THIS is What Happened When I Started Using Plate Color Method to Manage Diabetes
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes.
Type 2, my doctor said.
Not the kind of news you want to hear, right? That’s what I thought.
And if only I had known what lay ahead…
Honestly, I wasn’t all that shocked.
My cousin has diabetes, my uncle died from complications – a fate I was determined to avoid.
But now, talking about myself… I’ve always been a fan of good food.
And by good food, I mean your typical American fare – chicken wings, potatoes, rice…
Mostly stuff that’s not exactly top of the health food chain, if you know what I mean. And my family, they eat it up too.
So that was my world, food-wise. Some might call it bland – I called it simple. No nonsense.
Then diabetes hit, and suddenly it’s like, “Now what? Am I supposed to live on broccoli and take up yoga?”
I’m not one for big life changes. Here I am, a regular woman in her 60s, set in my ways, my hubby even more so.
I did try to change things up at first, really.
Because, well, I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
The priority was my A1C numbers.
And, to be frank, I needed to lose some weight – less weight, less medication.
Snacking was my downfall, not to mention I used to smoke 2.5 packs a day.
Starting from there was tough, no joke.
Life went from so-so to downright dreary.
It was all “Can’t eat this, can’t do that.”
How long can anyone keep that up?
I gave it a go, though. Tried making broccoli taste good (spoiler: it didn’t).
Even joined a gym class. It was okay, but the commute and cost were not sustainable for me.
Looking for advice turned into falling down internet rabbit holes.
Too much information, much of it conflicting, just left me feeling more lost.
Blood sugar all over the place, constantly tired and cranky.
The doctor gave me a long list of dos and don’ts. Checked my A1C, always saying, “You could do better.”
Then you’re back home, on your own, supposed to figure it all out.
Funny thing, being a teacher, you’d think I’d have the learning part down.
But self-teaching my way through diabetes management felt like climbing Everest in flip-flops.
Sure, there’s plenty of advice out there, but it mostly made me feel even more alone.
End of the day, it’s about the little things:
What’s for lunch today? Is this going to spike my sugar? Did I take my meds? Are my legs supposed to swell up like this after a walk?
Question after question, doubts piling up, never giving me a moment’s peace.
It was like treading water – a lot of effort, not much progress.
But just when I thought I’d become a professional worrier, something totally unexpected happened.
Half a year into this whole mess, Thanksgiving rolls around.
Supposed to be all about family and food, except I’m there, avoiding anything tasty.
Feeling thankful? Sure, for my family. For diabetes? Not so much.
Then, out of the blue, my cousin Lisa, who’s been managing her diabetes far longer than me, comes over to chat.
Seeing me struggle, she says, “Ever try this meal plan? It’s simple. Just focus on adding more colors. No need to count every carb.”
I’m skeptical. Change everything with just colors? Sounds like a fairy tale.
But Lisa’s looking good, genuinely happy. And she’s always been one for practical solutions.
At my lowest, I figured, what’s there to lose?
So, there I am, post-chat, downloading this app with their personalized meal plan.
It’s like having a chat with a pal who knows a lot about food and health.
“Start simple,” it suggests. “Green here, red there.” No need to overhaul my diet, just adjust.
Eggs with spinach? Actually, pretty good.
Replacing chips with apples or tomatoes? Missed my chips but managed.
The app showed me how to keep my favorites on the menu but make them healthier.
Chicken with greens and red peppers turned my plate into a festive, tasty masterpiece.
And it’s not just about the food.
The app tracked my meds, my sugar levels, and reminded me of both.
Gave me shopping lists that matched my meal plans, making grocery runs a breeze.
Over time, the changes showed. More energy, better fit of my clothes, and my doc was amazed.
Even my husband got curious, eventually joining in.
Our kitchen became a hub of healthy, happy cooking.
As months turned into a new way of living, I started to understand the real value of what I’d discovered.
Reflecting on it all, the biggest change wasn’t just in what I ate or how I managed my diabetes.
It was in how I saw my life – not as a series of restrictions, but as choices I could make and enjoy.
This app was like the friend I needed when I felt most alone.
It offered support and very simple but effective changes that truly worked for me.
Now, I’m not just managing diabetes. I’m living well with it.
And I’ve got my cousin Lisa to thank for pointing me in the right direction.
Wishing the same for anyone out there feeling stuck.
This app – MyDiabetes – could be your game-changer too.
Just a few questions, and you have a personalized plan that fits your life and your tastes.
It worked for me, and it might just work for you.
Select Your Diabetes Type and Start the Quiz Now:
Always consult a professional for medical advice
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My wife convinced me to try this app. Honestly, the best meal plan I’ve tried in a while.
Thank you for sharing stories like these! I took the quiz and the meal plan looks promising