Thursday, March 24, 2016

Looking For Small Pleasures

Our lives often seem to be defined by the big things. The births, deaths, weddings, new jobs, graduation ceremonies. But really, our lives are mostly not the bread, but the filling; not the capital letter and full stop, but the words in between. So it is with pleasure and fun. There are the big events to look forward to: the parties, womad, concerts, holidays. There are the more common, but still not daily activities: the visits from friends and family, art and craft days, beach walks.

One of the things I am finding hard about coming to terms with diabetes is the necessary change in food intake. I need to lose weight and reduce my blood sugar, which means discarding or considerably reducing sugar, fruit, carbs. Also, most say, salt and fats. Not only does this regime make for pretty fucking tasteless meals, it also takes away one of my daily pleasures. Cuddling the cat brings pleasure, but he doesn't always want to be cuddled. I had not realised how much the small pleasure of a freshly picked handful of grapes or a pear, or a couple of crackers and brie meant to me until now.

My head is full of resentfulness and woe-is-me-ness today and I can't seem to think of new ways to find small pleasures in day to day living. Any suggestions?

5 comments:

  1. Cally I didnt know this
    Are you on Magnesium and B complex some Chromium, fish oils if u can tolerate
    Nettle tea and some other herbs?

    Remember 1 thing at a time that you add, only after 2 weeks each, testing sugars inbetween. Dont get too caught up in the numbers all day, does your head in, just choose a day and do it then
    fat actually is important at this time, very!
    Much love xx :)


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  2. Magnesium, B vits, fish oil yes. Not chromium - will look into that. Thanks. Is life worth living if you take nettle tea? Not sure about that! :p

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  3. I'm not convinced that salt and fat should be avoided. People need different amounts of salt. How is your blood pressure?

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  4. I'm not convinced that salt and fat should be avoided. People need different amounts of salt. How is your blood pressure?

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  5. Not fantastic, but not bad. I've become very fussy about my fats the last few years, but not the way the medical proffesion in general would like - I use olivge oil, butter and coconut oil. I love salt but don't use it much in cooking, and as I make most of our own food probably don't eat as much as many people - not much hidden salt.

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