Tag: emotion

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Divabetic Coming To Philadelphia In November


Changing our diet or mindset can feel like a daunting task, especially when it seems like others are breezing through the process. For our free upcoming Divabetic outreach on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Philadelphia, let’s engage in an activity, Plate Poetry, that fosters open discussion and support.

In the comments, think about something you’re considering taking off your plate—maybe a beloved snack, negative thought or an indulgence. For example, imagine what your life and health would be like if you removed ‘SHAME’ from your diagnosis. Being diagnosised iwth diabetes is not your fault and blaming yourself can hinder you from seeking help and improving your well-being.

Share something you’d like to put on your plate, perhaps a healthier alternative, positive mindset or activity that excites you.

For example, a friend of mine, Manny, faced the challenging decision to eliminate gluten from his diet due to celiac disease. While the availability of gluten-free options has grown, it still requires significant adjustment, especially for someone who enjoys Italian cuisine. It’s certainly possible to embrace this change, but it’s important to recognize the difficulties that come with it.

Manny chose to put the word, ‘TRY’ on his plate. His first goal was to switch from eating rye bread to quinoa and oats. Experts agree that it takes three months or more of fully eliminating gluten from your diet for your body and immune system to respond.

I often recall the valuable insight from a Registered Dietitian who emphasized, “I focus on telling people what to put on their plate, not what to take off.” This perspective encourages us to view dietary changes as opportunities rather than restrictions.

Philadelphia’s beloved WDAS Radio personality, Patty Jackson, is a true inspiration! After surviving a stroke, she shared that she wasn’t drinking enough water or listening to her body before it happened.

Fast forward nine years, and Patty is staying hydrated and thriving as she continues to bring joy to her audience behind the microphone and camera. It’s heartwarming to see her enjoying life and spreading positivity!

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Yo-Yo Dieting


Two weeks ago, if your New Year’s goal was to try to drop a pants size or two again, you might have felt the frustration of yo-yo dieting — that pesky cycle of losing weight only to regain it. It can be disheartening!

If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone! Studies suggest that about 20–30 percent of adults deal with the ups and downs of weight cycling, with many experiencing over seven fluctuations in their weight.

Research shows that it’s common to regain even more than you initially lost when the weight returns. This adds extra challenges, especially when compared to more sustainable methods of losing weight.

Navigating this rollercoaster of emotions, doubts, and negative talk while hearing endless advice about needing more willpower is mentally exhausting. Our environments are also filled with tempting triggers, like those bright neon signs from fast-food restaurants, especially when coming home after a tough day. It’s no wonder it’s easy to slip back into old habits!

Consider making peace with food instead of going to war with your weight. Try to pay attention to your body’s signals for hunger and fullness. Consider embracing mindful eating, listening to your hunger cues, and not labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” This can help minimize your eating habits’ extreme ups and downs and promote healthier ones in the long run.

Remember, weight isn’t everything! Are you happy with your lab results? Are you surrounded by people who love and support you? Do you compliment yourself? Can you allow yourself to be in a photograph without flinching?

While tracking your progress with the scale can be tempting, many other important ways to gauge your overall health are often overlooked. You’ve got this!

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Bittersweet by Poet Lorraine Brooks

Lorraine Brooks’s poetry expresses the emotional side of living with diabetes that is often overlooked or ignored on Divabetic’s monthly podcast.

If you’re feeling angry, ashamed, or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to seek help.

Bittersweet by Poet Lorraine Brooks

I have diabetes, that’s generally known,
And sometimes, there’s cause for concern.
When others assume, that what I have shown
Is reason for them to be stern.
So what makes me angry, occasionally,
Is questioning my food decisions.
It’s when people judge, even well-meaningly,
And then look at me with derision.
It’s when doctors give me a guilt-making talk,
As if I have failed in my dealing.
It’s when people think that they’re walking the walk,
But they don’t understand how I’m feeling.
I often get angry when numbers don’t jive
In spite of the effort I’m making.
When blood sugars rise to two, hundred and five,
And my carb-counting may be mistaken.
Or how about not being able to lose
Any weight, even though I am trying.
I try all the diets, end up confused,
And sometimes I just feel like crying.
I never would choose this, the way that I live,
Because of the changes required.
And I can get angry and cannot forgive,
And I can get real sick and tired.
Counting, and checking, and eating, or not,
Cooking and shopping, and staying aware…
Trying to balance the changes I’ve got,
And making the most of my need for healthcare.
I know that some people will not understand,
That sometimes I’m hurt, and I’m scared.
But all I can say is, respect who I am,
And know that some days, it’s just HARD.
So walk in your beauty, and walk in your pride,
And use all your anger as fuel.
It’s not always easy to be on this ride,
And people can often be cruel.
But also don’t let people stand in your way
And don’t let yourself get unwound.
Even if you’re not feeling completely OK,
Get off of the merry-go-round!
Focus, be thoughtful, and give it your best,
Because that’s really all you can do.
Let go, of the anger and feeling depressed…
Stand up, and enjoy being YOU!

Lorraine Brooks performs her poem on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with musical inspiration from Evelyn “Champagne” King.

Podcast guests include Authors of Overcoming Destructive Anger , psychologist Dr. Bernard Golden, PhD, an anger management specialist, Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Laura Laria MA, CASAC-T, Jill Knapp- Woolsey, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, and the Charlie’s Angels Outreach.

Throughout the podcast, we will play selected songs from The Essential Evelyn “Champagne” King courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s podcast is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

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