It’s not easy to explain lifestyle changes to others. I’ve sort of explained my prediabetes to very close family over the years, but I’m not sure they totally get it. “So you eat gluten-free?” is a common remark. Or something along the lines of, “I used honey in this dessert instead of sugar – it should be fine for you!” Most commonly, “You can’t pass up this cake – it’s a special occasion!”
I’ve been toying with the idea of just emailing everyone links to diabetes articles, but that seems rather impersonal and who knows if they’d read it?
So, I created this 10-point (or a little more) guide to prediabetes. The primary goal is to sensitize people to my diet and the reasons behind it – it’s not a whim or a fad, but rooted in very real health concerns.
I’m sharing my 10-point guide with you to modify/share with anyone important in your life. You could also use these as talking points for a conversation, and then follow-up by sending them the guide as a reference. It’s a lot of information for anyone to absorb, so more than one method of delivery is always helpful!
A Short Guide to Prediabetes
1. My body does not handle carbohydrates as well as it used to, and I am at risk for developing Type II diabetes. Preventing that outcome is extremely important to me and my family.
2. I am choosing to limit how many carbohydrates I eat, to feel better in the short term and reduce my risk of diabetes or other serious health issues in the future.
3. Carbohydrates include:
a. grains (wheat, rice, corn, and even “healthy” grains such as farro and quinoa)
b. foods made from grains/white flour (pasta, bread, most desserts)
c. starchy vegetables (including all kinds of potatoes – white, sweet, redskin).
4. Sugar is another carbohydrate that I avoid in all its forms, including honey, white and brown sugar, and maple syrup. Fruits like pineapple, mango, grapes, and bananas also contain a lot of natural sugar, which has the same effect on my body as white sugar.
5. I DO eat many vegetables, meats, fish, eggs, cheeses, berries, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, butter, olive oil, and very dark chocolate.
6. This is not a diet. It is a way of eating I plan to stick with for the rest of my life.
7. If you would like to support me in my plan – wonderful! You can help me by:
a. Understanding that it is not a “treat” for me to have birthday cake at a party, doughnuts at the office, or a slice of pizza on Friday night; it will make me feel terrible.
b. Understanding that it does not bother me if everyone else is enjoying those foods at a gathering. I don’t feel left out, and I am not judging those who are participating. I am doing what’s best for me.
8. You don’t have to prepare “special” food for me; meat and vegetables are always ok and I enjoy bringing dishes to share.
9. I love my new way of eating and it is having a positive impact on my health.
10. I respect choices you make in the pursuit of good health; I hope you can respect mine.