The key to managing and reversing (or putting into remission) your Type 2 diabetes is something called:
BEHAVIOUR CHANGE.
For that behavioral change to take place, you must start “unlearning” everything you have been “taught” and told about food and learn something new!
So, 4 steps to help with getting started and staying on track is something that I call: My ARMS
ABILITY (Am I able and willing?)
- Yes, I can cook and prepare my own food
- Yes, I can put together a budget to suit my new lifestyle
- Yes, I can walk every day
- Yes, I can read and research everything about the disease
REMINDER (what can I do / use to constantly remind me to make better and healthier choices?)
- I will set an alarm every day to check my blood sugar
- I will use sticky Post-It notes on the fridge to remind me to stop snacking
- I will keep a journal every day and set goals for each day
- I will set my alarm to wake up 30 minutes earlier every day so that I can get my daily walk-in.
MOTIVATION (what is the single biggest motivation to change the way I eat?)
- The constant reminder that I am doing good for my body
- I reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, amputation, stroke and blindness
- I will be around for my children’s graduation, 21st, marriage and so many more great milestones
- I am setting an example for my family, especially my children to teach them to put their health first.
- I will be saving money by not buying the processed and refined foods I have previously eaten
- I will stop eating the foods that made me sick in the first place.
- I am going to lose weight and feel great!
SUPPORT (Who do I trust 100% to be there for me without judgement, when I am weak, emotional, and just want to give up?)
- I will reach out to my Support Group without fear of being judged
- I will sit down with a key family member or friend and help them fully understand what this disease is, and how they can help me stay on track.
- I will get their full buy-in to be my “buddy system”
