Primal Challenge Journal (Griff)
(349 posts) (45 voices)-
Griff
MemberThe numbers are going down, folks. This makes me happier than I probably have a right to be. My high yesterday was 116 before bed, and my low was 100 at several times during the day, for an average of 106. And my waking sugar today was 108. That's really encouraging.
I didn't have breakfast - didn't need it - but lunch was leftover balsamic chicken from the other night and some macademia nuts, and dinner was three-meat fajitas (steak, shrimp and chicken) without rice or tortillas or any of the other non-Primal carb-laden stuff. I was completely satisfied.
I've added a couple of things to my vitamin-and-supplement regimen. For starters, I've begun taking a cinnamon capsule in the morning, with each meal, and before bed. I've also upped my magnesium and my chromium picolinate - 400 mg of magnesium before bed and about 600 mcg of chromium throughout the day - morning, afternoon, and before bed. According to the Eades' book, up to 1000 mcg of chromium is safe for diabetics, and it seems to be working in bringing my morning sugars in line.
Yesterday I did some Tabata intervals using a couple of the exercises in the Pay It Forward DVD. Other than that, it was a rest day - a well-deserved one. Today I'm going to get plenty of exercise just walking all over campus. The heel is still bothering me a little bit, but nothing like it was two days ago. We hit the grocery last night after dinner and bought more eggs, more cheese, and more sodas (the husband won't give up his diet sodas, although I've stopped drinking them), and I scored five organic yellow crookneck squashes for five bucks. I know what we're having for our dinner side dish tonight!
Posted 5 months ago # -
Griff
MemberMrMeso: My goal is to get my average BGLs down to the 80s and my waking BGLs down into the 90s. If I can accomplish that, I'll have done something worthwhile.
Right now my average waking BGL is 119 (I use a spreadsheet that tracks me and predicts my A1c - I've heard it's very, very good at its predictions to within a decimal point or two, so I use it to get me an average waking BGL as well), but that's for the entire time I've been tracking. My average waking BGL for September is 116.4 right now, and my goal for September is to get it down to an average of 115. I don't know if I'll manage that, but I am still hoping. A couple more days of good numbers and I could get down within a hair's breadth of it.
Posted 5 months ago # -
Griff
MemberIt was over 100 degrees out today, and walking around in the heat really did a number on my blood sugars (or perhaps it was that my left heel STILL hurts, and pain can spike me). I was at 108 today when I woke up, but that was my daily low - my spike was 123 before breakfast, and I stayed between the 110s and the 120s all day long. My disappointing daily average: 117.
In addition to today being a work day, it was a hiking day. Believe me, walking across a university campus counts to me as "hiking." Check it: I have two classes I teach and one I have to attend, as a graduate student teaching assistant, on Mondays. The two classes I teach (well, TA really) are an hour apart in the same building, but the one I have to attend - the lecture - is in a building that's about a fifteen-minute walk away. Considering that our passing period is only ten minutes, this took some planning on my part - more so because I had to pick up a prescription at the university pharmacy immediately after lecture, so I needed my car close by.
What I did: Parked near building #1, went in, taught my first class. Came back out, moved my car to the parking lot of building #2 and walked back across campus to building #1. Taught my second class. Dismissed class ten minutes early. Walked back across campus to building #2. I was walking at a rapid clip (for me, anyway), lugging my big body and my backpack, and it took me fifteen minutes each way, so I'd call that a workout and a half. I know I'm wiped out from the walking, for sure. And I get to do this every Monday! Aren't I lucky?
Breakfast was three fried eggs and two pieces of bacon. I didn't need lunch, even with the hefty workout I got (frankly, I was scared to eat after my two-hour-post-breakfast blood sugar rang in at 121... of course, that included the exercise spike, which I didn't consider, but in any case I wasn't hungry). Dinner was dinner out. I was too tired to cook. We ate at Islands and had the protein platter, and my sugars were still at a miserable 121 after dinner.
We also picked up a few more supplements today and now I have the regimen to beat all regimens. I won't bore you with the details unless asked, but suffice to say that I am probably taking every supplement known to bring down blood sugars. I'm determined to beat this thing.
I ditched the fish oil capsules in favor of a tablespoon of cod-liver oil each day, which I'm going to start taking tomorrow. The capsules, when I checked them yesterday, smelled and tasted rancid - so no more fish oil capsules. I wish I could tolerate the taste of fish, but I just can't. I gag on it. The cod-liver oil is supposed to be flavored to mask the fish taste. We'll see how it goes in the morning.
Posted 5 months ago # -
Mr Mesolithic
MemberGriff-
Hey I am wondering if you're drinking caffeine/coffee at all?
I was just reading some research that caffeine is HORRIBLE for hypo's like me, and for hyper's Type II - since it raises blood glucose? I think it was what cause my CRASH and faint yesterday (I had three cups of coffee with my eggs LOL)
ALSO and more importantly ...
I used to work with an endocrinologist, and he would prescribe a product with these ingredients in it - it would almost always result in a 10-15 point drop in fasting and post pr. readings ... took my mom's Type II and cured it outright.
(I hesitate to link to the actual product on the forum, but it contains these)
* Chromium -helps to stimulate insulin and increase its efficiency
* Biotin - improves metabolism of glucose. An integral part of the construction and secretion of insulin.
* Manganese - essential for support and repair of the pancreas. Aids key enzymes of glucose metabolism.
* Guggul - native to India and traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help weight related conditions.
* Bitter Melon Extract - herb that helps maintain normal blood sugar levels and keeps body functions operating normally.
* Banaba - harvested in southeast Asia, India and the Philippines. Supports healthy glucose levels.
* Gymnema sylvestre - Traditional Indian herb that may support blood sugar levels when used over a long period of time.
* Juniper berries - provides nourishment for the pancreas.
* Huckleberry - promotes and aids insulin production.
* Taurine - helpful in release of insulin.Posted 5 months ago # -
Griff
MemberHi MrMeso -
I don't touch caffeine and haven't for the entire time I've been Primal, with one lapse (I ordered iced tea at a restaurant and boy howdy did I pay for it the next day - no thank you!), so I'm aware of that. I've been doing nothing but studying nutrition for the last six weeks, pretty much, and making notes of all the things not to take and all the things to take.
As far as supplements, I already take chromium, biotin, and manganese. I'm unfortunately allergic to bitter melon and many tropicals, so I'm going to stick with what I'm already taking and see where that takes me. Hopefully it'll bring my sugars down again soon - I have to keep reminding myself that if my sugars go up, I'm probably burning fat and dropping weight. They're up today (and yesterday) and it's depressing.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Posted 5 months ago # -
nina_70
MemberGriff - you're doing great!
I know you're taking chromium (in picolinate form).
You might want to look at switching to a chelated form instead. Based on some studies the picolinate version might not be the best. have a look here:
http://www.acu-cell.com/crcu.html (read towards bottom)And here:
http://www.oralchelation.com/ingred/chromium.htmChromeMate seems to be a decent brand
Posted 5 months ago # -
Griff
MemberYes, at one point I would have been thrilled with an average of 118. Unfortunately, now that I've enjoyed several days of 106 averages, I want that number to go DOWN, dammit.
My high today was a frightening 133 before breakfast, and my low was only 111 before my lunch/snack. I never got down into the 100 range. It's both annoying and discouraging. To make matters worse, I've been feeling feverish, although the thermometer doesn't say I am, and I've been sneezing. I don't think I have the flu, but allergies are a good bet. And of course, any stress on the system means elevated sugars. Grrr.
On the other hand, I can heartily recommend Calrson's Lemon Cod-Liver Oil. It doesn't taste of fish even a little tiny bit. It's completely lemony, and a welcome replacement for the fish oil capsules.
Today I had my usual omelet and bacon for breakfast, some jerky and macadamia nuts for lunch/snack during my afternoon class, and chicken marsala, broccoli with butter and mizithra cheese, and a dinner salad done the low-carb way for dinner (no croutons, ranch dressing). For exercise, I rested. I was tired when I got up and I stayed that way, probably from being woken up by something at about 4:30 a.m. and never really getting back down into sleep.
I've been dragging for about two days now, and this is normal for fall allergies for me. So I'll just tough it out. In the meantime, however, I'm going to post this, test my blood sugar and see if I should have something small to eat, do my nighttime medication routine, and go to bed. Tomorrow's going to be a very hectic day.
Posted 5 months ago # -
Catalina
MemberHi Griff. . .you're doing such a tremendous job--I'm sure you'll be a role model for your students, too!
You mentioned up above that you still have heel pain and that made me realize that mine has gone away. . .I kept waiting and waiting, and then I didn't even notice!! It took 3 months of primal, so hang in there, and I'm sure yours will subside also. Thanks for making me pay attention!
Posted 5 months ago # -
hfox
MemberGriff, just writing to say that I always enjoy reading your journal and keeping track of your latest developments.
I wish you luck with your sugars and know that despite your recent frustrations, you'll continue to be an inspiration to countless readers on the forum due to your remarkable, ongoing progress.
Hang in there!
Posted 5 months ago # -
Griff
Member@Catalina: Thanks for the encouragement. I should mention that the heel pain isn't a constant for me - it was because I had a slip-and-land-hard accident on a stairway (misjudged the length of the riser, stepped too far out, landed hard on the next step down - ouch!). So the heel pain I'm having is only in one foot, and due to a bruise, which is taking its sweet time in healing.
@hfox: I appreciate your comments. Sometimes the frustration gets to me, but never enough that I'll start eating non-Primally again. I'm stubborn. ;)
I should mention that yesterday in my graduate-level class (the one I'm taking, rather than teaching), two guys from my cohort said "You're looking great!" I didn't think the weight loss was noticeable yet because frankly, I'm so big still that I haven't been able to see it in the mirror, but apparently people are seeing it!
Posted 5 months ago # -
Griff
MemberMy average yesterday was 114 only because I had a 101 before dinner - my lowest of the day. Everything else was in the 100-teens or above. My high was 126. And today has been worse. I don't want to talk about it, that's how bad it is.
Damn it, I do everything right and my sugars keep going up. What gives? I'm taking a mountain of supplements, I'm eating almost zero carbs every day, and the sugars keep on rising. I don't get it. It upsets me a lot.
Breakfast was my usual three eggs, two pieces of bacon. Lunch was a green salad with blue cheese dressing and a hamburger patty with cheddar cheese. Dinner was roast chicken, steak, and more chicken in the form of chicken fajita meat, and a salad with ranch dressing. Total calories were 1500 less than my supposed "daily need total," including the coconut oil and cod-liver oil calories, and... I'm frustrated.
I hiked across campus again yesterday - not for as long, but it was still exercise.
And my sugars keep going up.
I don't get what I'm doing wrong.
I'm IFing today for most of the day to see if that will kick-start a downward trend in my sugars. It better. I'm feeling rather at the end of my rope.
Posted 5 months ago # -
klcarbaugh
MemberDon't give up. You are learning. We all are, and you are helping lots of us do that. Have you been to Dr. Bernstein's diabetes forum? He's the best.
You made a promise to yourself when you stated this journey that you would make it. We aren't going to just sit here and let you let yourself down. This will take years, and you know that. So don't write it off just yet.
Posted 5 months ago # -
Hang in there, Griff. I feel your pain.
Posted 5 months ago # -
klcarbaugh
MemberDr. Eades is alone in his opinion Griff. Most doctors agree that the rate dietary protein converts into glucose (after protein goes to required metabolic needs) is over 60 percent. Also, when increasing fat intake, you body requires less protein than before and can easily adapt to only need 10 percent calories form protein.
The 60 percentage number is based on a large number of both in vritro and invivo tests I believe.
Excess protein for weight loss and sugar control is bogus. A lot of this is based on that fact the you burn more calories digesting protein, which is true, but is insignificant in the scheme of things.
Excess protein also increases mTor levels, a key marker of oxidization and inflammation (but don't quote me on this... still learning about it).By the way, Dr. Eades is probably my favorite doctor and this has been the ONLY category where my views conflict with his thus far.
Eat animal fat and not coconut oil. I think the coconut might cause extra insulin to be released.
Also, do you take Chromium? I don't know if it does anything but it is cheap and it doesn't hurt to try it.Posted 5 months ago # -
klcarbaugh
MemberThis phrase may be more accurate, "the body only uses the protein that it needs for repair, muscle building, making hair.... etc. and the rest is then converted to glucose to be used as energy"
This explains why you don't magically build huge muscles when eating excess protein. The proteins have to go somewhere besides storage in a protein form.Posted 5 months ago # -
Griff
MemberToday was an IF (intermittent fast) day. I didn't eat at all until about 9:45 p.m., so it was an over-24-hour fast because last night we finished dinner around 7:30.
I did get a little hungry around 6:30 but my husband wasn't ready for dinner, so I waited, knowing that Grok sometimes had to wait too. Then I feasted - 1800 calories, of which about 84% was fat, 14% protein, and a minimal 2% carbs (I had a salad). The rest of the meal was eggs, bacon, and sausage, blue cheese dressing on the salad, and cheddar cheese on the eggs and the salad. I feel totally satisfied, and in about a half hour I'll know what my post-meal sugar is.
My average today has been dicey - the first couple of sugars were in the 120s (high 128 at what would have been lunchtime if I'd been eating) but then dropped down into the high 90s. So far my average is 111. [ETA: After the post-dinner test, my average is now 108. YAY!] I did not eat anything during the day except my supplements, coconut and cod liver oils. I had minimal water, too - just enough to take the supplements with. I also worked out this morning with the Pay It Forward DVD.
IFing seems to have kick-started my body into doing its thing again, too - before we left for dinner I got on the scale, and I'm down to 359. Hopefully this will signal the end of this high-sugar plateau and get me started dropping weight again. My next goal is to be at 340 by November 1st.
Thanks for the encouraging words and helpful hints. I needed that.
Posted 5 months ago # -
klcarbaugh
MemberYay!! Ah, see you could have been like me and said, "the hell with it" and ate a bunch of carbs only to come crawling back to low carb because you felt awful...
But you didn't, and every time you work hard you get stronger and stronger so you can keep saying "no" to the bullshit and actually nourish yourself emotionally and physically.
I have never been much overweight, I have never had blood sugar problems, I have never really had a serious health scare. I can only imagine what you have been going through these last years to get where you are. But I am pretty insecure, I feel lonely, ugly, judged, fat, and I am human too. You already know, being on this forum, that you're aren't alone. But I still wanted to let you know that I am trying to heal myself right along with you.
We can do this... and when we get to the end, we will forget how it ever felt to be sick and tired.
Way to go!Posted 5 months ago # -
Griff
Memberklc: I've never been a "carb addict" or a compulsive overeater, so I don't think I can take as much credit for strength and willpower as you seem to be giving me, although I appreciate it. Physically and mentally, I feel better low-carbing even though I get frustrated when my sugars don't behave themselves and sometimes have a very depressed day like yesterday.
I admit to being confused about why anyone would want to go back to eating carbs, knowing what they know about what carbs do to your body. But then I tend to be a fairly analytical person (some people think I'm almost like a robot) and so, if it's demonstrated that something is bad for me through reliable science, as it has been about carbs, I cease wanting it. The smell of baking bread makes me ill, these days.
Posted 5 months ago # -
I don't know why people would ever go back either.
The damaging affects on how I feel counterbalances my 'need' for pigging out. I technically CAN'T go back! Darn! ;-P
Posted 5 months ago # -
I'm just a sweets hound. Er, I mean, used to be. Yeah, that's it :-)
The mind truly is a powerful thing and being that I'm an extremist, I can be VERY diligent and then I can also be VERY weak. It all depends on my mind :-D
Posted 5 months ago #
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