How I balanced my sugar, restored my A1c and improved my energy.
I am my own Shero as I read, study, research and apply holistic healing habits.
I struggled when I became insulin resistant as I went through menopause, despite my healthy food choices and active lifestyle. I was frustrated and exhausted.
I wanted to cure the cause not the condition or symptoms. By utilizing lifestyle changes, I was determined to restore my A1c and no longer be considered pre-diabetic.
My deep-seated fear was the possibility of becoming diabetic. I was deeply impacted by my sister's childhood diabetes journey and her passing from complications. Even before I was aware of it, her illness motivated me to make healthy life style choices. On an unconscious level I was doing what I knew to do to stay ahead of my genetics and to avoid becoming diabetic.
I experienced the same conflict most of my peers do. Social gatherings and events are filled with hormone disrupting foods and sedentary activities. Society did not teach me how to let food be my medicine.
My make or break moment, learning I was pre-diabetic, left me shocked. The desire to lower my A1c motivated and guided me to learn more about how to cook and eat for hormone balance.
I realized genetics are only one piece of my health, but my lifestyle choices are even more important! I simply must make more time for my health, or I would be forced to make even more time for illness.
Over the past 5 years I discovered how to lower my A1c and improve my energy. I used a variety of supplements, dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments with guidance from my health care team. I found it beneficial to take Berberine 20 minutes before meals, avoid alcohol, eliminate most fruit and switch to a low carb, moderate protein, and higher fat (healthy fats) meal plan. I also prioritize rest, movement and meditation.
I am so happy I achieved my goal. I have my blood work, including my A1c, done every 3 months and it is staying in the "normal" range. I am no longer considered pre-diabetic.
I feel grateful my A1c is in a healthy range again, and my energy has improved. I'm determined to continue learning about the connection between food, lifestyle and hormones, and sharing this knowledge with other women.
Restoring my A1c did not happen overnight. It has been a journey of lifestyle adjustments, prioritizing rest and sleep, as well as learning how to cook and eat to balance my hormones. I have opted for alternative health care which focuses on my whole being and not just my symptoms.
Step 1: I work closely with my Integrative Medicine Specialist
My health is so much more than a group of symptoms. I chose a holistic approach to my health challenges. An approach which includes breath work and meditation, movement and rest, nutrient dense foods and specific supplements. My Integrative Medicine specialist continues to refine my nutritional and exercise habits in response to my blood work. She listens to me and supports my goal of a whole-being (body, mind and soul) healthy lifestyle. It is vital to have support and guidance on our health journeys.
Step 2: Movement and Meditation
As a fitness and yoga instructor I was well prepared to revisit and refine my movement practice during and after menopause. My endocrine system really needed a lot of loving support. (Our pancreas {A1c} and adrenal glands {stress response} are part of our endocrine system.) So I took the time I needed to focus on slow, gentle and restorative yoga and guided meditation to restore my body's stress responses. Only when my health improved, and my energy levels and stamina had increased, did I begin adding Yoga Shred (healthy cardio) and strength building back into my movement. I still choose Yoga Shred for cardio because it keeps cortisol in a healthy range.
Step 3: "Let food be thy medicine..." ~ Hippocrates
Cooking for my hormones is such a fun and intriguing experience. I absolutely love learning how specific foods can balance my sugar, heal my gut, detox my liver, balance estrogen, support breast health and boost progesterone. I am actively healing my digestion with simple and quick recipes. This allows the rest of my body to function better and to help keep my A1c in a normal range. I now know which foods, herbs, spices and mushrooms help balance sugar in my body. This knowledge allows me to be even more proactive in guiding my health and maintaining optimal A1c.
Promo CTA: If you are struggling with elevated A1c and lack energy, my Healthy Habits Challenge group can help you balance it and have more energy. Comment "Me" and I will send you more information.
