by Bob Ewing

Created on: May 14, 2008

I have non-insulin dependent type II diabetes. This does not prevent em from enjoying my life and eating a wide range of foods; it does mean that I must pay attention to my blood glucose levels and keep a record of my daily readings.

There are two things that I do that help me stay healthy. One is watch what I eat. My daily meals are made from whole grains, vegetables, a piece of fruit or two and lean meats with chicken being one food that I use regularly.

We are what we eat and consuming whole food rather than pre-packaged over processed foods will make a difference.

My regular food selections incorporate a number of raw food, carrots celery, broccoli and, cauliflower. for example. add an apple, banana, or an orange to this, no more than two servings each day, and my food intake has all the energy that I need to feel strong and vital.

The second thing that I do is exercise. I begin each day with a simple stretching routine. The main purpose of this stretching is to limber my body up and get my mind awake. I do drink coffee but two cups in the morning is my limit. I take it without milk or sugar.

I also walk. Five days a week, I take a 2 mile walk about 30 minutes after breakfast. I often go out again in the mid-afternoon or early evening for a second usually shorter but more brisk walk.

When the weather is too nasty to venture out, I do a 20 minute exercise routine that uses stretching and bending routines. I consulted with my family doctor before engaging on this activity. Exercise keeps both the mind and the body sharp.

I also use the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator depending upon the floor that I am going to, this adds a bit of unscheduled exercise to my daily routine.

My eating habits have also changed since I was first diagnosed some 16 years ago. Instead of three large meals a day, I usually have six smaller meals spaced over the day. I find that I feel stronger and experience hunger less by eating this way. A regular breakfast is a bowl of hot organic oatmeal porridge with a half of a banana and skim milk.

Snacks consist of either cheese, almonds, a boiled egg, toast and peanut butter; it all depends upon what I have already eaten that day.

Perhaps, the best thing that I do, after meal planning and exercise, is maintaining a positive attitude; my twin passions of gardening and cooking help me unwind and help me to stay focused on what is truly important, each day.

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