Acceptance

Having this blog has caused me to think very hard about how I treat my diabetes. It has been an enemy for the majority of my life. The more I fight it, the worse it treats me. There's no denying the fact that I am a type 1. Life is different for me compared to a person with a fully functional pancreas. That's a fact. 

Once I accepted the fact that I must work with my diabetes, the better is has treated me. More of a controlled and consistent diet, planned out exercise, better sleep, and tracking my blood sugars have helped out immensely. For me, working with rather than against my diabetes has been very beneficial. 

I wish I would have known what I know now about food and health compared to what I didn't know as a teenager. Life would have been easier and healthier. Athletic performance would have been better. The major struggle I have now is all the different opinions out there about how to treat type 1. It can be very stressful and frustrating. Education is key and finding out what works for an individual is best. 

Food and Fitness Musical Chairs

My last post I mentioned eating a more rounded diet along with a balanced fitness routine that included much more conditioning than I have done in quite awhile. Due to my blood sugar control, I am switching back to a low carb meal plan and heavy lifting routine with small bouts of conditioning. 

One of the major switches is due to what the most responsible thing is for my life. Can type 1s be active in running, biking and CrossFit? Yes, but at what expense? These athletes that are type 1 don't always have very good control. I am at a stage in my life where I am not willing to put selfish wants of trying to be an athlete in front of my health anymore. Some people may think I am taking an easy route or I am not tough enough. That's fine. My whole reason to workout is to help my overall health and lifting with a tiny touch of conditioning is the way for me. 

I have gone back and forth with this for quite a while. In fact, I have probably changed my mind a thousand times if not more. To quote my more than supportive wife,"You need to just make up your mind. This is ridiculous!" I can only imagine what my workout partners think of my wishy washiness. Sorry guys! 

The hardest part is knowing that I am more than physically capable of doing what many people are able to do. The problem is the recovery. Chasing the high blood sugars and then bringing up the lows makes for an awful feeling. When I am strict with lifting heavy, this doesn't normally happen. 

High protein and power lifting. November 30th USPA Powerlifting meet in Corvallis  is the next competition.