November Aloha's

I blinked and October was over. As fast as it went so did all my goals on post's for the month. Shamefully, I admit I have not been the best at keeping up with this blog. I truly do love it and with time I will become more consistent. What I have been doing is focusing on myself and taking care of my health. I've lost 15 lbs. and recently tested within normal range for my A1C since I started my Diabetes diet two months ago. Not bad, right? Still though, maintaining and staying focused on my overall goal of losing 15 more and welcoming back more energy will be the key to my personal health success. 

Above is my Grandparents and the kids Great-Grandparent's. One day I hope to give my kids an in depth picture of just how much these special people sacrificed and provided for me as a child and even now. Although we don't get to see each other as much as we'd like, my kids gravitated to their Great Grandparent's the entire visit. Never once leaving their lap or letting our beloved Grandparent's have any down time, keeping them full of stories and information which was confirmed to be fine by them. We are missing them terribly.

Another special person who came to visit was my Great Grandma Mary Lou. As a kid, I spent a lot of time with my Grandma Lou, playing her organ as she cooked me my favorite "fish patties".  Then bird sighting out her living room window and trying to identify names in all her bird books. The memories of time spent with her and Grandpa Paul came pouring back into my mind as I watched her searching for new bird species wherever we went. Serving this woman in my home blessed my heart. After all the meals she prepared for me and quality time that was put into my up-brining nothing I could ever do now would be enough repayment for the love she has shown me.

And now as I sit and pour through all the pictures of their visit my heart is heavy. I love this paradise that we live in but having my loved ones around and influencing mine and my children's life is priceless. Thank goodness for Skype calls. And also the forgiveness they have for me when I am not the best granddaughter.

Mahalo for keeping up with me on my journey, I look forward to spending more time with you in the near future!

Love,

Tasia

First Month Diabete's diet: Done & Done

Note to self: Stop thinking you are the last one on earth to realize you need to get on a diet or your going to die. Ok, maybe you are... but, probably not. First and foremost; Food and water logging has been an excellent step to take when trying to manage my calorie intake for the day. Sometime's I forget what I ate for breakfast so logging right away is best. 

If you want to know the truth, I've found a great support group through my fitness pal app. Not everyone log's their food or exercise -- and you don't have to. Being able to look at the food your buddies are eating helps me create a variety of snack's/meals to get through the day. I like variety. I love flavor. And I get bored easily with the same meals. For as long as I can remember, diet's have not been considered highly favorable within those categories in my social circle. So, I give myself a break every now and then. Allow a bite of a candy bar. The first! Because that's the best. Or splurge on pancakes for breakfast and hope I have energy to walk off the extra carbohydrates before bed. It's important to forgive myself for wanting to eat or drink bad things. We are human and we find comfort and love through doing both. Right?

What I love most about the past two weeks has been the discover of black chia seeds. There are a multitude of ways you can incoroport them into any diet. A superfood that give you super energy and well, speeds up digestion. Win!

One way to use the seeds -

How to make chia gel: Soak whatever amount you want of seeds in water just enough to cover them completely. Add more water if you want it thinner or less dense. Stir and place leftovers in fridge for day. Toss any extra you don't use after that. 

Remember: You can also use the seeds dry in just about anything you prefer. Don't go overboard but get creative. Sprinkle it on top of your favorite salsa or on top of your sandwich bread.(in sandwiches is my favorite) 

On toast, in any juice or water, sipped from the spoon, let your imagination lead the way! 

Feeling and staying fuller longer has been helping me get through the day without any sudden binge eating. I found a hearty amount of black chia seeds at our local Costco. Now, it's not like a magic sprinkle that will shrink every stretch mark on your body, or bring you euphoria after each bite. Not the case. Rather a progressive feeling that if you stay on track with your snacks handy, you are not going to die. Well... maybe you would want to consider if your a diabetic and your sugar drops low...

Anyways.

When the hunger cravings start and you want to grab whatever is in sight, think of this -  if you keep planned snacks lined up and are getting nutrition through a multi-vitamin or somewhere in your diet, then all will be okay. Just chill. Think of something different. You already had to think about when and what you were going to eat today. That is enough. Eat a snack and feel better. One day at a time. 

And well... here is the reason I get any computer work done. He is sooo dreamy when he sleeps. 

My plea... if you want to join me in my journey of self-help and love. Please, feel free to drop a comment on this blog. Or send me an email. Call/Text. Whatever you need, I am here for you and will accept any love and guidance you have for me. My fitness pal Facebook page is here. Where I'm tracking food/water/exercise intake. My username is: tasiamurrieta. Clever, I know. Do you use another way to log food intake and exercise? Let me know and let's do this together! I need your inspiration and motivation to keep going. Diabetes sucks. Friends rule. 

Mahalo & Aloha!

Tasia

Week three diabetes diet

Week three on the diet and it is a B! The struggle over living and dying is so real. I wish I could lie and say that lifestyle changes are easy and that in the end it get's easier. I really can't though. And I still don't have any fancy recipes or tremendous positive sentiments to leave you with. This week I have to be better and not so hard on myself. Allowing at least one cheat meal a week.

Because I can't leave you without a pic... here is my four year old on sunday morning. 

Her smile is contagious. I love my girl.

 ~ Tasia