I Think I Needed to See That for my Health

[Spock]

You may (or may not) remember that last summer, after years of skirting on the line-I finally crossed over to have diabetes. I haven't been to the doctor since, but I do have an appointment in July. Among other reasons-she had a baby in the meantime and I am kind of avoiding it because I know it won't go well.

You also may (or may not) remember that I have a very strong sweet tooth and I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to candy. I have eaten enough for several lifetimes.

But I have seen something twice in the last few days that gives me a strong motivation to work on my candy problem.

There is an office where I have to go pretty consistently for business and the workers there are mostly female. One of these ladies won the genetic lottery. She is extremely attractive, tall and willowy.

I will only charitably describe another lady there as "overweight." I have been in the office twice around lunch time this week and I saw her coming back from lunch and the first time she had a bag of licorice and a bag of chips and today she had a handful of candy bars. I feel for her-I really do-because I fully understand and share her weakness.

I am trying to use what I saw as motivation to work on my candy problem-I needed help badly as, if anything, I have been worse since the diagnosis than I was before.

It is kind of funny that I am reading a vampire book (The Buffalo Hunter Hunter) and I can only think of my desire for candy as similar to his need for blood.

It has helped over the last few days anyway-since I first saw the licorice and today with the handful of candy bars was strong reinforcement.

I really hope it helps. I have been running a lot of errands this week and it so hard not to pick up a candy bar somewhere.

[Beebs52]

Spock, take it a day at a time. Each day you don't eat "too much" sweet stuff is good, too much defined by you based on what you used to eat. It's like anything else, step by step.

[Beebs52]

Oh, and Spock, I quit smoking Jan. 15, after 50 years. First few weeks were ROUGH. Stopped drinking wine as well which prods the desire for a cig.
I had quit a couple times way back, but not for long.

Net net is, remove triggers for awhile. It helps.

[mellytu74]

Echoing EVERYTHING that Beebs said in her messages.

Steer away from the triggers. Definitely net/net.

In my case, I've found making Italian sodas does the trick.

Those syrups for coffee - sugar-free. Torani, Kerry, Skinnymix - any brand works for this.

I get them at Marshall's or TJ Maxx in the housewares section. I tend to stick with the classics - Vanilla, Caramel, Cinnamon, etc.

Over ice, then add Club soda. Mixed with a stirrer, so it bubbles some. My cousin Jeannie bought a seltzer bottle for the club soda; I haven't gone that far yet.

Makes me feel as if I'm drinking something far more caloric - w or w/o alcohol.

Satisfies the sweet tooth for me.

[Spock]

Thanks.

A few days ago, my daughter and Li'l Spock's girlfriend were joking about putting up my picture in every store that sells candy in the 3-state area saying-"Do Not Sell This Man Candy."

Sounds bad-but it was a fun conversation.

[tlynn78]

Oh, and Spock, I quit smoking Jan. 15, after 50 years. First few weeks were ROUGH. Stopped drinking wine as well which prods the desire for a cig.
I had quit a couple times way back, but not for long.

Net net is, remove triggers for awhile. It helps.

I LOVE this for you!

[tlynn78]

Thanks.

A few days ago, my daughter and Li'l Spock's girlfriend were joking about putting up my picture in every store that sells candy in the 3-state area saying-"Do Not Sell This Man Candy."

Sounds bad-but it was a fun conversation.

Spock - I totally feel your pain - I have a serious sugar addiction. I weaned myself off of sweet tea a while ago, but candy remains a problem. I also second Melly's suggestion - I make my own "Italian sodas" with Sugar-free Red Bull and sugar free Torani syrups. Stay strong and be healthy.

[mellytu74]

Spock - I totally feel your pain - I have a serious sugar addiction. I weaned myself off of sweet tea a while ago, but candy remains a problem. I also second Melly's suggestion - I make my own "Italian sodas" with Sugar-free Red Bull and sugar free Torani syrups. Stay strong and be healthy.

Sugar-free Red Bull!!! OMG!! Thanks, tgirl!!

Sweet tea - a favorite of many folks in Fresno - was very tough to shake. So, seconding that.

[TheCalvinator24]

I’ve been diabetic for a few years. My A1C was hovering between 6.2-6.7.

At this January’s annual checkup, it had jumped to 11.7 since last July, when it was still 6.7.

I am now on Metformin & Farxiga, and I’ve been pretty good about cutting way back on carbs. The first day I had my blood sugar monitor and before I started my meds, my blood sugar was 370. This morning it was 102 (the lowest I’ve had since I started checking it).

I don’t find joy in most of my meals now, but I’m willing to do what it takes not to die early.