If you missed last night’s Salad Making program on Zoom with special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, she offered the following advice for anyone facing a weight loss plateau:
1). Learn to love yourself at your current weight
2). Focus on your health habits (Examples” How are you sleeping? Do you exercise regularly? Eating fruits and vegetables? Portion control, etc.)
3). Make a detailed list of what was working for you to begin with, and be honest with yourself. (Examples: Was it portion control? More, or regular exercise? Were you eating more salads?)
“I actually like people to do this during the weight loss process because most of us tend to underestimate what we’re doing and what aspects are working for us,” says Jill. “Then when we hit a tough spot, we can look at our list for motivation or a reality check. Maybe you were eating out less when the weight was coming off? Or maybe you were under-eating, and now you can see it’s not a good idea.”
4). Talk to your doctor about medical intervention using medications and/or surgery. using medications, devices, or surgery.
Finally, we tend to SHAME ourselves into getting better, but research proves this approach does not work. Self-compassion is much more effective at helping with blood pressure, weight loss or maintenance, sleep, and diabetes self-management. Be kind to yourself. We believe in YOU!
Jill Weisenberger’s Divabetic Salad Recipe features Arugula, Beets, Purple Cabbage, Jicama (a root vegetable that’s low in calories), Garbanzo Beans, Chery Tomatoes, and Avocado.
Divabetic Salad Dressing
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon herbs such as herbs de Provance, oregano or Italian seasonings
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
4 tablespoons lemon juice (or vinegar)
8 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
Jill Weisenberger’s Tip: When cooked potatoes cool, some of the starch changes and becomes resistant to our digestive enzymes. Resistant starch then doesn’t get absorbed as glucose (so cold potatoes have slightly less calories and contribute slightly less to glucose levels). Resistant starch is food for our good gut bacteria.
Jill Weisenberger’s Stick With It is a self-paced video course that guides you step-by-step to the healthy habits you want. You’ll learn why your motivation and willpower move up and down like a roller coaster and what you can do to keep them up higher and longer!
Need a boost? Listen to Divabetic’s podcast focused on Eye Challenges related to diabetes with music from TLC. Guests include Sherrol Reynolds M.D. (Associate Professor and Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, President of the National Optometric Association (NOA)), Rishi Singh, M.D. (Retina Specialist and Staff Surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), Andrea Sledge, Natalie Karabel,Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.
Don’t miss Divabetic’s Annual Mystery podcast. This year’s A Christmas Peril is based on a real-life story premiering on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 6 PM, EST. Starring Mr. Divabetic. Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle, Maryann Nicolay, Catherine Schuller, Terri Seidman, Wendy Radford, Seveda Williams, Chef Robert Lewis, and Trisha Artman.
Please join us for Divabetic’s freeBaking Party withStacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ onThursday, September 23, 2021, 7-8 PM. Stacey will be sharing tips for how to cut back on the sugar in recipes, using sugar substitutes and alternative flours, and cutting back on the carbs without losing any flavor, and demonstrating one of her most popular Sugar-Free baking recipes.
Billie Jean King has just released her autobiography, All In. She told Robin Roberts on Good Morning America that she developed an eating disorder, binge eating, at the age of 51.
“It took me forever to be comfortable in my own skin,” says Billie Jean King. “I think 51 when I went through the eating disorder.”
The trailblazing leader in gender equality admits she admired Naomi Osaka for discussing mental health.
Billie Jean King spoke to Naomi Osaka about Roland-Garros (The French Open), their inspirations, and how they’ve used their platforms for social change.
Her advice for others coping with challenges from disordered eating to alcoholism is to name it.
“When you own it, it actually dissipates at little. Then you have a chance to make it okay.”
Billie Jean King was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007, long after her professional tennis career ended. Reportedly she was not shocked by her diagnosis.
“It’s a wake-up call but I also knew from some of the people around me that you can live a great life, “says Billie Jean King. “You don’t have to let it defeat you. You can defeat it.”
Billie Jean King developed disorder eating issues at the age of 51. Eating disorders can also increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Binge eating disorder has been shown to increase insulin resistance and weight gain, both of which are risk factors for type 2.
A quick google search reveals diabetes puts people at risk of poor mental health because of the stress it can cause. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes usually find that diabetes changes their relationship with food. Many people feel that they can no longer eat ‘intuitively‘ or eat in the same way as non-diabetic friends and family. Having a complicated relationship with food affects our enjoyment and the way we spend time with family or friends. In many cases, this can lead to disordered eating.
Patient. Com reports Eating disorders are far more common in people with type 1 diabetes than in people without diabetes. One review estimated that EDs were seen more than twice as frequently amongst girls and women with type 1.
People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing disordered eating. But new evidence-based interventions may have an answer.
In All In, Billie Jean King details her life’s journey to find her true self. She recounts her groundbreaking tennis career—six years as the top-ranked woman in the world, twenty Wimbledon championships, thirty-nine grand-slam titles, and her watershed defeat of Bobby Riggs in the famous “Battle of the Sexes.” She poignantly recalls the cultural backdrop of those years and the profound impact on her worldview from the women’s movement, the assassinations and anti-war protests of the 1960s, the civil rights movement, and, eventually, the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Mr. Divabetic spotlights LGBTQAI+ people living with, affected by, and at risk of diabetes on June’s Divabetic podcast with music from Indigo Girls.
Research shows that LGBTQAI+ people have unique health disparities and worse health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts, related to diabetes care and education.
Guests include The Flood Girls & The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton Author Richard Fifield, and Mutha Chucka, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.
Marriage equality was a mere pipe dream when Indigo Girls duo Emily Saliers and Amy Ray came out in 1988, coinciding with the release of their eponymous Epic Records debut. With regard to popular entertainment, particularly within the music business, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray were at the forefront of the queer rights movement. They won a Grammy and released chart-toppers like Closer to Fine. And they refused to let their sexuality get in the way of their success, brazenly being themselves at a time when being a gay public figure was uncommon and even downright scary.
Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from their Indigo Girls album courtesy of SONY Music.
Register now for Divabetic’s free Salad Making Party with special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWWC, FAND on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
Eating a salad sounds healthy, doesn’t it? But a leafy green salad can go bad when you pile on the high calorie and high carb toppings, dressings, and other deep-fried offerings.
How do you make a great-tasting salad without sacrificing your diabetes wellness?
Special Guest, Jill Weisenberger shares 2-3 of her favorite nutrient-dense salad and tasty dressing recipes that you can make at home and answers your nutrition questions.
Nationally recognized Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND. Jill has authored four books. Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Weekis a bestseller and can help you manage your weight and blood sugar at the same time.
And Jill’s latest book Prediabetes: A Complete Guideleads you through dozens of concrete steps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems.
Learn to finally Stick With Itand keep your motivation and willpower up for healthy lifestyle habits. Jill Weisenberger’s Stick With It is a self-paced video course that guides you step-by-step to the healthy habits you want. You’ll learn why your motivation and willpower move up and down like a roller coaster and what you can do to keep them up higher and longer.
Jill Weisenberger’s Grated Summer Squash Salad: A New Favorite
“I came up with this simple, pretty, and very tasty summer squash salad,” says Jill Weisenberger. “I’ve tried it with zucchini and with yellow squash, as well as a variety of types of summer squash. Use what you have or what you like best! Feel free to call it zucchini salad, or anything else.”
Luther Vandross’ debut solo album Never Too Much, originally released August 12, 1981, celebrates its 40th Anniversary and the start of an epic solo career.
Before the album’s release, Luther worked steadily in the music industry. He worked as a jingle writer and singer on TV commercials for major companies like Burger King, Juicy Fruit, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. He sang backgrounds on many records, sometimes even arranging the parts for major hits by acts like CHIC. He toured with legends Roberta Flack and Bette Midler, and others. He even co-wrote ‘Young Americans’ and ‘Fascination’ with David Bowie. He also gained moderate success as one-fifth of the self-titled R&B quintet Luther, releasing two solid projects on the Cotillion label—1976’s Luther and 1977’s Close to You.
Many consider Luther’s first major break to be The Glow Of Love and subsequently, Searching for the Italian-US disco-soul ensemble Change, formed by businessman and executive producer Jacques Ford Petrus and producer-songwriter Mauro Malauasi. TheGlow Of Love. Luther gained valuable name recognition from music fans from the success of these records when disc jockeys started to introduce the singles as “Change featuring Luther Vandross.”
It still boggles my mind that after all of his success, several major record label executives passed on signing Luther after hearing his self-financed demo records. The fact that he kept shopping his demo around to labels pays tribute to his drive and ambition. I have never met anyone else in life with more purpose, ambition, and determination than Luther Vandross. Of course, he was mega-talented, but these other qualities that he possessed should not be overlooked. He was and still is an incredible inspiration in my life. How many people would keep on trying to succeed after being told ‘NO’ multiple times?
I also feel Luther gained invaluable insight into how to successfully shape his career from his years working behind the scenes. He learned from other’s successes and failures. Luther witnessed first-hand the struggles, fights, and frustrations that music artists experience with their record labels, managers, agents, and fans. He also made invaluable connections with other artists, musicians, and producers.
In 1981, a now thirty-year-old Luther Vandross finally got a record deal. The then-senior vice president of CBS Records, Larkin Arnold, and record executive Jerome Gasper sign him to the subsidiary label, Epic Records. Rumor is that they decided after hearing only one song, Never Too Much.
In recognition of 40 years of Luther Vandross’s double-platinum selling album, Never Too Much, his keyboardist and songwriting partner, John “Skip” Anderson remixes his classic hit as a mid-tempo ballad.
https://youtu.be/jr9Pp0RAeIk
Divabetic’s 2021 Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Chuck Flowers.
By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason in 1986, he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America. He appears slim and trim on the album cover. Unfortunately, the considerable amount of weight he lost on a liquid diet triggered a lifelong cycle of yo-yo dieting.
For Luther Vandross’ fifth album Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks, including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love, and Give Me The Reason.
Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.
When you’re dealing with diabetes health challenges, do you seek out your doctor or do you say, “it’s in God’s hands” and do nothing?
Many people turn to faith-based ways to manage health and life challenges. Saying “I’m leaving it to God’ is a common way to normalize and cope with challenging situations. It’s been reported that over 300 published scientific studies have demonstrated the medical value of religious commitment (including worship attendance, prayer, scripture study, and active participation in a spiritual community). These benefits include enhanced ability to cope and manage mental illness, chronic illness, pain, and addictions.
Recent research has shown that a large number of women are incorporating spirituality as part of their breast cancer treatment. Spirituality has been defined as a felt connection with a non-mental, non-emotional, and non-physical aspect of being commonly referred to as a ‘Higher Power’ or something greater than the self.
A recent study examined the benefits of prayer in racially diverse breast cancer patients. They found that women who prayed found positive aspects in their experience with breast cancer.
When this beautiful church was built in 1892, it became the largest church in Montana. It is a cruciform church in the Romanesque Revival style. The church also has stained glass windows, a pipe organ, and a massive church bell, Painters of the Italian Renaissance greatly influenced the Turin, Italy, native, who employed many of the same devices used by early Renaissance artists: feathery trees, oval female faces, classical costumes, and painted pilasters.
How Does Faith Help Life With Diabetes?
Mr. Divabetic hosts this episode of Divabetic’s popular Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Country Music Superstar Carrie Underwood.
Carrie Underwood is inspiring us to talk about “keeping the faith and diabetes.” The country superstar and her husband are very outspoken about how important Jesus is in their lives. ‘How do your spiritual values impact your diabetes health? Are your spiritual and religious beliefs and practices harming or helping your daily diabetes routines? The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks to the experts on ways you can keep your faith in your self-care management during your darkest hours and gets a ‘real-life’ perspective on how faith has transformed health outcomes.
In less than 10 years, Carrie Underwoodhas sold 64 million records worldwide, scored 18 #1 singles, and earned nearly 100 major accolades, including six GRAMMY® Awards.
Carrie Underwood is celebrating the first amazing chapter in her career with the 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville release of Greatest Hits: Decade #1, a 25-song collection that includes such radio staples as “Before He Cheats,” “All-American Girl,” “Cowboy Casanova,” “Blown Away,” “See You Again,” and her six-week #1 breakthrough hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” We will be playing selected songs throughout the podcast courtesy of SONY MUSIC.
Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES, Neva White DNP, CDCES, Mama Rose Marie, Poet Lorraine Brooks, and special guest Carrie from New York.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Salad Making Party with special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWWC, FANDon Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
Divabetic’s Hallmark-style Mystery podcast Kill Me Madam, Part 1-3 is available for free on-demand. Enjoy great diabetes information and advice packed into a Whodunnit!:
There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’. But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.
Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police after meeting her just once! As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has become a complete and utter baking disaster.
Now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well. Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake an actually edible cake?
FEATURING Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure’s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
If you’re craving a slice of key lime pie after listening to Divabetic Mystery podcast, then why try to easy-to-make recipe by our friend, Stacey Harris aka (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from a traditional bakery item.
One 9″ pie crust, baked (traditional or graham cracker crust)
3 large eggs
1 c. granulated Whey Low®, Splenda® or Truvia® sugar substitute
1 c. half & half
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
3/4 c. key lime juice
1 Tbsp. finely grated lime zest
1/8 tsp. salt
whipped cream
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, September 23, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
It’s important for anyone with diabetes to rise to the occasion, not delay and get an annual eye exam from an ophthalmologist so that diabetic retinopathy can be detected early.
In its early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently.
A basic eye exam cannot detect all aspects of diabetic retinopathy so you will require special exams. To get a better look at the inside of the eye, your doctor might use eye drops to dilate the pupils and may then view the retina with lenses and a special light called a slit lamp.
What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?
Over time, high blood sugar damages the walls of the small blood vessels in the eye, altering their structure and function. These blood vessels may thicken, leak, develop clots, close off, or grow balloon-like defects called microaneurysms. Often, fluid builds up in the part of the retina used in tasks such as reading. This condition is called macular edema.
What is Macular Edema?
Like I mentioned above, macular edema is the build-up of fluid in the center of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye and the macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. Fluid buildup distorts vision
In advanced cases, the retina loses its blood supply and grows new, but defective, vessels. These fragile vessels can bleed and cause more problems, including glaucoma.
I had my pupils dilated at my recent eye exam. It’s not painful, and the peace of mind alone is worth protecting my sight was worth any discomfort with light sensitivity.
Still, hesitating to go to the eye doctor? Let the R & B group, Deele‘s biggest hits, “Two Occasions”(you’ve got two eyes, right?) inspire you to schedule a regular eye exam to maintain healthy vision.
There is a big difference between comprehensive eye exams and routine eye exams. Routine eye exams are the appointments that you make when you need to get a new prescription for your glasses.
A comprehensive eye exam is typically an annual appointment where your eye doctor checks both your vision and overall eye health. This is important because the eye is a small, complex, and essential part of the body. Not only do our eyes help us to see, but they can also show signs of other eye and health conditions.
We’re talking about Eye Challenges related to Diabetes with musical inspiration from TLC on August’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 6 PM, EST
Guests include two leading doctors, Optometrist Sherrol Reynolds M.D. (Associate Professor and Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, President of the National Optometric Association (NOA)), Retina Specialist and Surgeon Rishi Singh, M.D. (Retina Specialist and Staff Surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), two Diabetes Eye Health Advocates Andrea Sledge and Natalie Karabel, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.
Throughout our podcast, we are featuring music from TLC’s CrazySexyCoolalbum courtesy of SONY Music.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Salad Making Party with special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWWC, FANDon Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
Whether your doctor warned you about your high blood pressure at your last visit or you tested it yourself at a pharmacy, it should be taken seriously. According to the Mayo Clinic, “The higher your blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage.”
Barry White battled chronic high blood pressure, which caused kidney failure.
When the blood vessels become damaged, the nephrons that filter your blood don’t receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function well reports the American Heart Association. This is why high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is the second leading cause of kidney failure. Over time, mismanaged high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries are not able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue.
Damaged kidney arteries do not filter blood well
When the arteries become damaged, the nephrons do not receive the essential oxygen and nutrients — and the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood and regulate the fluid, hormones, acids, and salts in the body.
Damaged kidneys fail to regulate blood pressure.
Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called aldosterone to help the body regulate blood pressure. Kidney damage and mismanaged high blood pressure each contribute to a negative spiral. As more arteries become blocked and stop functioning, the kidneys eventually fail.
“Doctors confirmed that Barry White had a history of hypertension [high blood pressure], which led to a decline of kidney function,” a statement from Island Def Jam Music Group said.
In a career spanning 30 years, the 58-year-old Barry White has sold 100 million albums. He has twice been admitted to hospital in recent years suffering from hypertension – once in 1995 and again in 1998.
Divabetic fans have turned Divabetic’s 5th Annual Mystery podcast, Swan Wake, a bonafide hit during the pandemic with high than average ratings over the past month.
“I’m overjoyed by the news that people are rediscovering our cozy mystery twist on presenting diabetes information,” says Max’ Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “Zippora Karz’s real-life story as a ballerina living with type 1 diabetes inspired our story. I talked to Zippora several times to ensure the ballet details are correct.”
Currently, Max is in the midst of rehearsals and script rewrites for this year’s mystery podcast, A Christmas Peril.
Max adds, “this rating boost makes all the time, effort, and talent that our cast members devote to this podcast so worthwhile.”
When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, heads to the box office to fix a mix-up with his Swan Lake tickets, he’s faced with an even bigger problem – a murder. To make matters worse, one of his latest culinary creations, a gluten-free cheesecake, is covering the victim’s face. Even more shocking are the numerous scandals swirling around the Gotham City Ballet and its members that have everyone walking around on tiptoes. So could our happy healthcare host’s questionable culinary skills make him an accessory to a crime?
So now, Mr. Divabetic, with the help of his team of whip-smart Diabetes Educators, a Best-Selling Mystery writer, Tonya Kappes, and his own nosy Italian Mother, Mama Rose Marie must whip up his own crime-solving recipe. Fast–before a hearty dose of intrigue and a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all.
Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie and Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Lorraine Brooks star in Divabetic’s 5th Annual Mystery podcast, Swan Wake.
Keith was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes back in 2006. However, he doesn’t feel his family history of diabetes (a few extended members with diabetes) is responsible for his diagnosis. Instead, he blames his eating habits.
“I didn’t take my diabetes seriously for the first ten years of my diagnosis,” Keith admits. “I never checked my blood sugars. I wasn’t exercising or watching what I ate. My doctors told me I had diabetes, and I didn’t do anything about it. I had all the information at my disposal. But I wasn’t applying it. I’d lie about checking my blood sugars with my doctor. My doctor would look at my blood work and challenge me. My grandmother had this saying, “someone will never do what they need to do until they’re ready to do it” — which pretty much sums up my mindset back then.“
Looking back, Keith feels his careless attitude could result from no one around him growing up taking their diabetes seriously either.
“As a kid, we referred to diabetes as ‘sugar.’ I knew I had diabetes, but it was just a word; I didn’t think of it as a disease. I never thought it was something fatal. Or as something that could take your limbs, sight, or life. I didn’t put any of that into perspective for the first ten years.”
“My close friend’s unexpected passing from diabetes was a wake-up call. That’s when I started to manage my diabetes. ”
Keith continued with regular doctor visits but started to adhere to a medication routine, exercising at home (watching exercise DVDs), and eating healthy.
Eventually, he had to have part of a toe removed.
“My foot issue happened about five years ago after I got serious with my diabetes.”
Keith’s foot issues sparked his desire to have weight loss surgery.
“Four years ago, I had gastric sleeve surgery. Several friends and family underwent the same surgery, so I knew about it. I talked to my doctor about it after I found out it would help with my diabetes.”
“I was pretty successful at managing my weight until I got the Security job in December of 2020. The stomach is a muscle and can be stretched back to its original shape if you’re not exercising and eating right. Both of which have happened since taking this job. I’ve been doing ok since being off for the summer, but at 56 years old, it’s hard to get that momentum back and in high gear to where I was before getting my job.”
Managing diabetes at work can be challenging, especially if you cannot get up and move around freely. I spoke to Keith about his new security job on the NBC TV show, The Blacklist, what a typical day is like, and how his work environment has been affecting his diabetes wellness.
Q: What is your typical schedule for the day and week when you work security?
A: On the Security job, I work 16-18 hours or more a day. I don’t get any breaks; the only break is when you go to the bathroom. Lunch is brought to you from craft services. So basically, you on your post from the time you arrive at 4:30 am until you leave, which can be anytime in the evening/night.
Q: How does your work schedule affect your health?
A: My health has been up & down gained weight since starting this job on 12/2020.
Q: Has your sleep schedule changed?
A: I don’t get much sleep. I get up at 2:15 am and work till at least 7 or 8 pm.
Q: Has your diet changed since starting your job? Gained or lost weight since working this job?
A; I have gained ten pounds. I’ve gone from 176 lbs to 186 lbs (I was weighed at the doctor today).
Q: Has your fitness level changed?
A: With these job hours, I haven’t worked out since starting the job.
Q: Have you been to the doctor since starting this job? If so, have there been any changes? What are they? In meds? A1C? etc.
A: I still make all my doctor appointments, my weight has gone up my A1C fluctuates from good to not so good. I blame it on me being a foodie and craft services and having no self-control.
Photo by Flex Point Security on Unsplash
Q: How much physical activity do you get at work? If you don’t get physical activity, then describe what you do – are you sitting all day, in one place, moving around from area to area, etc.
A: I get absolutely NO physical activity on this job. I sit, stand, walk, but it’s not enough to break any kind of sweat or get the body in a serious routine. I have to control my eating, and that’s it with this job.
Q: What do you typically eat when you’re at work?
A: I eat pretty healthy. I eat many fruits, vegetables, some fish & chicken, water, tea, nuts, etc.
Q: Do you bring your own food, or is it provided?
A: We have Craft Service, which has EVERYTHING you can imagine, from shrimp calamari ribs soups, fish wraps, vegan dishes, cakes, pies, cookies, etc. So I eat pretty healthy fruits, vegetables, fish and chicken nuts, water tea sometimes snacks like cookies, chips, gummies, but not much.
Q: Describe some of the challenges you face managing type 2 diabetes at your job?
A: As I mentioned before, I’m a foodie, and there isn’t a lot to do. You’re bored lots of the time, so I eat it’s all me. So I’ve gotta have better self-control.
Q: What would make it easier for you to manage your diabetes at work?
A: Honestly, not going back. The job is also located on the water, so it’s extremely cold even when the weather is nice outside. The studios are located right alongside enclosed parking lots. There are always continuous drafts. No matter how layered up you are being in one place for hours, the cold still creeps in on the body.
Q: Any additional thoughts on the ‘the struggle is real’ scenario?
A: As I mentioned earlier, I’m a ‘foodie.’ I’ve got to have self-control over myself; I can’t give in to boredom. I must develop a backbone.
Since many of us are facing similar issues that Keith mentioned, I reached out to Divabetic friend and colleague, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND to get her advice on the issues that Keith is facing in his current work environment.
Jill has authored four books. Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week is a bestseller and can help you manage your weight and blood sugar at the same time. The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition offers solutions to your everyday food and nutrition problems – no matter how busy you are. 21 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes and Your Heart gives you specific actions to take to improve your health right away. And Jill’s newest book Prediabetes: A Complete Guide leads you through dozens of concrete steps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems.
Q: What advice can you share for someone who tends to overeat out of boredom?
Jill Weisenberger (JW): I like making rules with exceptions. For example, “I do not eat unless it’s a meal or a planned snack. Period. Except when … ” So, for me, it’s except when I’m offered something I will have no opportunity to try another time (gelato in Italy, Sacher torte at the Sacher Hotel, etc.)
Q: What strategies can you share for someone who is surrounded by too much food at work that’s trying to maintain a healthy weight?
JW: Same as above. Additionally, I think it’s important to build in treats. Once I worked at a job that always had lots of junk food. So I planned that every Wednesday afternoon, I’d pick one thing. I did that for 8 years.
Q: What advice can you give someone who admits to having ‘no self-control’? (I know you have written about this topic. Can you also share the link to one of your blog posts on it?)
JW: Most importantly, address your environment. You have more control over your environment than you do over your willpower.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Salad Making Party with our special guest, Nationally recognized Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes EducatorJill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWWC, FANDon Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
Eating a salad sounds healthy, doesn’t it? But a leafy green salad can go bad when you pile on the high calorie and high carb toppings, dressings, and other deep-fried offerings.
How do you make a great-tasting salad without sacrificing your diabetes wellness?
Special Guest, Jill Weisenberger shares 2-3 of her favorite nutrient-dense salad and tasty dressing recipes that you can make at home and answers your nutrition questions.
