The Frustration is Real
I don’t need to live a long life, but I want to live a healthy one full of movement and possibility. Longevity and nutrition are common concerns and midlife health is different. There are so many fad diets, and a lackluster blood test is usually met with limited solutions. Many medical professionals simply throw pills at the problem instead of helping their patients come up with long-term strategies. I’ve learned this as I’ve struggled to maintain good glucose levels and have been borderline for prediabetic for fifteen years. I struggle with insulin resistance but why? I don’t drink fruit juices, focus on low-carb eating, and exercise daily, and yet, I am unable to succeed. My doctor sent me to a nutritionist, and I followed her input to the letter which led to worse labs. How do you find the tools that actually work?
Glucose and Insulin Resistance
But now I think I’m onto something. Some of you may be voracious readers and others may prefer a podcast or audiobook. I’m happy to tell you that this information exists in either format and is truly worth your review. The first is the book Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspe. If you have ever struggled with weight loss, lethargy, migraines, or depression, then this book is for you. The book is not about any fad diet, instead, it’s a basic but extremely understandable lesson on how glucose and balancing your blood sugar is critical. The author describes in detail how simple hacks can help you maintain good levels while still enjoying life. It’s worth a read and a discussion with a trusted medical professional. If you don’t want to buy the book, check out her Instagram account @glucosegoddess.
Longevity or Long-Term Health?
The second book is Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia MD. The book was very technical so I used the audiobook. Dr. Attia talks about not only longevity but long-term health. Do you want to travel and put your luggage in the plane’s overhead compartment? How about your ability to pick up your grandchild or go on a hike with friends? The time to prepare is now. Dr. Attia gives both strategic and tactical approaches to achieving long-term health and fitness. As we age, screening becomes integral to longevity and the type of exercise needed is changing and more tactical. He will change your outlook on living life.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Finally, I’ve invested in a CGM, a continuous glucose monitor. I can’t afford more than three months and it was a serious cost to incur. If you are diabetic, your doctor prescribe one, but I paid out of pocket and used Nutrisense. The results are mind-boggling. Insulin spikes lead to insulin resistance and insulin resistance leads to weight gain and a host of diseases. Discovering how the different kinds of food and combinations of food affect my glucose levels has been an eye-opening experience. My husband was fascinated by what my data was showing that he too purchased a three-month subscription. The plan comes with a free nutritionist for the first month and my contact was extremely helpful. Using the CGM combined with the “Glucose Revolution,” helped me maintain balance within my body and reverse my insulin resistance.
Staying Healthy as You Age
Getting older is a blessing and it’s a worthwhile goal to live your best life. Many of us look for simple pleasures, in food, alcohol, and digital distractions, and those are bandaids for dopamine receptors. More conscious living and saying yes to experiences, friends and mental health is the path to take. In the past, I was the person who couldn’t commit to a night out, a party, or a friend. Now, I’ve signed up for weekly coffee dates, the theater, and a visit to the local brewery to enjoy dueling pianos. I’ve never been happier.
Stay tuned! If you have any suggestions on how to live a fuller and healthier life, I’d love to hear them!
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