Health for Type 2 diabetes

 

What's ailing you: Type 2 diabetes

 

Beans

Why they're good: Whether they're kidney, pinto or navy, beans provide a winning combination of high-quality carbohydrates, protein and fiber that helps stabilize your body's blood sugar levels and keeps hunger in check. (People with type 2 diabetes have trouble keeping their blood sugar levels stable because their bodies can't produce or properly use insulin, which helps move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells.)

 

Eat up! Have beans as often as you can. Protein-rich beans and lentils are a smarter side dish than carb-filled pasta, rice or potatoes. Turn chickpeas (garbanzo beans) into a crunchy snack. Pat cooked beans dry, sprinkle with paprika, cumin or other spices, and roast in a 400°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned and crunchy.

 

Egg whites

Why they're good: Egg whites are the perfect base for a diabetes-friendly meal because they're low-calorie (17 calories apiece) and rich in high-quality protein, so they can help keep your weight and blood sugar level on an even keel. And they’re cholesterol-free, since all the cholesterol is in the yolk.

 

Eat up! Aim to have at least three or four egg-based meals a week. An omelet with 4 egg whites (or 1 whole egg plus 2 or 3 egg whites), plenty of vegetables and some reduced-fat cheese for breakfast will set you up for a day of even-keeled blood sugar.

 

Nuts

Why they're good: Nuts — all types, including peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, pecans and cashews — are primarily composed of heart-healthy fats and protein, two ingredients that keep blood sugar stable by slowing down the rate at which your body absorbs carbohydrates. Nuts also contain monounsaturated fat and, in some cases, omega-3s, both of which improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Since having type 2 diabetes also puts you at a higher risk for heart disease, nuts are a win-win.

 

Eat up! Snack on an ounce (one small handful) of your favorite nut daily — they all contain healthy fats.

 

7 layers of being, 2nd layer

 The Seven Layers of Being

People can be quite complicated or quite simple depending on how you look at things. We have different needs and wants, different ways of growth and thought.  But we all have the same basic layers to our self.  They need to be kept open and balanced. Each layer has a specific part to our place here on this earth and in the universe. 

2^nd Layer

We have talked about the left side of the brain in the first layer, now lets explore the beauty of the right brain as it is important for our second layer. This layer of being is all about thinking outside the box, or at least letting it be an option. We are talking creativity. We are talking a balance of the 1^st layer and this layer. They will work in tandem when both are balanced.

While the first one is all about survival, this layer is about making your world a pretty place. It’s about color, humor, expression. It brings joy to your life. Simple pleasures, exotic reasoning. All ends of the spectrum.

This layer when balanced brings a little pop to the personality. The ability to create through self-expression, showing you are self-assured.

When this over active you see a loud drama to this creativity.  It isn’t enough to flow, it is all about standing out no matter what the cost. This leads to fear of not being seen.

On the other side when it is under active we see loss of control. There are so times we need to go with the flow, but it is hard when you can’t visualize a creative change. After all it is hard to be creative when you are shadowed in doubt.

The second layer corresponds to the navel or sacral chakra. As it is all about joy and expression, the tarot suit is Cups. It is visualized by the color orange, and frequency this layer thrives on for balance is 417hz. 

To help find that balance again, do things a bit differently, brush your teeth with your non dominate hand, take a new route to a place you go often. Change the color of something you see every day, a tablecloth, the walls, your clothes. Read books or listen to music out of your normal genre.

Find your joy in simple things. Add them to your life. We are here for more than just survival. We are here to flourish!

When the first and second layer work in tandem, you are using both sides of your mind. It opens up the possibilities to an infinite level!  

It's about balance

Most of you know I am a tax preparer and tax season is coming to a close. Things do get a little hectic, people fear the outcome of their returns and share those feelings. I rarely see those fears come to fruition, but still it is hard watching folks worry about an outcome that hasn't happened yet. It seems to me it is one of the things we tend to waste energy on often. It is a shame we don't have faith in our abilities or the fact that most times we can handle anything that comes our way. We are stronger than we know, and we really should honor that.

“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on it's own wings. Always believe in yourself” – Unknown

I love this saying and feel it is a great guide to looking at life. I tend to jump in with both feet and worry about the landing later. I am not sure this is the best way to go either, so now I seek balance. So I spend my days trying to keep that balance. Today I started out working on taxes and while waiting for information went outside and pulled some weeds. Came back in and worked some more until I needed more information. My next task was picking dandelions. While I was out there I was thinking on what a simple and enjoyable thing to do. I pick the flowers to make bath oils and I will also use the infused oils to color soaps. Dandelions have so much to offer, and they seem to be readily available in my lawn. The more you pick they more they bloom. I figure it's a survival thing to keep the hope they will seed out and produce more, which is fine with me! I use the leaves for a ingredient in a great cleansing tea, and the roots are great as a tea for the liver. Such a simple plant, and so many uses. I also found some wild lettuce I picked for drying and making an oil diffusion and a tincture for pain. It's hard to weed your garden when you find so many uses for so many "pesky" plants! Okay, well it's back to work for me, two more days of crunching numbers then a break to make some soaps, lotions and salves for the spring craft fairs. Life is good; good to be busy, good to be content and great to balanced!