I’ve struggled with my weight since having kids – 28 years ago!! I have had limited success with all kinds of diets over the years. In all honesty, my limited success has been because of my lack of commitment and motivation. I love food. I love to cook. I love food TV. I read cookbooks like novels. I’m happiest browsing specialty grocery stores.

January 28, 2020 – At a routine physical, my doctor said, “We have a problem. Your blood sugar is 350. You are officially a diabetic.” He told me I must control my blood sugar through diet by eating foods that have a low glycemic impact, and to cut out sugar and foods that turn into sugar in my body (refined carbs).

My diagnosis of diabetes put the fear in me, so I began making changes. That very day, I cut out sugar and white carbs. I eat mainly vegetables and proteins. I try to keep my calories under 1200/day, carbs from vegetables and fruits only, minimal sugar. During my extreme weight loss did 16:8 intermittent fasting, with the approval of my doctor. So I stopped eating by 7:30 p.m. and ate my first calories at 11:30 a.m.
Now, in maintenance, I don't fast as much anymore and eat some steel cut oats for breakfast in an attempt to up my fiber.

I have a very stressful career and know that studies have shown that stress contributes to high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. I am trying to pray/meditate more. My husband and I walk at least a mile every evening, and twice a day on weekends. I do a weight workout every morning to retain muscle.

On January 28, 2020, I weighed 208 lbs. and blood sugar was 350.
(My high weight was 230 lbs. in April 2018).
As of December 12, 2020, I reached my goal weight of 135, and my blood sugar is consistently in the low 100s.

June 2023: It turns out maintenance is just as hard as loss.
I let my guard down and regained some of my weight.
But I'm getting back on track and tackling that regain.