Great Expectations

This morning my 4 year old son and I shared a pomegranate fruit for breakfast. It came home with us from the grocery store a few weeks ago when he snatched it from the rose colored mountain on display in the produce aisle. I did not even know what it was, but in response to his pleading, I decided to concede and let him put it in the cart. My son previously used these tactics in the processed cereal and cookie aisle, but since we no longer venture into that area of the store, he has to get his kicks somehow!

My family contemplated the beautiful fruit as it sat on our kitchen counter for a few days. I planned to go online and research the best way to store, prepare, and enjoy the unfamiliar delicacy. Guess what? I never had time to do that and this morning my son just could not stand it any longer… we just HAD to find out what was inside of that curious fruit!!

So with no formal training, I started to peel the skin with my thumb. My son squealed when he saw the tiny pods tumble onto the counter. He immediately picked one up and put it in his mouth! He spit it right back out! Didn’t you say this was a fruit?? Shouldn’t it taste like a banana or watermelon or an apple?? I tried one… mmmmm, it reminded me of a teeny tiny orange segment or an itty bitty grape. He was not ready to try another, but he was very excited to release the kernels one by one into the bowl.

As we worked, we talked about where it possibly came from and practiced saying POM-E-GRAN-ATE. He counted as high as he knew how as he plucked at the fruit and then he would start back at one. When we harvested the very last bit, he looked at the bowl and thought we should eat it with spoons. With his trusty spider-man spoon in hand and all original expectations dissolved, he dug in and surfaced with three or four bits. With no hesitation he put them in his mouth. He was trying a pomegranate for the first time… this time without the notion that it should taste familiar. He swallowed and went back for more. He wants to know if we can grow them in our garden… doubtful, I say with a smile, but when I get time, I will look online to learn everything I can about this beautiful rose colored fruit!

As we embark on new beginnings, may we be willing to step outside of our comfort zones without preconceived expectations. In order to grow, we must look at unfamiliar territory as a learning opportunity rather than something to steer clear of. We are all different… pomegranate is not for everyone. As individuals, however, we must challenge ourselves to look around and see what opportunities might allow for improvement in our lives.

Type 1 diabetes is a cruel disease. I will never minimize or deny the seriousness of our illness. I will never claim to know exactly which “fruit” you must choose for wellness. I do believe, however, that you have the right to know the tremendous success I have experienced while following the Path as a type 1 diabetic. You have the right to improve your own lives using proven techniques. Please explore this opportunity with hopefulness and great expectations!! Leave your preconceived notions in the processed sugar-free cookie aisle and take a fresh look at the OPPORTUNITY as you stroll through the mountains of fresh produce we are fortunate to have access to. Don’t expect the transition to feel comfortable or familiar, if you do, you may automatically spit it out in disgust!! Be patient as you try and try again to make changes that will serve you for a lifetime. Please think of me as a trusty companion as you venture on the Path to wellness. I will listen without judgment and share without trepidation. Now if you will excuse me, I have some research to do on growing pomegranates in Pittsburgh!!

So Excited To Start!!

I am so excited about the Miami Type 1 group!

As diabetics, WE are the ones bombarded with so much of this faux health food. "Diet" foods are strongly advertised and recommended by our doctors as an aide to help control our blood sugars.

Through my personal experience with the Path, I found that the diet drinks and the fat-free, artificially sweetened foods were hurting my body instead of helping me. I was never satisfied with the faux foods and as a result, it seemed my appetite was uncontrollable.

I always felt weak for being hungry and I felt absolutely ashamed when I would sneak a real food like butter instead of promise margarine! My HbA1c was sky high and I believed it was completely my fault.

I now realize that my body was completely overwhelmed dealing with the artificial additives in the foods I was eating (in my cereals, my breads, my granola bars, diet sodas, etc.). And I was starving for real food, real nutrition. My body didn't have a spare minute or scrap of nutrition to deal with the underlying problem of the diabetes itself... it was too busy trying to handle the unnecessary toxins I was constantly shoveling in.

It was my fault that my diabetes was out of control, but I was saved by the truth of the Path Program. I was given the tools to fix the problem. Now my HbA1c is always right around 6, perfection! And I savor my tiny bits of real butter on occasion with complete and utter pleasure, no guilt!

Cholesterol came way down, triglycerides are low, you know the happy ending!