Round Two: A New, Thoughtful Way of Eating

As you know, yesterday was my first day off as a raw foodist. Since my 30 days of raw have been met, I'm turning the page to prove to myself that I can carefully integrate a few cooked things along the way and still avoid medication and stomachaches. The pics above are a quick snapshot version of my intake for yesterday.

Starting out with something cooked was important to me. Having craved eggs and toast since day one of thirty, I thought that was a perfect place to begin. It was delightful. My rye toast was dry and the egg had salt and pepper on it. No stomachache, so eggs and toast will remain as a staple on my permanent menu.

For lunch, it was slightly more difficult to decide what I wanted. I finally settled on a green drink and some meat for my protein. Did that ever hit the spot. Still no stomachache. I was thrilled.

Dinner was served at Lupe's, our favorite Mexican restaurant. I ordered a meatless tostada without sour cream, meat, or rice. Instead, I had beans in my tostada. At this point, it became a religious experience. Choirs of angels surrounded my tastebuds. It was definitely out of this world! I washed that down with a few glasses of water followed by another couple of glasses of water later in the evening. Still no stomach issues. Amazing! I went to bed with a smile on my face and thrilled to be thinking in a healthier direction.

P.S. My blood glucose numbers stayed in a healthy range all day long. My lowest number for the day registered at 84.

Round Two: Life without Meds!

A.M. Blood Glucose Level: 105

Where are the Paparazzi? For that matter, where's the BBQ? As you can imagine, I woke up this morning with a smile on my face just knowing I could finally have a piece of rye toast . . . or for that matter an egg and rye toast. Let freedom ring!

Laying in bed, I began to imagine a feast of cooked food spread out on a King Arthur's size table. Hypnotic food-filled thoughts flooded my brain. A deep caloric coma swept over my entire body. After removing the pillow from my face, I began muttering this mantra ". . .simmer down, just simma down . . . it's all going to be okay."

Although it's true that the 100% raw agenda is technically over, it's important that I don't lose sight of the fact that I'm no longer taking medications due to this raw journey. (I really hate technicalities!) Reality finally hit me square in the face, forcing me to put my cuisine-film-clip-dream-sequence on pause and focus on the fact that the real work is about to begin. The truth of the matter is this: If I'm to stay healthy without medications and keep my glucose at acceptable levels, I'll need to pay close attention to what type of nourishment I put into my body from this day forward. What's more, I will never be able to go hog wild on the eating frontier again, not that anyone should go completely nuts (pun intended), but there can be no more sense of entitlement when it comes to food. Those days are gone. Eating 1-2 meals per day of veggies, fruit, and protein will be vital to my success if I hope to stay medication free for life. For my third meal of the day, I'll need to concentrate on having protein and more complex carbs from veggies and fruit while making smart, life long, healthy choices.

Now that we have the business of the day out of the way, where are the paparazzi? Okay, I'll settle for a piece of BBQ chicken. Bring it on! It's time for . . . Round two: Life Without Medications!

DAY 30 of Eating Raw Has Arrived!

What an experience this raw eating has been. As you know, today is my 30th day of eating raw. Inspirational speakers always say ". . . enjoy the journey . . ." and " . . .it's not the destination, it's the journey . . ." I've literally ached for this 30 day journey to conclude, white knuckling it many days. Some days were easier, and other days seemed next to impossible, but in the scheme of the world's problems, it was a piece of cake. Yes, that was a poor analogy, but that's how deprived individuals speak. Kidding of course. This raw food course has forced me to take a closer look at myself, my life, and my nourishment. It has definitely pointed me in a better, healthier direction. At this juncture in my quest for health, I have much more clarity about how food plays a huge role in our overall well being. And if you allow it, healthy whole foods will simply balance your entire system while restoring it to a happy, healthy place. Enjoy the criteria I've outlined below. Hopefully they will be the ticket I need as I continue a new, slightly different journey, albeit a journey nonetheless.

Raw foods help to balance your system

Enjoy eating a variety of fruit

Vary vegetables daily

Eat conscientiously

Remain off all medications

Salads will remain a staple

Exercise daily

Drink lots of water and green smoothies

Institute a daily regimen of healthy choices

Always include family and friends in your life

Blood glucose levels need to be monitored

Eat organic when possible

Take time for yourself

Eat well balanced meals

Stomachaches gone; Say hello to one happy camper!

DAY 29: The Long and Short of It!

One more day to go!!!! Raw for me!

So many people have asked how I will choose to eat once my 30 days of eating raw have been completed. I certainly hope I don't disappoint too many out there, but one thing I do know . . . I won't remain a vegan. Although I know how good raw foods are for you, I am longing for a hot cooked meal. Nothing sounds better to me than a roasted vegetable or a broiled piece of chicken or fish at this point. One thing is for sure, I will continue to make vegetable/fruit smoothies. Those, I have grown to enjoy. Also, I will continue to have some fantastic vegetable/fruit salads with some chicken thrown in now and then. Currently, I feel as though I have kicked the sugar habit. Sweets are not calling me at this point. I feel void of all my sweet cravings which is quite dramatic. However, I will not fall into a trap and say that I will never have another dessert. Although I don't intend on trying to make myself learn how to enjoy sugary treats again, now and then, I may indulge. Who knows? I do know that I cannot go back to my old ways of eating. I'll need to keep my simple carbs in check and focus on eating more complex carbohydrates in order to remain off all future medications and ward off any future stomach issues. In short, before eating, having a short, but firm, conversation with myself may just do the trick. I'll need to ask myself if what I'm about to eat will benefit me in the long run and/or short run.

Lesson 999: Be good to yourself, make wise, healthy choices, and enjoy life . . . because as we all know too well, life's far too short!

DAY 28: Fixing Breakfast and the Getty

My daughter, Erin, and her foreign exchange student from France, Solenn, are leaving today. This is the 4th day visiting with me. Each day of their visit, we've tried to schedule fun things to do so that she'll have some great memories of her visit to the U.S.

I fixed breakfast for a group of my daughter's friends this morning. One thing that will always be difficult for me is fixing food for others that I cannot enjoy. Some of you might be saying to yourself, "Why doesn't she just make a raw meal for everyone?" Frankly, I don't feel comfortable forcing others to eat raw just because that's my agenda for now. True, it would be easier for me to serve everyone the same foods, however, most people that I know are not vegans/raw foodists, nor are they interested in that sort of lifestyle. However, my daughter and her friends, were super informed, and all of them are serious athletes and overall, healthy eaters. Erin felt the need to explain my raw adventure to them. As it turned out, they were extremely supportive as they scarfed down their yummy breakfast. I love them all! Of course we had lots of laughs and great conversation.

Later on in the day, we went to the J. Paul Getty Museum. It was a day of beautiful art intermixed with lots of walking up and down several flights of stairs. Although I love looking at art and reading about all the artists and explanations of their special works of art, I found myself almost depressed. I brought some water and almonds with me to ward off my hunger and it helped. I'm not sure why I felt slightly down, but it did pass, and perhaps it was only that I was physically hungry.

Lesson 589: Always pack plenty of food options with you on a trip so that you do not feel deprived!

DAY 27: Girl's Day Out

Erin, Solenn (Erin's foreign exchange student from France), and boarded a train to Irvine. From there, my good friend Pat picked us up and took us around Newport, Laguna, and was our tour guide for the day. Solenn wanted to see where they film the OC TV show and of course the beach and all the snotty little clothing shops and malls. We pretty much walked all day long.

We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. I took the time to make a creative order for a raw salad. The waitress had me write a list for the chef of all the things I could eat. It seemed like we had it all figured out until the salad was delivered with chicken and fried won tons. That was totally unexpected. Although I longed for what they delivered, I sent it back like any self-respecting raw foodist would. The poor waitress apologized, and it was finally delivered correctly.

Our day was filled with tons of walking and seeing beautiful sights. Finally, it was time to return home. Due to some unexpected traffic, we nearly missed our train. The scene was right out of a movie. In order to board the train, you must first climb three flights of stairs, cross a long bridge and then descent three flights of stairs. I yanked off my floppy sandals so as not to fall to my death. As we were running, we could see the train entering the station. We literally made it with about seven seconds to spare before the doors shut.

Lesson 492: Always plan for unexpected traffic! :)

DAY 26: BBQ Swim Day

More company today. Erin, Solenn (exchange student from France), my parents, both of my sisters and their children and a few good friends came over for a BBQ and swim. I prepared a huge raw salad with about eight different ingredients in it, and BBQ'd hot dogs for the kids. We had grapes and lemonade as well. The kids swam practically all day long. It was great seeing everyone, and Solenn enjoyed meeting some new people.

DAY 25: Fasting Blood Glucose Number Hits an All Time Low!!!

Fasting Blood Glucose number: 107!!!

This morning was my all time lowest fasting blood glucose number at 107! I've been stuck at 120 plus or minus a few points. This morning was my first low, morning number since beginning this "raw" food journey. I'm absolutely thrilled. Wow! Off all meds for three weeks now and feeling fabulous! Food is now my medicine. From this day forward, I'll now know exactly what to do should my numbers begin to creep in the wrong direction. You can't really go wrong eating tons of veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Who knew it could be this easy?

DAY 24: Raw-Raw-Sis-Boom-Bah!

Only 7 days remaining of R-A-W!

I am dying for something cooked/broiled/baked! Can't wait.

DAY 23: Shall We See A Doctor? And by "We," I Mean Me!

Those of you who know me well, know that once I research an idea, and arm myself with enough of what I think is valid information, I don't always, (in other words never), consult professionals, i.e. doctors, who might put the kabash on my endeavor to reverse my diabetes by eating raw for 30 days. Instead, I took a deep breath, and dove into this raw abyss, never looking back.

As I embark on my final week of eating raw, I'm toying with the idea of having a blood work up to see just how much I've truly improved my overall health. My mission: To find a way to get a blood work up without seeing the doctor first, then book an appointment so he can read it and let me know how I'm doing, scientifically speaking. The question remains: Shall we see a doctor? Currently, the only info I'm getting is on my blood glucose monitor. I'm assuming it's accurate based on cross checking my blood glucose level daily with another monitor that I have.

I'd love it if you'd weigh in and let me know what you think. Below is a list of some drastic physical changes noted after 21 days of going raw:

Quit all medications

Upset stomach gone!

Energy boosted; not tired anymore

Stabilized blood glucose levels

Tastebuds are enjoying vegetables & salads

Internally, feeling so much better than before

Only noticing positive changes

No more coughing

When you read this blog, email me, or post your opinion on this site, and let me know your feelings about whether or not I should see a doctor at this point in my journey. I look forward to hearing from you.

DAY 22 Blood Glucose: 101 Only 8 Raw Days Remaining . . . and Making Plans!

As you can imagine, going raw has been quite a feat. Some days I say to myself, "that's not bad" or, "this is not so hard." Still, other days begin with, "I just want some tuna or chicken" or, "that bread looks delightful." I've spent hours thinking . . . Where shall I go from here? Below is a list of some of the criteria I will lean on in order to remain successful in the reversal of my diabetes:

• Have plenty of veggies daily; roasted or al dente is great too!
• Eat consciously, remembering the "slippery slope" of high blood glucose numbers
• Ask for specific food preparation at a restaurant; be creative when ordering
• Lean proteins such as fish, turkey, and chicken are fine; portion control!
• Test blood glucose numbers regularly to stay off all medications
• Have snacks prepared and available at all times (veggies, fruit, nuts, and seeds)
• Yoga, free weights, walking, and treadmill are just a few great ways to exercise daily

DAY 21: Munch on, Movie Mavens!

Perhaps it's all a part of the American film watching culture, but I simply must have a munchie or two while watching a movie. Typically, I would have a diet drink and chocolate raisins, dots, and or some other type of candy. When it comes to candy/treats, I have no discriminatory rules on junk food. Oh sure, I have my favorites, but there is very little I say no to, until recently. Today, it was different. I packed water bottles, and filled a baggie with nuts, seeds, and raisins. I probably ate a few more than I should have, but the good news is, 2 hours post my movie munchies, my numbers showed up at 105. Now that's pretty darned good. I can't imagine what they would have been in the past. I'd rather not even venture a guess. The point is, with a tiny bit of preparation, I was able to watch a movie, drink a beverage, and still munch something with a little flavor. It can be done! Munch on, movie mavens!

DAY 20: Eating out raw . . . Can it be done?

The answer my friends is . . . ABSO-CERTAIN-LUTELY! I decided to go out and about today with my sister who is also eating raw for 30 days with me. As we were shopping, we realized how hungry we had gotten and decided to brave a restaurant. Creative ordering is what we called it and we practiced a tad before the waiter arrived at our table. We ordered salads with nuts, all kinds of veggies, and avocado instead of chicken. The lunch size salad was scrumptious and raw. Fresh bread was brought to our table and we politely turned it away, but underneath the table our hands showed our tenseness. I was one step away from losing it at that point, but I white knuckled it through my timid response of "no" and kept to our agreed entree. Once we finished lunch, the peppy waitress addressed us with a litany of desserts that she thought we'd be interested in. Keeping her rhythm, I jumped in as soon as she took a breath and simply explained that we wouldn't be having dessert today. Again she attempted a quick sale, but we smiled and said "No thanks." As it turned out, eating out is not as difficult as we had imagined. Having a brief chat with yourself and making a plan ahead of time may bring success to the entire process of dining out.

DAY 19: Creating New Neural Pathways

Current brain research reports that it takes 21 days to create new neural pathways in the brain. "The pathway along which information travels through the neurons (nerve cells) of the brain is a neural pathway." Changing the way I do things today, and switching it up to do things in a new, more productive way, will create a new neural pathway in my brain. Consistency is key. In order for me to create this new road in my brain, I must veer away from an old tired habit, similar to driving to and from work the same way, and for the next 21 days, focus on a new and different routine. Although I've only been eating raw for 16 days, I have already noticed that my old way of doing things is evolving, changing, and moving in a new, more positive direction. Is it a concrete habit yet? No, but the good news is, that eventually, if I continue along this new, more healthy pathway of eating, I will at least consider the new, more positive patterns of eating while making food choices in the future. In otherwords, the foundation of a new neural pathway is currently being set in my brain. The longer I do a particular thing, the more set in stone it will become. The more I create new ways of doing things, the better it is for my brain, my health, and my overall well being.

DAY 18: Blood Glucose 92 @ 6:30 P.M. B/4 Dinner

The Good News: I'm feeling great, skin has cleared up, 15 days of zero stomach issues, and 15 days of zero medications. It just doesn't get much better than that!

New Mission: Work on getting my morning blood glucose levels down. My new goal will be to get my fasting blood glucose level as low as a midday or evening number. That's my next project. Using my treadmill in the evening has not been inviting, but if it needs to turn into a habit, I'd best get on it.

DAY 17 Blood Glucose Level: 120 Later in the day: 100

Often called the "dawn phenomenon" my blood glucose level in the a.m. is always higher than it is when it is taken two hours post meals. Again, here's the good news: I've now been off all medications for two weeks. My early morning blood glucose reading remains within a normal level and the fact that it goes even lower once I've eaten is amazing.

Here are some suggestions I found on the web for lowering your morning blood morning readings:

1. Try exercising later in the day, which may help to lower your glucose at night.
2. Limit your carbs in the evening. Eat a small snack of nuts or other protein before bedtime.
3. Be sure to eat in the morning! Skipping breakfast or other meals may well result in a higher blood glucose reading.

P.S. I will put these steps in play tonight and see if I don't get a lower reading tomorrow morning.

Day 16: Blood Glucose Level:

DAY 15: Blood Glucose Level: 107

Today was the first time I went out to eat with some friends since I've started this 30 days of eating raw. Wah! I nearly broke down and ordered the entire menu. The good news is that I calmed down and ordered a very uneventful lunch. It was salad with a few small tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers in it. Although I was acting like it was no big deal to eat this extremely plain salad, I was screaming on the inside. Mediocre seems to be the descriptive term I'd used to describe this raw bowl of deligh. I really am missing my chicken and/or fish. Oh well, I made it through the day and it's time for bed now. Nighty-night.

Day 14 Blood Glucose: 117 Whatchyagonnado?

With my blood glucose at 117, I'm a little disappointed. I would love my glucose level to register below 100 following an all night fasting. For some reason, that's only happened once. Now I'm beginning to wonder if the monitor was correct. Whatchyagonnado? Here's the good news: my blood glucose levels have dropped dramatically since I began this trial. Being patient with myself is not my strong suit, however, I need to resign myself to the fact that these things take time. After all, it hasn't even been two weeks since I've started eating raw, nor has it been two weeks off all meds and my numbers are within normal limits! When my monitor reads somewhere between 80 and 99 in the morning, I'll consider that a radical victory. Monitor readings during the day are often below 100, so that's more good news. Until then, I'll continue my journey and see where it takes me. Best news is that I haven't had a stomachache in 11 days!!!!! You have no idea how fabulous that is . . . or perhaps you do.

DAY 13 Blood Glucose: 110 (still off all meds)

Did you know that . . .

1. Heart disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths.
2. About 65% of deaths among people with diabetes are due to heart disease and stroke.
3. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20-74 years.
4. More than 60% of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations occur among people with diabetes.

DAY 12 Blood Glucose: 107

Nearly 1/3 of the way through RAW for 30 days!

Did you know that . . .

1. There are 26 million diabetics in the U.S.
2. In the last 20 years the number of diabetics went from 30 million to 230 million worldwide.

Day 11 Blood Glucose 77: 13 Excellent Reasons I'm eating raw for 30 days

1. D iscontinued all medications after day 3 of eating raw
2. I nternal inflammation and stomachaches gone
3. A void dialysis in the future
4. B lood glucose levels have stabilized without meds!
5. E nergy renewed through eating live food
6. T aste for processed food disappears
7. E ach pound sheds much easier
8. S kin clearing up dramatically
9. C alories don't count
10. U nusual clarity
11. R everses many illnesses and signs of aging
12. E ach day I feel better and more alive
13. D iabetes is cured and virtually reversed!

DAY 10: Blood Glucose 115 in the a.m.: 13 points less than yesterday

Day 9: Blood Glucose Level 128 . . . 12 points down from Day 5 and only 84 2 hours post Sunday brunch

Day 8: Happy 4th of July!

7:00 a.m. Blood Glucose Level: 140

7:00 p.m. Blood Glucose Level: 90!!!!!!!

Disappointed to see my glucose level at 140 this morning. However, this is only the 3rd day off all meds, so I guess that's not that bad. My attitude quickly turned around after just checking my blood and seeing that it was at 90! Now I'm leaping for joy and have a renewed hope that eating raw is only going to help me in the future. Although this is day five of eating all raw foods, I'm still annoyed with such limited choices and am truly missing a hot, cooked meal. Sometimes on an hourly basis, I feel like I'm going to fold like a cheap suit. Although I am confinced I will not eat strictly raw after 30 days, I do plan to incorporate many more whole foods in my daily diet on a regular basis. I need to remember how wonderful it is being off all medication. Five days of zero stomach pain is beyond all my expectations. P.S. I'm feeling great!

Day 7 Blood Glucose: 127 Raw War

Day four has reared its ugly head. Even though I'm not feeling hungry on this raw plan, I'm waging an inwardly angry war. Everywhere I go, everywhere I look, there is food that is unbelievably tempting. Cooked aromas are embedded in the air, and although I try hard to avoid temptation, it is a constant internal battle. Today my blood glucose is a tiny bit higher than yesterday, however, it is important to note that this is only the 2ND day off all meds. Patience is required as my body learns to recalibrate and reteach itself to produce insulin without the help of pharmaceuticals. It's definitely worth the wait.

By the way, my sense of humor is missing. If found, please contact me immediately. Perhaps tomorrow (4Th of July), when I witness others sipping lemon drops, scarfing down hamburgers oozing with thousand island dressing, toasting marshmallows, and eating hot gooey smores, my hidden sense of humor will pop out of nowhere, and I'll reclaim my jovial self . . . When pigs fly! I don't care what other addicts say, this eating raw for 30 days is right up there with kickin' an intense drug habit. Lesson 3: Sometimes in life you get dealt a raw deal!

Day 3 Blood Glucose: 117 100% off all meds!

Day three of all raw foods was much better than day two. Having said that, I still miss eating meat. If the truth be told, had I sniffed out a BBQ at this point, all bets would have been off! I'm not kidding. I found myself saying things like, " . . . if only I could just have a little bit of chicken or tuna, I'd be okay." And just thinking about a piece of garlic bread nearly sent me over the edge. After all, I only wanted some garlic toast as a tool to push my greens onto my fork. Yea, right! Anyway, I'm thrilled my blood glucose numbers are 117 today. I'm expecting them to rise and fall as my system becomes more balanced, but so far, I'm feeling fab. Zero stomachaches have haunted me these last three days. That, in and of itself, is miraculous. In general, I have no complaints about how my body feels. However, should an unknowing victim be standing within ear shot, I have been known to whine about missing certain foods.

Lesson 2: It's virtually impossible to overeat healthy foods!

DAY 2: What the heck was I thinking?

Day two was uneventful for the most part. Sweets are not beckoning. I'm craving cooked food like crazy. That's about all I can think of. Something hot, baked, broiled, warmed. What the heck was I thinking? While watching the "Simply Raw" video, I was so impressed by what these diabetics were helping to prove, i.e. that a raw diet can heal many illnesses, that I lost focus on the fact that whole foods during my 30 days must be raw 100% of the time. Not even cooked dust on this plan! It's RAW fruit, veggies, and nuts, ONLY . . . 24/7. Gadzukes! And that's the part that is throwing me. What I am learning is that it's pretty safe to say that I'll never overeat healthy stuff no matter how frustrated I get! Here's my first irritating lesson: You are what you eat. Hmphhh!

Blood Glucose Level: 126