Friday, February 12, 2010

Fear - A Powerful Motivator


I'm not a fan of using fear to get people to do what they're supposed to; however, there are times that it works. Take me for example. I've been really lax for way too long taking care of myself. As a result, my blood glucose levels were dangerously high over a week ago when I checked them after a couple of months of not. As if on cue, enter Dr. Oz. No matter what your opinion of him might be, in this case you need to be grateful to him (Brian) because he scared the hell out of me when I was already in a panic. His show was followed by Oprah's that had him and others on there discussing "Diabetes: The Silent Killer." What really got to me was when he said that high blood sugar is like shards of glass coursing through your arteries. Then he showed an animation of what it does. YIKES!!! PANIC! I started making deals with my body - begging it not to do anything outrageous and give me time to take care of it again.

I got my copy of Protein Power out, made a grocery list, and am following it. My internist told me to read that book and do what it said. I figured that this fear would last at least a month and by then I'd have made enough progress that I'd keep on with it. I don't want to have a heart attack and die. I don't even watch Oprah and Dr. Oz that often but needed to that day and am glad I did. Obviously, I hadn't been testing regularly and at all for too long. Back on that now.

Carbs are kept at or below 30 grams a day with at least 27 grams of protein at each meal. Back to being a science fair experiment. With diabetes you have to eat enough food, often enough, and in the right combination. My readings are in the normal range, but for several days when they were down even in the mid-100's, I had symptoms of low blood sugar during the day because it had been really high. Based on those first morning readings, I know it was higher than it's ever been since I've been testing. It's still too high in the mornings even though it's good during the day. It's been 130-139 the last several mornings which is too high. Any suggestions from any of you who deal with this?

My idea is that I need much more exercise. The treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bicycles at my gym have TV's mounted on them right at eye level with cable. I can watch the Olympics while I work out. When the Olympics are over, there are some good choices.

I'm feeling better but not there yet. That took quite a toll on me, and I've been feeling like crap for a long time. Now that I've followed this for a week and am still fearfully motivated, I thought I'd let you know. I haven't even been tempted to deviate. Tomorrow night is the Valentine's House Blend dinner. I'll be careful for sure. Not even tempted. But I will enjoy a delicious meal.

16 comments:

Vaklam said...

I'm glad to hear about the new program. Go, you!

Re: Dr. Oz, no one's all bad. For example, Cracker Barrel has terrible social policies but their environmental programs are among the best in the world.

Mistress Maddie said...

Well auntie, I'd say you have a very postive attitude and that will get you far. I hope you have a wonderful dinner, I know you love yourself some House Blend! Happy Valentines Day Sweetcheeks!

the dogs' mother said...

30 grams a day?!
Everyone is different - just test often to make sure you're doing okay.
When I get feeling like I need to buckle down I get all my carbs from veggies and fruits, cut out grains. And exercise. My favorite way to exercise is with the ipod on and doing the housework around here at top speed! I am also teaching myself to juggle - to exercise my arms - well, it helps your legs too because you are always bending over to pick up the juggling bags off the floor. Hangeth in there. We both will.

Joy said...

Froggy, the 30 grams a day are for Phase 1 - then more are added after numbers are lower and weight is lost. That book makes so much sense and has scientific reasons for everything. I have to lose at least 20 lbs - preferably 32 which will take a while. Almost all my carbs are from veggies and berries - not going to waste that 30 grams on anything else. Oh, and low-glycemic legumes since it helps to have chili on hand. I use black soy beans which increases the protein along with the kidney beans.

I check obsessively right now. I want that morning number where it's supposed to be. The others are OK.

Maddie, right now even the Naked Chocolate Cafe won't tempt me. My doctor said when I get where I need to, it's OK to be good 80% of the time and veer off 20%. No more punch bowls of chocolate, though!

the dogs' mother said...

Okay, that sounds good. Dratted that I am allergic to soy. Does keep me away from anything but whole foods as soy is in everything!

Joy said...

Yeah, staying on 30 grams is not the plan. It's more of a jump start. Protein Power is in paperback if you want to see what I'm doing. You've said you do really well with yours, so you're doing things right. I haven't been.

Laynie said...

Wow, watching the Olympics while on the treadmill is even more motivating than 'Jumpin Jack Flash' on the earphones!

Good luck Joy, you sound decidedly determined, and that's at least 90% of it!

Ken Riches said...

Take care of yourself, please. Glad things are going better, keep up the good work.

Joy said...

Scared shitless is more like it, Laynie!

Thanks, Ken!

Good point, Brian. The timing was just right on that, wasn't it?

mrs.missalaineus said...

we need our auntie flame! i am so proud you are taking steps to put yourself first.

have you considered using protein fortified noodles (dreamfields are actually good) and eating quinoa and couscous or barley as a substitute for rice?

make sure you get your calcium!

if you cant drink milk go for those leafy greens!

kudos on the exercise- can you run on a trampoline? it's a no- impact workout and you can get one for under 50 bucks?

xxalainaxx

Miss Ginger Grant said...

Take care of yourself Auntie Flame!!!

I need to follow your lead!

Jacqueline said...

Glad the fear kicked in. That's pretty scary. Ed took his blood pressure at the drugstore and found it was incredibly high. This sent him to his doctor to go back on high blood pressure meds. It also reinforced his resolve to exercise and stop, stop, stop the mindless consumption of sugar which is sabotaging his weight loss. That boy has a sweet tooth like you wouldn't believe. I am so glad you're getting back on track! hang in there.

Mark in DE said...

Fear is the most successful motivator. Just ask a Catholic or a Republican!

AVD Fitness said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsURicKB_G8&feature=related

Kyle Leach said...

Joy, glad to hear you have a plan! Tackle it little by little, you will get there.

Anonymous said...

What a great resource!