. This getting old thing is not what it's cracked up to be sometimes. Definitely not for wimps!

 

[marlou]

While you're at it high nic levels, like chain vaping, when you're supposed to be fasting can also show up as elevated sugar. Don't ask me how I know that lol.

I'll go back to my corner now.

One of the many articles I've read mentioned nicotine can elevate blood sugar. I'm going to keep that in mind when I go for my next blood work.

While I'm keeping it in mind I hope I can also refrain somewhat.

 

[White Rabbit]

I come from a land down under....where the women roar and theres lots of thunder....you better run you better take cover............ps.....men at work tune..........

And here it is friends -- Just for you Debra - This MADE my morning

land down under.. men at work.. with lyrics - YouTube

I met a lady from down under, where women glow and men plunder.
She made me nervous and I wonder. Just who is that lady making thunder?

 

[Renolizzie]

Alrightey, Volties. I went with some Kenyan coffee today. There's home made bread. Try to slice it evenly. I toasted mine and slathered it with butter and a touch of honey. Nummy.

Well, it was 4 degrees out when I took hot water out to the animals and fed them. Now we are up to a toasty 10 degrees, Brrrr. I think I'll need to go out to the wood shed and bring in another sling of wood. I need to talk to Hubby about that since it is his job to make sure I have enough wood in the house. We are a warm and wonderful 76 degrees inside with the curtains open in the office the dining room and the living room. One thing about the wood stove is that I get to open the curtains when it is super cold out. I used to keep them closed so we wouldn't waste our propane heat No one really wants to live in a cave for half the winter.

 

[Uncle]

@ "Wuzznt Me" . . . Couldn't agree with anyone more, Thank you - for putting it so well .

BTW: I have been also trying to keep "My" intake of certain foods limited to help control "My" Diabetes . . . AND - I found following a "Gluten free" diet helpful - but very difficult becuase it is also way to expensive for "Me", especially being on a limited budget (just a pound of "Gluten Free" Flour usually cost between $5-$7, even Bisquick has come out with a "Gluten Free" product that cost approximately $7 for 16 oz.) . . .

However, I did find one thing that has been quite helpful - "Cinnamon" - which you can read more about in one of "My" Blog post here: "Cinnamon and Diabetes"

Oh, just as an FYI: Here is a small quick list of the Worst to the "Not To Bad" common complex carbohydrates that people should know about and eat in moderation . . .

White Potatoes & Rice (the absolute worse); Noddles/Pasta (exception is a product call "Dreamfields" which is made for Diabetics); Brown Rice and then Sweet Potatoes (Thankfully I really "like" sweet potatoes, especially "Fries"/"Chips" ) . . .

Bagels, White Breads, Pitas, White Rolls/Buns, even a mojority of Whole Grain Breads - Supposedly, the better choice is "Rye" bread . . . More importantly, what some people forget is all those other "foods" that are made from grains, including Cereals (even Natural/Organic) and "Dessert" too . . .

AND - "YOU" Might Be SURPRISED - at the all the Vegetables, Legumes, and Fruits that are complex carbohydrates too . . .

 

[awsum140]

Simple carbs are the answer, without a doubt, but as you point out they are expensive for some reason I just can't understand. After all they are, by definition, less refined and processed and only so much can be passed of as less in demand.

One thing that I've found is that pumpernickel bread or bagels, for some reason, doesn't spike my glucose like even rye does. Everyone is different and that's why I mention monitoring your glucose at about two hours after meals to find out what the heck is going on. Yeah, it's a pain in the fingers, I don't trust taking a sample from my forearm after some empirical testing of my own, and it can get a little expensive for test strips, but after a month or two you'll get a handle on things and can drop back the frequency of testing. Cinnamon sort of works for me as well and I forgot completely about it, but it doesn't help my wife at all. Everybody and every body is different.

 

[Uncle]

Yep - Glad to read that the Cinnamon works for "You" too . . . However - Not GOOD - that the Cinnamon does not work for the "wife". . . Just goes to show and prove the point that - Everyone is different and does have a diffferent reaction to a lot of things . . .


AND - As For "Pumpernickel" - To "Me" it is the same as "Rye" bread - Which thankfully I really "like" especially since I also use the marbled breads . . .


BTW: Although I have done it many a time when I took care of "My" Mother and gave her her "insulin" shots (as I have done for many other people too), I have such an aversion to sticking "Myself" with needles (so much so that "I" even have to go into the Doctors office every 2 weeks to get a "T-shot") - "MY" Doctor (Thankfully) - agreed that I do not have to check "My" glucose levels daily . . . Matter of fact, I only get "Blood" Labs done every 3 months for now since I have been doing so well and can usually realize when "My" Glucose level has changed, especially from certain foods . . . Which I guess is from knowing and having so many friends and family who are diabetics before I became one myself . . . HEY - I know I am one of the "Lucky" one's for now . . .

 

[Bluesman]

I need to stop in here and post something before all of you forget about me. Just joking. All of you are way too kind. I appreciate all your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. The mark of a good life is when one has friends like all of you. I am truly fortunate to have all of you with me.

Raven has been on the roller coaster of my health. She has stayed with me and remained strong. Her support and friendship has helped pull me through.

This didn't go as smoothly as it should have, but I'm up and around and healing. If all goes well, there may be a chance of going home this weekend.

Okay, folks. Carry on and have fun. (White Rabbit, you are a blast. You've given me many good laughs. Treat him nicely, ladies.)

 

[White Rabbit]

Bluesman,

GREAT to hear you are back on the mend Still sending prayers your way guy. I am glad you enjoy some humor. Take it easy now.

 

[awsum140]

BLUES! Great to see you posting and I hope you get out of the "looney tone" world you're stuck with for the moment for the weekend! Keep on keepin on!

 

[Renolizzie]

Blues, I am so glad you are writing to us and that you are being considered for letting to go home.

Wow!!

That Raven is a good egg I'm glad that you have had the kind of support that will help you pull through your hospital stay.

 

[White Rabbit]

I have spent about an hour or two browsing the Volt Picture Contest thread and collected pics of :
awsum140, Chief Packabowl, dwsime, Element_Baz, Moonstruck, Rave, Renolizzie, Laptop_Ron AKA Thread Killer (squirrel), Uncle, and Yokymo. Your all are beautiful friends. Debra, you need to post a pic, get some freebies and let us see that Australian beauty. It really is nice to place a face with everyone.