Montana Bride’s Guide To Diabetes

Mama Rose Marie and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek returned safely from their ‘Theo & Louise’ whirlwind cross country travel odyssey this past weekend. We attended an outdoor family wedding in Missoula, Montana, on the 4th of July. It was lovely to celebrate all things ‘Red, White, and Blue’ in such a picturesque part of America.

My second cousin, Maria, and her husband, Nate are not living with diabetes. My maternal grandmother, Maria’s maternal great-grandmother, Mary Zinni, had diabetes. She died of heart failure at the age of 78. This year, marked the 100th Anniversary of her marriage to my grandfather, Dominic Zinni. Although my grandfather could not read or write, he raised several college graduates. I’m proud to say our family legacy includes several teachers, doctors, lawyers, horticulturists, civil engineers, energy healers, retail specialists, artists, musicians, and a happy healthcare host!

If you are and you’d like some tips to celebrate the ‘Big Day’ with Diabetes tune in to Divabetic’s Bride’s Guide to Diabetes podcast using this link:

 

We were overwhelmed by the scenery and overjoyed to be part of such a beautiful celebration. The bride and groom wrote rhyming vows that they exchanged to each other to everyone’s delight and astonishment! Several couples were asked to offer their pearls of wisdom to the newlyweds. Mama Rose Marie shared insights into her 50 + years of marriage to my father, Stanley Szadek, Jr. during the ceremony. 

“I’d like to compare my fifty years of marriage to the fifty or so mile journey I took from my hometown of Batavia to my new home in Rochester. A long stretch highway that my husband drove with me by his side in our blue-colored 1959 Opel car. Although our journey started with love, first and foremost, like many newlyweds embarking on a new life together, we were scared. We wondered if we had enough things in common to stretch the distance and bridge the gap between our pasts and our future. And probably most of all, we wondered if there was some map to lead us in the right direction. Midway through the years, we found ourselves no longer traveling alone. There were three then four children in the backseat. The small car we started out in was now a full-sized station wagon! Bumps in the road that once brought tears or laughter became precious memories between my husband and me as we kept driving. At some point, we didn’t need a map because we had our faith, commitment, and strength to lead us in the right direction after a half-century together.

As you begin your journey together, I want you to know the only road map to follow in your marriage is the one in your heart. It’s not where you go, but who you are traveling with that’s important. Congratulations!”

If Missoula, Montana sounds familiar to you, it’s because our recent Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Author Richard Fifield (The Flood Girls, The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton) lives there. Unfortunately, epic travel delays prevented a face-to-face meeting but you can still enjoy our interview with the best-selling author on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast using the link below:

 

5 things you need to know to stay safe and healthy this summer from the American Heart Association:

  • Heat illness strikes thousands each year
  • The 65+ and other risk factors
  • Keep hydrated, by the numbers
  • Sun protection 101: Use SPF 30 or higher
  • Swim safely, don’t become a statistic

Keep cool as you refuel tips from the American Heart Association:

Try light, healthy pre-and post-workout snacks that can also help you stay cool, such as:

  • Chilled or frozen fruit
  • Cold salads loaded with vegetables, beans, legumes, and heart-healthy fish like albacore tuna or salmon
  • Crisp, chilled raw veggies like cucumber, carrot, or celery with a light, cool dip
  • Cold sparkling water with a splash of 100% fruit juice or slices of citrus or cucumber

Toni Braxton Inspires Divabetic’s 11th Podcast Anniversary in June

We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 11th Podcast Anniversary with musical inspiration from Toni Braxton on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 6 PM, EST.

The seven-time Grammy Award-winner has sold over 70 million records and is one of the best-selling R&B artists of all time. She also has overcome several setbacks in her life including bankruptcy, divorce, and a lupus diagnosis. Hopefully, she can encourage you to overcome the obstacles in your life that are stopping you from living your best diabetes life!

When Toni Braxton was first diagnosed with systemic lupus in 2008, her doctors told her that she would need a heart transplant and might not ever perform again.

“I remember being petrified,” Braxton said in a phone interview with Business Insider. “I was scared. I didn’t know anything about lupus.”

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. It can also lead to heart disease and kidney disease.

Insulin resistance is increased in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).  Insulin resistance occurs when excess glucose in the blood reduces the ability of the cells to absorb and use blood sugar for energy. This increases the risk of developing prediabetes, and eventually, type 2 diabetes.

Lupus also disproportionately affects women, and especially women of color. About nine out of 10 adults with lupus are women, with African American women being three times more likely than white women to be diagnosed with lupus. 

Since her diagnosis in 2008, Braxton has developed microvascular angina and blood clots. 

“Of the lupuses, I have the worst — but of the worst, I have the best,” Braxton said. “I’m always trying to be positive about it.”

Braxton said she reached a point where she could perform again by educating herself about the disease and using CBD to cope with her symptoms and flare-ups.

 

Naomi Osaka Is A Mental Wellness Warrior

Naomi Osaka pulled out of the French Open, the world’s highest-paid female athlete, citing mental wellness struggles for her withdrawal.

Approximately 46.6 million people live with mental wellness issues in the U.S. That’s 1 in 5 adults who will be living with a mental health condition at some point in their lives.

In a statement posted to her Instagram, the 23-year-old Japanese pro tennis player said dropping out from the high-profile event was “the best thing for the tournament, the other players, and my well-being.”

Some people may feel she should have withdrawn from the tournament before it began, but I applaud her. I think society never empowers people to set boundaries, and when you do, there’s backlash.

I have been feeling stressed, anxious, and even angry over the last few weeks. Several project deadlines are tripping over each other on top of my full-time job. Thankfully, my boyfriend and I spent Memorial Day weekend with friends in Southampton. It rained every day, but we had a great time playing board games and just talking. It was so helpful.

Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, revealed that she’s suffered from “long bouts of depression” since the U.S. Open in 2018. She has had “a really hard time coping with that.”

“Anyone that knows me knows I’m introverted, and anyone that has seen me at tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps my social anxiety,” Osaka wrote.

“So here in Paris, I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious, so I thought it was better to exercise self-care and skip the press conferences,” she added.

Research has shown that the benefits of exercise can boost moods and improve overall mental health. However, playing sports does not make athletes immune to mental health challenges.

33% of all college students experience significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Among that group, 30% seek help. But of college athletes with mental health conditions, only 10% do.  Among professional athletes, data shows that up to 35% of elite athletes suffer from a mental health crisis that may manifest as stress, eating disorders, burnout, or depression and anxiety. We’re inspired by athletes such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps,  USC Volleyball player Victoria Garrick, NBA player Kevin Love and those who are telling their stories and inspiring others to seek help to support the cause.

What is Depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.  Depression is a serious medical illness affecting an estimated 15 million American adults. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Diabetes & Depression

If you have diabetes — either type 1 or type 2 — you have an increased risk of developing depression. And if you’re depressed, you may have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Again, the good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together

According to the Rexulti website, symptoms of depression may last for 2 weeks or more, occurring nearly every day.

Symptoms of Depression may include:

  • A depressed mood most of the day (feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or on the verge of tears)
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
  • Weight loss (even when not on a diet) or experiencing weight gain
  • Decreases or increases in appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping or being overly tired
  • Restlessness or feeling slowed down
  • Fatigue or a loss of energy
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • A lack of concentration or difficulty with decision making
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

“I’m gonna take some time away from the court now, but when the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans,” Osaka wrote.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.

Tune in to the latest edition of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast mixing music with diabetes information.

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, virtual diabetes support program with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes program features ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST.

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Faith & Diabetes

Carrie Underwood is inspiring us to talk about “keeping the faith when living with diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
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?
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 their health of a Divabetic FB community member. In less than 10 years.
US research indicates religious beliefs can have a positive impact on how people living with diabetes and their spouses cope with the stress related to diabetes.
Carrie Underwood has sold 64 million records worldwide, scored 18 #1 singles, and earned nearly 100 major accolades, including six GRAMMY® Awards with hit songs including “Before He Cheats”, “All-American Girl”, “Cowboy Casanova”, “Blown Away,? ?See You Again,? and her six-week #1 breakthrough hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel”.
“I got to go into the studio to sing these songs that are so hopeful and so peaceful,” says Carrie Underwood. “I hope people find some peace and comfort in these songs.”
We will be playing selected songs from her Greatest Hits album throughout the podcast courtesy of SONY MUSIC. Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDCES,  Mama Rose Marie, Poet Lorraine Brooks, and  Carrie from New York.

Kevin Houdeshell’s Tragic Death Inspires This Year’s Divabetic Mystery Podcast

Tonight is the second rehearsal for this year’s Divabetic Mystery podcast, A Christmas Peril. Our take on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol aims to raise awareness for the real-life story of Kevin Houdeshell. 

36-year-old Kevin Houdeshell ran out of insulin over the New Year’s holiday in January 2014. He ended up with dangerously high blood sugars that spiraled into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), leading to him die alone in his apartment.

Kevin was doing his best to stretch out his supply until the New Year. He ran out of insulin and may have been taking the T2D-targetted metformin to help keep his blood sugars down until he could get an insulin refill, reports Healthline.

He went to the pharmacy on New Year’s Eve, but his prescription had expired. They couldn’t give him anymore without a new prescription. He tried to contact his doctor’s office but wasn’t able to reach them and left without the insulin because of the holiday.

Within days, Kevin began having what appeared to be flu-like symptoms of vomiting, cramps, and overall not feeling well. He left work one night and went homesick. When his family and friends hadn’t heard from him, a friend went to his apartment and found him there alone. It appears Kevin had gone at least four days without insulin before the end.

In the aftermath of that horrible tragedy, the Houdeshell family fought for a new law in their state, Ohio, to allow pharmacies to distribute an emergency supply of insulin to those who needed it. In the years since Kevins’s death, 5 states have passed Kevin’s Law, and several other states are looking to join the ranks.

“It’s something that has to be done. If we can save one life, it’s worth it,” Dan Houdeshell said during a phone interview with DiabetesMine. “Kevin would do anything for anybody, so we just have to. We couldn’t let it lie without trying to help other people.”

“Our mystery podcasts are one of the year’s most popular podcasts,” says Max Szadek. “I asked Dan if we could advocate on behalf of their family and share Kevin’s story in our mystery radio drama. Then I consulted with Mandy Reese PHARMD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES on the related medical information. I’m grateful to our cast, including Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and MaryAnn Nicolay Med, DTR, Wendy Radford, Catherine Schuller, Trisha Artman, Seveda Williams, Terri Seidman, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ Lorraine Brooks and our producer, Leisa Chester-Weir for helping me advocate for Kevin’s Law. This year as an added treat, Ivan Hampden Jr. has agreed to produce original music for our performance. 

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge,  named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic along with our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

 

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’ in last year’s Divabetic Mystery podcast, Kill Me Madam.  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 turned into 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 a cake that’s actually edible?

Get Here Safely By Getting Fully Vaccinated

“There are hills and mountains between us. Always something to get over,” sings Singer-Songwriter Brenda Russell on her song ‘Get Here’.

The song lyrics express our desire to connect with loved ones. After a year of sheltering in and social distancing, our desire for connecting with family and friends has only grown stronger. 

Thankfully, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.

“Fully vaccinated people can travel within the United States and do not need COVID-19 testing or post-travel self-quarantine as long as they continue to take COVID-19 precautions while traveling – wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, socially distancing, and washing hands frequently.”

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky says, “We continue to encourage every American to get vaccinated as soon as it’s their turn, so we can begin to safely take steps back to our everyday lives.”

Whether or not you’re traveling by Railways, Trailway, Airplane, and/or Caravan, do it safely by getting vaccinated. We did! 

Tune in to the latest edition of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast mixing music with diabetes information.

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, virtual diabetes support program with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes program features ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST.

REGISTER NOW- FREE REGISTRATION 

Revisit Your ‘Why’ If You’re Lacking Motivation

Our music inspiration, Alicia Keys’ make-up free movement, served as a self-empowerment tool for singer, songwriter, and maybe it can inspire you?

Alicia says,” I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing.”

Are you tired of hiding in disappointment from your inability to lose weight or keep it off?

“Motivation tends to lose its luster as we go forward (with goals). When you take the time to get in the right mindset. When you start losing your motivation to go to the gym or you start losing motivation for what you are eating then you go back to your ‘why.’ Your ‘why is crucial to your success,” says Dr. Lori L. Shemek, Ph.D., America’s #1 Fat Loss Expert and Author of ‘How to Fight FATflammation!. “When you revisit how you felt when you initially made your goal, that’s the key. When you attach that emotion to why you made that goal, then you’ve got it.”

People give up because they don’t have the confidence to pull it off,” continues Dr. Lori. “If you stop worrying about your behavior and focus more on your self-trust research shows that you will follow through. Be consistent with self-trust.”

New Product Alert: Nubocha Dairy-Free Gelato

Life with diabetes doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of deprivation when it comes to dessert thanks to a husband-wife team Gianluca Franzoni, a chocolatier who founded famed Italy chocolate brand Domori,  and Katrina Smith. The two entrepreneurs just launched Nubocha — their award-winning, dairy-free gelato brand available all Sprouts grocery locations across the country, and direct-to-consumer via its website.

 Nubocha is made with just three main ingredients: premium varietals of nuts or cacao, pure spring water, and allulose, a zero-calorie sugar found naturally in foods like raisins, figs, and maple syrup.

Allulose has the same taste and texture as table sugar. It is about 70% as sweet as sugar, which is similar to the sweetness of erythritol, another popular sweetener. Healthline reports that In animal and human studies, allulose has been found to lower blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity and help protect the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells.

Let’s not forget it’s dairy-free too! Instead of using more traditional non-dairy replacements like nut or coconut milks, their recipes combine pure spring water and creamy nut butters, which allows the true nature of their premium ingredients to stand out.

With only 250-330 calories per pint (less than other plant-based and dairy ice cream and gelato brands), Nubocha is 100% vegan, keto-friendly, Non-GMO Project verified, gluten-free, dairy-free and kosher-certified

The simplicity of Nubocha’s recipes and its unique use of spring water as a base, allow each thoughtfully sourced ingredient to shine, offering a healthier, flavorful gelato with no added sugar and less than 350 calories per pint. 

Nubocha is available in five flavors: Chocolate Arriba, Italian Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, and Pistachio. The pints retail starting at $8.99 per pint, and are available for national shipping via Amazon or Nubocha’s website. For more information visit Nubocha.com and follow Nubocha on Instagram @nubocha_gelato.

Rather than focus on foods to eliminate from your diet, focus on healthy foods to include in your diabetes diet. The best way to do that is to talk to a registered dietitian. Visit eatright.org, and click the Find a Registered Dietitian button (to the top right of the screen) for a list of nearby dietitians. Your insurance company. Many health insurance companies now provide coverage for nutrition counseling.

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, virtual diabetes support program with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes program features ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST.

REGISTER NOW- FREE REGISTRATION 

Why Love Won’t Let Me Wait When Someone Is Having A Stroke

If music has the power to move you, then let the ballad, Love Won’t Let Me Wait, written by Vinnie Barrett and Bobby Eli, and sung by Major Harris, Nancy Wilson, and Luther Vandross, be a reminder to take immediate action when someone you love is experiencing a stroke.

When it comes to stroke, every second counts! Waiting or praying it away are not options if you, a spouse, friend, or family member have a stroke. And what you do in those critical moments can potentially help save someone’s life.

Nearly 2 million brain cells die each minute a stroke remains untreated.

“The most frustrating thing for me as a stroke specialist is that folks will stay home with their symptoms,” said  Dr. Carlene Kingston, stroke medical director at  Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. “They’ll notice that one part of their body isn’t working, and their first call is to their primary care doctor or their spouse. That is never the answer. The answer is to call 911.”

Rapid access to medical treatment often makes the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.

“Several hours passed between the time my boss, Luther Vandross, first experienced a stroke, and I found him,” says Max Szadek.” The time gap hindered his recovery.”

Most strokes are not associated with pain, which often leads people to believe they’re okay, and they wait for the symptoms they’re experiencing to pass. However, with each passing minute, brain cells are dying that will never be recovered.

The national standard for treating ischemic strokes is to administer a tissue plasminogen activator or tPA. This clot-busting medication can potentially reverse the symptoms of stroke within 60 minutes of a patent’s arrival at the ER.

The faster the medication is administered, the better the outcomes are for stroke survivors.

If you do nothing else, act quickly to call 911 and tell the 911 dispatcher, ‘I think I’m having a stroke or ‘I think my loved one is.'”

Use the letters in “F.A.S.T.” to spot stroke signs and know when to call 9-1-1.

F: Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided?

A: Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S: Speech: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

T: Time to Call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

If you get your spouse, friend, and/or family member to the hospital when symptoms start, the likelihood of surviving and not having any disability much more significant.

May Is Celiac Disease Awareness Month

“Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the lining of your small intestine, causing inflammation, digestive distress, a decreased ability to absorb certain nutrients, and a propensity to develop other serious diseases,” says Dr. Vikki Peterson, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Chiropractor, and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner.

Research has proven there is a genetic link between Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. Developing one of the diseases increases the risk of developing the other. The prevalence of celiac disease in people with Type 1 diabetes is about 6% worldwide.

When you are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, your doctor should also check and see if you have celiac disease. However, you can develop celiac disease at any time, so if you think you are exhibiting symptoms of celiac disease, talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Dr. Vikki Petersen’s Top 4 Celiac Disease Myths 

#1: Celiac Disease and wheat allergies are one-in-the-same
It is sometimes thought that celiac disease is the same as a wheat allergy. They are very different. Celiac is an autoimmune disease where one has to avoid gluten (wheat, rye, barley) for life. Celiac is quite common, affecting 1% of the population, making it one of the most common lifelong disorders in the U.S. and Europe. Wheat allergies are actually very rare.

#2: Small amounts of gluten won’t affect those with Celiac
A misconception is that a “bite” or “sip” of something containing gluten couldn’t possibly bother someone suffering from celiac disease. The fact is that the need to avoid gluten is not quantitative, but rather qualitative… meaning that a “crumb” of a bread crumb on a salad is enough to create very ill effects on someone with the disease.

#3: Gluten-free diet is a “fad”
A misconception is that avoiding gluten is a “fad” and not really necessary. Unfortunately, unhandled Celiac Disease (meaning the individual is not avoiding gluten completely) can lead to cancer (lymphoma), liver disease, thyroid disease, miscarriages, neurological diseases, and more. Symptoms and long-term manifestations go far beyond an “upset stomach”.

#4: Gluten sensitivity is different from celiac disease.
Celiac Disease, as we have said, is an autoimmune disease. The misconception that gluten sensitivity is not a “real” condition has been debunked by a number of world-renowned researchers. What both conditions have in common is the need to remove all gluten from one’s diet.