Type 1 Diabetes has forced me to stay in that kitchen a little longer and make healthier choices as a family. We eat healthy most of the time, with the odd stop at Tim Horton's for Timbits, but my little one's recent diagnosis has been teaching me a thing or two about carbohydrates and math, lots of math.
I'm glad I didn't go into the sciences, as math has never been my strong suit. This diagnosis has had me multiplying, dividing and adding, along with weighing various foods, making sure I get the right calculations.
Although my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I too have taken on his eating habits to help him along, making sure he doesn't feel left out with food. It's a family effort. We aren't changing things dramatically, just cutting back on those large carbohydrate groups and sugars of course, but also modifying some of our favourite dishes.
It's been over a week into his diagnosis and I can honestly say it's a lot of work on the diet side of things. Counting the number of carbohydrates per meal, doing divisions and portions can make one's head spin, but it's worth it to keep that blood sugar at a healthy number. If you told me a year ago I'd be cutting out pasta, I'd say no way, but in the grand scheme of things, if that's going to help my boy health-wise, it's worth it in every way.
Portioning out our food, cooking and baking more at home and just being mindful of what goes into our mouths has helped not only increase energy and moods, but has kept us fuller longer. It's a win in this mom's books. It's of course going to be an adjustment as my boys get older, as I've heard growing boys eat a lot of food, but I'll just readjust when the time comes. I feel like double or triple portions will probably be the way to go.
I never thought I'd love zucchini tots or cheesy carrot balls, but they are delicious. I also never thought I'd be making cauliflower pizza crust and zoodles or zucchini noodles if you will, but here we are! I'm ready to experiment with different foods that make a difference in our health and every day functioning. The more energy I can have as a mom, the better productive I will be and more fun I will have, because a sleepy, exhausted mom is not a good time. Coffee is still a necessity in my life as I chase after these boys, but it's something I enjoy.
Type 1 Diabetes is not about restricting things, it's really about modifying I've learned, which means replacing those unhealthier options with healthier ones and dressing things up with spices, sauces, vegetables, etc.
The options really are endless when it comes to meals and snacks. I've spent days researching and buying recipe books that I think all my boys will love, along with looking up some more kid-friendly ones online. It's a lifelong commitment but a healthy commitment. The right mindset, devotion, love and support can go a long way. We've got this!
