[princesslinda]

Hi Reblog, welcome! I can relate to your situation, as I lost my mother to diabetic complications when she was 54....its definitely a good motivator to do what we can to help ourselves live longer and healthier lives.

For me, I had to learn a totally new way of eating...I was a carb addict...I ate lots of potatoes, rice, bread, pasta...all things that aren't the smartest choices for diabetics.

Now, I eat more salads, green veggies, lean meats and s/f jello and pudding. You can buy ready to eat salads...or just bagged salads for your lunch. Add some cheese, almonds and your lunch meat of choice, throw on a boiled egg, top with vinaigarette, Italian or Ranch dressing...viola! Chef salad. Or eat tuna salad on a low-carb wrap...easy!

Bake a few chicken breasts in the evenings after work (marinate it in italian dressing..yummy!)...you'll get several meals from these...or grill a few burgers, steaks, fish...whatever...have it without the bun. I buy low-carb tortillas and have a huge fajita when the mood hits....instead of the 3-4 tortillias I ate before, I have only one tortilla, and eat the rest of the meat/onion/pepper mixture with a fork.

For breakfast, try your favorite omelette...you can even scramble eggs the night before and refrigerate...top with cheese and microwave until warm the next morning. Also, South Beach Bars and meals are an easy alterative.

A good rule of thumb is to check your blood sugar 2 hrs after your FIRST BITE of food and you'll see how different foods affect your blood sugar and be able to make smarter food choices.

Congrats on taking your first steps to a healthier way of life. Your dad would be proud!