bring joy

eating to control blood sugar + the gestational diabetes vegan diet

vegan/health, gestational diabetes, what to eat?, meal timing

So I have gestational diabetes.

Last night, after dinner, after I checked my post-dinner blood sugar (I have to poke myself 4 times a day to do this), I cried. It was 147, & according to my guidelines, it needs to be under 140 post-meals. I miscalculated the carbohydrates in “refried” beans & had nearly a cup, rather than 2/3 cups I should have had, which is just a slight difference, but enough to put me over the edge.

It’s an overwhelming feeling to feel like your health is in your control, yet at the same time you feel a little out of control. It’s also a depressing thought to think about having a long term health issue that affects every aspect of your life.

Believe me, I realize gestational diabetes (which is temporary), is nothing like a lifelong type-1 diabetic, or some other...

fave Christmas movies + a vegan egg nog milkshake

ice cream, giveaways, holiday foods

Today I’m honored to be over at Vedged Out, my mormon vegan blogger partner in crime’s (Somer) website. I’m sharing a quick & easy, & nutrient dense festive themed treat/snack–the vegan “egg” nog milkshake (just add that to the collection of holiday milkshakes–candy cane & pumpkin pie).

I’m also giving away a bring joy tote to 2 lucky readers (& Somer is throwing in some coupons for free fieldroast), so check it out!

About Christmas movies…

Last night Joseph & I watched Groundhog Day (have you seen it?). It’s one of those movies I just love to watch after a LONG day & want to forget about life for awhile & just laugh.

Aside from being clever & funny (Bill Murray is so good at that sort of understated hilarity), it also has a good message about living a meaningful life &...

Thoughts on diet, gestational diabetes, & why I’m feeling so much better

vegan/health, gestational diabetes, pregnancy

{The follow-up to this post: eating to control blood sugar + the gestational diabetes vegan diet}

Yesterday I asked a question on facebook: are you vegan? vegetarian? gluten-free? omni? etc.

Though I wasn’t looking for a right or wrong answer (I certainly don’t aim to make my blog a “only vegans allowed” club), I get the feel that most of my readers are interested in feeling good, being healthy, & making informed food choices, vegan or not. I think that desire comes from a certain level of self-awareness, & to know that I have readers who are open & seeking for the best ways of eating & living, well, it’s an honor. It excites me to know such people are taking the time to read my blog & join in on conversations about food choices & living in a compassionate, purposeful way.

I mentioned...