Management/thoughts/TIps

Hello!

Magda Daily intentions, Management/thoughts/TIps

It has been a hot minute since my last blog post. Although, I’ve been posting photos and mini updates on my Instagram. It is somehow easier to post from my phone on the go than on the blog. I  hope to change that soon.

The reason for my delay is…. life! Having two littles ones has been an adventure. Not only the re-definition of roles and relationships, but health issues!

Health issues for a diabetic go hand in hand but then add parenthood to it and it is overwhelming. I am tired mentally and physically to put it bluntly. Any parent could agree with exhaustion, but I think people with health issues on top of it, have more on their plate. Regardless, of how i feel i must always show up to be a mom. My babies depend on me to be healthy and present, so i have been focusing on that. An update on my health issues will be shared in a later post. My goal is to help inspire others but also to be realistic without compromising my integrity and health. I hope to add more recipes and reviews.

Smoothie Snack

Magda Management/thoughts/TIps, Recipes

Smoothies are a great way to boost your energy levels. They are also a yummy treat for my 2.5 year old. She has no idea it has kale and all the other goodies. It really is like a milkshake.

You can tailor the smoothie to whatever you crave. Berries are always recommended for diabetics over any other fruit because of the low sugar content. If you add a banana, I would recommend using only half or even a 1/4 piece. 🙂

My Experience Trying a Gluten Free Diet as a Diabetic

Magda Daily intentions, Endocrine System, Management/thoughts/TIps

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If you are not diabetic and have celiac disease then please dismiss this. In my experience, as a diabetic with a gluten sensitivity, a gluten free diet is contradictory. The contradiction is with the low glycemic index/ diabetic diet and a gluten free diet. Most gluten free products are loaded with sugar, corn, white rice, and potatoes. All of these ingredients are horrible for a diabetic because they have a high glycemic index and quickly raises your blood sugar.

In the beginning, I was ignorant and tried gluten free breads and started baking with gluten free flours. I realized my blood sugar levels were increasing, so I created my own version of a gluten free diet. I avoided wheat and gluten free boxed products. I ate veggies, fruit, dairy, meat, quinoa, brown rice, and legumes. I kept my diet clean and simple. I felt amazing and reduced my insulin intake by half.

Another great benefit was, I no longer had keratosis pilaris (chicken skin). For few years, I asked my Dr about treating my chicken skin but she said it was normal. I refused to believe that prognosis because I did not have this condition before. after seeing my Natropath, it turned out that it was related to a gluten intolerance.

Currently, I am pregnant with our second child and had to introduce whole grains back into my diet. Unfortunately, my chicken skin is back. It is lovely eating bread but once my baby is delivered healthy and happy then i will consider cutting back.

Regardless, whatever you choose it has to be in your best interest. I am not a doctor or an expert on this topic. All I can do is share my experience and hope that it helps others. 🙂

(photo taken from cliparts.co)

Thanksgiving :)

Magda Management/thoughts/TIps
Thanksgiving :)

The holidays are over….Well, it is only the beginning of the slew of holidays to come. This holiday was thanksgiving. As we all can imagine, there was a bounty of food. All containing gluten enriched treats with a lot of baked goodness. I was not very kind to my body this time. I ate so much without feeling like I had the willpower to control my urges. I suppose that happens and will continue to happen. The struggle is real, as they say on one of the Real Housewives shows (yes, I watch those shows). This week, I will need to get back into the grind of exercise and gluten free eating. Regardless of my eating dysfunction, I am grateful and thankful for all the blessings I have in my life. That is what this holiday is truly about and that brings it all back into reality for me. Happy holidays!

Cornbread Muffins

Magda Management/thoughts/TIps, Recipes
Cornbread Muffins

Now that I am going gluten free…I need options! I thought how can increase the fiber in a gluten free diet. Other than fresh vegetables and fruit, baked treats are lacking fiber enriched ingredients. Poppy seeds and Chia seeds are great fiber additives to help you increase your fiber intake. I found these to be a tad bit dry but I think if I did add some apple sauce, perhaps 2 tablespoons? It would help. Enjoy

Cornbread muffins

  • 1.5 cups of cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup of almond flour
  • 1/2 tbsp of chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp of poppy seeds
  • 1/2 cup of coconut flavor Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup of skim milk
  • 4 tbsp of honey
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil

Bake at 400F for 12- 15 minutes. Make sure that when you insert a toothpick the middle is clean.

Young Soliders

Magda Management/thoughts/TIps

Today we had our daughter’s 4th pediatric endocrinologist appointment at Children’s Hospital. After the first visit, I knew what to expect at each appointment. This time, however, I was overwhelmed with nerves and emotions when we got there. I quickly noticed my surroundings in the waiting room and saw two youth waiting to be seen. I thought okay, I as an adult thought the transition was tough but what about them? It put everything into perspective. Our daughter is just another one of the brave darlings to enter into this place. It is astounding how much we can all struggle but it really is our perspectives that help us cope. Soldier on my young friends!

 

Gluten Free Discoveries

Magda Management/thoughts/TIps

Gluuuuuten! Is so very yummy. I could eat it all darn day long. I could literally go on and on about how yummy this starchy starch is. Yet, I know it’s so terribly bad for you. Boo!!!!!

Today was my first day trying gluten free bread. It was interesting! It will take a lot of time to get used to the changes. It was slightly sweet and crumbly in texture even after toasting it. I’m taking the gluten free diet slowly, because for one, I don’t like change and two, it is a new way of life so I should be gentle on myself. I have to admit, before the naturopath suggested I avoid gluten most of my pantry type items were gluten free. Not a huge deal, but once you are told you can’t, you tend to want more of it. Oh the psyche!!

I have been researching gluten free flours and the choices are endless, yet they have to be used in combination of other gluten free flours. I found this site (linked below) to be very helpful. The one thing this site did not account for was obviously diabetes. I read that Xantham Gum lowers your blood sugar and would cause lowered sugars if taking diabetes medications. That was an important tip to account for because Xantham Gum is an important ingredient in replicating wheat dough.

https://glutenfreegirl.com/2007/10/a-guide-to-working-with-gluten-free-flours/?v=3e8d115eb4b3

THYROID!!!!!!!

Magda Endocrine System, Management/thoughts/TIps

Boy I am exhausted! It has been a chronic issue and maybe due to our parenting choice to not sleep train (ie Cry it out method) our daughter. It has been rough to say the least. When conversing with other parents, we found that we were not alone. Yet, I still felt alone. This was due to a change in my body and overall mental well-being. I was not feeling my best and had troubles sleeping. I had heart palpitations, restlessness, exhausted, and I was always hungry. I figured my body was in survival mode but in the back of my mind I thought…THYROID!

Having hypothyroidism for 5 years, I’ve become hypersensitive or attuned to my body and knew it may be related. I ruled out my diabetes because my management is going well (well according to my 3 month A1C’s). I am privileged to have an open lab requisition where I can check my TSH and A1C levels anytime I want. I tend to go every 3 months but if I suspect anything may be wrong I go before the 3 months. My TSH levels were in the normal range, so it wasn’t my thyroid?!

I decided to seek guidance from a Naturopath Doctor. I was obviously skeptical when my acupuncturist recommended I talk to their in house Naturopath Doctor. I guess I am all about modern medicine and the medical model but I was being failed by it in some ways. I had to seek out other opinions. What did I have to lose, anyway?

The Naturopath Doctor (ND) was outstanding and validated my suspicions regarding my thyroid. I always thought I struggled with a low thyroid before my formal diagnosis. The ND expressed that the free T3 and free T4 are important in the overall function of the thyroid gland. In my case, my free T3 and T4 were not functioning properly, hence the hair loss and other symptoms. Due to this, my thyroid fluctuates from hyper and hypo because it is not working properly. So, I am not crazy!!! I was relieved to hear this, yet, a bit saddened by it. The ND also advised that I am creating antibodies that are attacking my thyroid and will result in the destruction of the gland.

Obviously, this is good to know now then later but nonetheless frustrating. I realize that nobody has a perfect genetic makeup and that we are all unique in our dispositions. However, I may be tapping into my left brain logical thinking by making that statement, but my right brain emotional thinking is saying….AGH this sucks!!! Right now, I cannot panic and take in the information and take it one day at a time.

Bravery

Magda Management/thoughts/TIps

I did it! I resigned from my job that I have been at for 7 years. It is the right decision, yet I still feel this empty pit in my stomach. I know I am not alone, as there are zillion other mom’s out there who have put off their careers to provide a nurturing environment for their children. Being a parent is a thankless but important job. Regardless of my feelings, my decision is the best choice for my family.

I suppose my feelings of sadness and uncertainty is normal for such a significant change. I’m uncertain where my career future will take me and how can I financially contribute to my household. I know there is time to figure it all out and like I said, there are a zillion of women balancing both (kudos). I just know for me, I cannot. I cannot be present and focused with my daughter and work full time. Don’t forget the rigorous role of diabetes management!!!!

Anyways, regardless of my discomfort there are so many benefits that I must focus on. I am the healthiest and happiest I have ever been. I am proud to be a mom and wife to two of the most amazing human beings on this planet. I’m excited to see what is in store and to continue to work on my contract job in the interim.

Peanut Butter mmmmm…

Magda Management/thoughts/TIps

I love peanut butter and I am so happy my little girl is not allergic. The funny thing is that I was not always a fan of it. When I was pregnant i became well acquainted with the nutty legumes. I have to say that I am more into the all natural kind. I love pasting a heaping spoon full on apples, bananas, toast, or on it’s own.

The link below says peanut butter can control blood sugar and appetite. It is a good source of protein but the only thing I’d stress, is the type of butter you are eating. The all natural butter is the best because a lot of the other kinds have additives that will spike your sugar.

 

http://www.informationaboutdiabetes.com/news/food-and-diet/peanut-butter-can-control-blood-sugar-and-appetite-study-finds