Blood Glucose Battle

It started the end of October 2020.

I should have known it was going to happen at some point - my mother has been a Type 1 diabetic since she was 16 years old.

She's been fighting the blood glucose battle for sixty years.

I now fight that battle as well, but unlike her, I am hoping to control mine with diet.

My doctor really wanted me to start on medication, but she agreed to give me time to see what I could accomplish on my own.

Six months of testing my blood three times a day has helped me gain insight into what foods affect my readings.

And just when I think I have it figured out, it all goes awry again.

An app on my phone helps to track my foods and numbers.

I was never a big sugar or processed food eater, so I thought it was going to be a fairly easy task to get the glucose levels down.

But it was not to be - those carbs do not fight fair.

The grains, veggies, and fruits don't always behave as they should, even when they are included with the proteins and fats that help to offset them.

And it's not only about diet and food.

Exercise and movement play a big part with the numbers as does fluid intake.

 Carrying around access weight has a negative affect for those with Type 2 diabetes.

So it has been a battle of weight loss, correct food choices, exercising regularly, and learning during these last six months.

Those blood glucose numbers are not where I always want to see them even though all the correct food choices were made.

There is nothing easy about this - there's a lot of frustration, and I will continue to try to make it work without the need for medication.

My mother has dealt with several daily insulin injections her whole life.

She had no choice as her pancreas stopped working all those years ago.

With the changes I have been making, I will try to keep mine functioning as long as I can.

  

 

Winter Walking

Tracking the number of steps taken each day has become a habit that I have been trying to keep for the past few years.

Winters in New England haven't always been easy to accomplish this.

And until this year, I honestly didn't give it the effort it deserved.

It's not just the sub freezing temps that keep me indoors, it's the ice and snow which makes it hard to trudge through.

The first storm of the season dumped over thirty inches of snow, so I figured this year was doomed as well.

A couple of above freezing days packed some of it down enough to get my path established again through the yard.

My little four legged companion keeps me company as we make our rounds.

Seeing how happy she is to be out walking is big encouragement to get me out there too.

Twenty minutes is about all her little feet can do in the snow, and she lets me know when we're done.  

And really, that's about enough for me too!

 

Summer's Arrival

For many, summer begins with the Memorial Day weekend at the end of May.

For those with children, summer arrives on the the last day of school.

Others will count the July 4th celebration as their start even though the calendar tells us it is June 21st.

In our house this year, summer arrived today, on June 11th.

It usually arrives for us much earlier - sometime in May, but it got off to a later start this season.

Perhaps it was the extra cold winter that lingered longer in the bones, or perhaps just another year older all together.

We thought maybe yesterday would be the day, but I'm glad we waited for today.

It was perfect.

We had the sun, the wind a little stronger than we would have liked, and just a few other people around.

But we got right in with no problems and had our first swim at the lake for this season.

Let the Summer Begin!

A Different Yoga Routine

My yoga routine has not changed much in the the last three years.

And it is too easy to get comfortable with one's favorite workout.

Not to mention that with fifty quickly approaching, I am not going to try something too difficult that would easily throw a shoulder, hip, or knee out of commission.

As I was browsing the apps that were available on my new laptop, I came across one I thought looked interesting.

After checking it out and reading the reviews, I downloaded it.

There are several routines, each aimed at different areas, and it includes three levels within each one for difficulty.

I have tried quite a few of them, finding my limitations as well as the ones that are too easy.

The flows are great, and much to my dismay at first, I find I like the animated lady as well.

The instructions are clear and precise as are the movements of the animated instructor.

I am really enjoying my new yoga routine.

But I must remember to switch it up sometimes - its's good all the way around!

Back to the Lake

We are back to our daily swims at the lake.

It has been over a month now, and the water has warmed up considerably since we first began swimming this season.

Even though it has been quite a rainy summer so far, it hasn't slowed us down.

The fog and raindrops that seem to "fall up" from dropping in the water make the swims a great experience still.

We just make sure to keep an ear tuned for thunder and an eye for the lightening - getting fried while swimming is not in the plan.

It didn't take long for us to get back into going along the lines - keeping our "old fogies" pace helps a lot.

It feels so good to be back to our swimming -and we intend to enjoy every minute of it too!

Starting Anew

I have been very lax in recording my food intake and exercises in my daily journal.

I have been using the My Fitness Pal app on my iPhone and tablet to record all of that info for the past eight months.

But during the last couple of months I ran into a few health problems that have thrown me off track plus a death in the family didn't help with the emotional side.

Starting today I have been recording my food and exercise, and I hope to keep it up as I did in the past.

I am not happy with myself for letting it lapse, but sometimes things happen that one has no control over.

I am also trying something different in my diet to see if I can help the body feel better.

I have been more fortunate than most with my lupus, but sometimes it does get to me.

Will post more about my experiment as time goes on - fingers are crossed that it works!

From Swimming to Walking

We knew it had to end.

Our daily swims at the lake have been over for about three weeks now.

Last year we made it into October, but this year it just wasn't possible - the weather didn't cooperate at all.

Last year I picked up yoga to replace the swimming, and I have stuck with it right through the whole year.

I miss the swimming, but joining the Y or a fitness club is just out of our reach at this time.

So, my husband tells me, "I would like to do something to replace the swimming"

Knowing that Yoga was not for him, I began to think.

We needed something we could do that didn't cost us anything.

Something close to home would be great too.

And nothing too hard - I didn't want him to quit before he began.

Walking was the just the ticket.

We figure a good 40 minute walk a couple of times a week would get us started.

Of course, the weather has been cooperating perfectly so far.

But I know it will get colder - New England can be counted on for that.

But hopefully by then it will have become such a desired thing that we won't let it bother us.

Fingers are crossed!

Serene Swim

The days are getting shorter as the sun sets earlier and earlier each evening.

The swim area at the lake is now closed for the season - there was hardly anyone in it the last couple of weeks anyway.

The cooler nights have made the water too cold for most folks.

But not us.

We are still down there everyday - parking outside the gate and walking down to the beach.

I will admit, that lake water is a bit chilly at first, but once we get ourselves motivating along the swim lines, we are just fine.

In fact, the air is colder than the water when we finally drag ourselves out of it.

And yesterday was one of the best days this past season that we have had for swimming.

The water was pure glass - we were gliding through it slowly - taking care not to create splashes that would disturb that serene surface.

It was beautiful - and the late afternoon light added to the mood perfectly.

As we were drying beside the water's edge, just before we left, Mother Nature gave us a wonderful gift.

According to my phone, it was exactly 5:40, and that must have been when the underwater dinner bell was rung.

All over the surface of the lake, little mouths were popping up and catching the floating bugs for their dinner.

It was quite the site, and to think we almost left directly after the swim due to the chilly air.

Our lake has given us many gifts through the years, and I can see she still has a few surprises left for us.

Yoga in the Morning

We have been very busy lately, and my yoga routine has been taking a back seat.


With the heat, swimming was naturally to choice to go with for exercising.


When it was cooler, I would go through a small yoga routine right after the swim, but that hasn't been the case for the past couple of weeks.


I have been lucky to eek out about one routine each week.


So, I decided to try doing a routine this morning instead of the weights and lifts that I usually do before breakfast.


It felt really good to do them, but I will say, it was a bit rougher getting through the routine.


By late afternoon, all the muscles are well stretched out from the day's activities - especially after swimming.


No so in the morning.


But I think I will stick with them off and on in the AM, alternating them with the weights just so I can keep the routine up.


Then once the swimming is over for the season - which hopefully won't be for a couple of months - I will get back to doing them in the afternoons like before.

Swimming the Lines

It has taken about a month of steady swimming - just about everyday, but we have finally accomplished it.


We are back to swimming the entire lines of the swim area at the lake.


The water has been on the warm side lately, so getting in and getting down to business is very easy.


The days with no wind make the swimming very smooth and almost effortless as we glide through the water.


The windy days are a struggle to get to the other end with our faces being swamped and smacked by the oncoming waves.


The way back on those days though is a breeze with the wind pushing us along.


Late afternoon is still the best time for us, and sometimes we are even lucky enough to have the whole lake to ourselves.


That would be when the chance of rain is high.


We figure we are going to be wet anyway, so as long as there is no thunder and lightening, the swim is still on.


We love this type of exercise - just wish it was a year round thing!

Yoga is Breathing Too

It is not just all exercise.


Yoga combines exercise with meditation, relaxation, and breathing.


It all works together to deliver a well rounded regimen.


It is all very progressive.


It isn't something that you notice right off in your daily life either.


It sneaks up on you over time, then you begin to notice the benefits in some of your daily activities.


And then there are times when it really hits you how far you have come.


Much of the breathing has become quite routine with the yoga positions and exercises.


Without thinking about it, you pretty much know how to breathe when new exercises are introduced.


The deep breathing when stretching really expands the lungs.


This breathing helps to build stamina that you can feel.


It makes many of the internal organs function with more ease as they are supplied with rich oxygenated blood.


It struck me how far I have come with the breathing when I took my first swim this year.


No out of breath for me.


And something else that I could be imagining, but I swear I noticed - I floated better.


Perhaps the lungs have expanded to hold more air that makes me more buoyant.


Probably crazy, I don't know, but I do know I certainly feel a lot better because of my yoga breathing!

In the Lake

It has began again.


Another season for swimming at the lake.


Today was the first day we went in, and it was gorgeous!


The lake temp was 63 degrees, and the air temp was 83 degrees.


A bit warm for this early in the season for both the water and air.


But it only took a couple of minutes to get in it, and we enjoyed it for about 20 minutes.


For the first time ever, I was not winded.


My arms had plenty of strength, and my shoulders had a great range of motion.


In the past they have held me back, and there have been some seasons where the shoulder pain would only allow certain strokes for a short period of time.


No sign of any problems today - I think all the yoga and lifting the weights has paid off.


And it really feels good!!

Adjusting the Weights

There has been an increase in the weights that I lift in the mornings.


Previously, the sets were done with 5, 8, and 10 pound weights.


The fives were way too easy and the tens were doable without overdoing it.


I have some adjustable ones, and I fixed them up with what I had available.


The sets are now done with 8, 11, and 14 pounders.


The first two are not much of a change and I can handle the whole sets of reps.


But the last set of reps with the 14 pounders are going to take some building up too.


Some of the lifts I can do the whole set of eight.


But some of them, especially the ones extended from the body, I am lucky to get even five or six reps before I have to move on to different lifts.


From what I have been reading though, if it is too easy to do them, then they need to be increased.


Well, it should burn more calories when I use those heavy one, bu it is going to take some time to get to where i need to bee.


But that is a good thing - it's making the muscles work and I haven't felt any soreness from the increase.

Strengthen the Core

My son will soon have a college degree in Exercise Science.


He has learned so much these past two years about health and fitness, and he passes on some of what he has learned to us.


His main exercise mantra is to "Strengthen the Core".


When the muscles around the pelvis and trunk are in shape, they work together to get the most out of the rest of the exercises we do including walking and daily activities.


The back and spine also benefit as does one's posture.


And the best part about doing these exercises, it doesn't take any special equipment or gym memberships.


Several different ones can be found online, and they can be done right at home - no expenses required.


They will help to avoid back pain and muscle injuries.


And as one ages, these things happen much easier.


So when he walks by me exercising - I get the advice:


"Strengthen the core, Ma" - it is one of the best things you can do.


And, he is right - it does feel so much better with a sense of well being as I stretch and perform those "other" exercises.

Being Accountable

It is paying off.


Being accountable for all that I eat is working.


I have lost two pounds over the last couple of weeks by using my calorie and exercise counter in my smartphone.


The first week or so I put everything in with no regard to what I was eating.


I was learning the servings and seeing how everything added up.


Then I started to pay attention to what I ate.


And pay attention to all the food contents - the fats, sugars, and carbs as well as the calories.


And when you are honestly accountable for everything that you eat - quantity and serving size, you begin to see results.


I like that if you want something with a bit more calories than usual, then you just do more exercise to offset it.


The calories burned while working out are taken into account in the calculations the program makes.


It makes you accountable for the food you eat as well as gets you motivating to do some exercise.


It a very positive thing, and it really works!

Man, I Hate That Scale

I don't usually get too mad.


I tend to take things in stride and work through things that need it.


But when that stupid scale told me I gained 1 1/2 pounds this week, I was seeing red.


I have been very diligent these last few weeks on my morning and late afternoon exercise routines.


Very diligent.


And the eating has not been out of control either.


It is quite discouraging, and it makes one wonder: why bother?


As my husband kept telling me: Because it makes you feel good to do your exercises.


And that is worth it.


Besides, muscle weighs more than fat, but it's denser and smaller.


I suppose, but I still despise that scale.


I really felt like throwing it right out the door this morning - but I just would have regretted it later.


Perhaps not.

New Yoga Clothes

We hit the sales today.


I usually do my exercises in an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt.


While looking through the clearance racks at one of our favorite stores, I found a real bargain.


One I couldn't resist - make that two I couldn't resist.


A pair of very comfortable stretch yoga pants was on sale for $3.00, and they were my size.


I am not one to wear form fitting clothes, but this deal was just too good to pass on.


Finding a matching shirt for $9 sealed the deal, and they both came home with me.


And they are so comfortable!


I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing them in a gym, but in my own home - they are perfect.


Glad I "looked" outside the box - I've been missing some comfy clothes!

Bending is a Breeze

It didn't used to be.


My head would pound.


I could barely bend over at the waist.


I certainly couldn't touch anywhere near the floor.


I would be out of breath when I came back up.


I was a mess.


Then, yoga had me bending, bending, and bending again.


At first the hands went to just below the knees.


Then they advanced to the calves and then the feet.


They are now on the floor.


Granted it is only the fingertips, but since yoga is a progressive thing, those hands will be flat on that floor someday.


And I love to bend now - it is so easy with no after affects!

Exercise Motivation

I was reading a fellow blogger's post today, and she asked at the end of her post:


What gets you motivated to keep up with an exercising routine?


I thought about that one for a bit, and the thing that keeps me going is that it feels so good after it is done.


There are some times when it just isn't happening, but for the most part, since I sit at a computer for much of my day, I know I have to have an exercise routine.


 It took me a long time to get my muscles built up to do the exercises, and I don't want to loose them.


My routine doesn't have me loosing any weight, but it keeps me moving.


 I try to do it at the same time everyday.


When I am short on time, I still try to get a few minutes in.


A few here and there adds up though the day when there is no chance for the whole routine.


The Yoga exercises that I have recently discovered add a whole new spin on the exercise routine.


I really miss them when I don't do them.


So, yes, my answer is, it feels so good after I do them that I don't want to miss doing them.


And who doesn't want to feel good?

Yoga Update

It has been almost two months now, and I am still enjoying the Yoga exercises.


The flexibility has increased quite a bit.


And the ease of movement in doing everyday activities is an added benefit.


Many of the poses were just about impossible to attain, forget about holding them for any length of time in the beginning.


Some of them are still difficult to do, but I can see progress, and someday I hope to be able to do them.


It really does take concentration to keep one's balance at times, but I can feel the strength building in many areas - the ankles, knees, and arms.


I have been using one particular VHS tape that runs for almost 45 minutes.


And I just about have it down pat now so I can do it without the tape.


I will keep looking for another one that uses some different poses, but is beyond the beginner ones that I have now.


Yoga is definitely a positive choice for a healthy lifestyle.


I recommend it!