Enerji Sisters

As I read the “Reversing Diabetes” book, I learned that other diabetics had reversed their condition by following certain guidelines, which Dr. Cousens terms “phases”.  There are 3 phases to his plan to reverse diabetes.

Phase 1 is the toughest and most restrictive.  As I read what I could and could not eat, I focused on what I could not have which is typical of me anytime I’m looking to make a change.  Speaking of the “could nots”, let me share those with you: no caffeine, no coffee (not even de-caf!), no dairy, no soy, no meat, no eggs, no alcohol, no wheat, no fruit (except lemon, lime, cucumber, tomato, red bell pepper and avocado- this is not my idea of fruit!), no mushrooms, no dark chocolate, no cashews, no carrots, beats, sweet potatoes, (nothing starchy).  I felt overwhelmed at the prospect of giving up coffee with soy creamer, dark chocolate, pasta, carrots and fruits. As I thought about all I’d have to give up, I felt overwhelmed and scared.  I knew I was about to make a huge decision, one that would affect my home and social life.  After lots of prayer and meditation, I was reminded of all of the people who had the courage to change their eating habits to heal their bodies and knew deep down that I had the strength to do this too.

The foods I now eat on Phase 1 include: green sprouts, green leafy vegetables, green juices and smoothies, green powders, the “vege fruits”  I listed above, kelp, nori and other sea vegetables, extra virgin olive oil and other cold-pressed oils, nuts and seeds, caffeine-free teas, all herbs and spices, and Himalayan or Celtic salt.

Again the question is “What in the world do you eat”?!  In the middle of April, I decided I would see if I could eat raw foods before going to the strict Phase 1, meaning I would initially still eat carrots, apples, blueberries, bananas, etc.  My first challenge was getting off caffeine, mainly coffee and dark chocolate.  I used a product called Teeccino that tastes a lot like coffee.  I mixed this with my coffee grinds, starting with 3/4 coffee to 1/4 Teeccino until I was able to drink Teeccino only.  Amazingly, I had no side effects from this process.  I also slowly decreased the amount of soy creamer I was using.  I kicked the caffeine addiction but now had to give up Teeccino because it’s not “raw”; it’s a roasted product.  I then began drinking herbal teas to take the place of Teccino.  I must admit I still miss the aroma and taste of coffee with cream- I currently avoid coffee shops so I’m not tempted.

I then tackled the ever-looming green smoothie.   I found recipes online and started experimenting.  My first smoothies basically consisted of greens (kale, spinach, and/or romaine), bell pepper, cucumber, banana, stevia, vanilla, cinnamon, protein powder, green powder, blueberries, raspberries, mango, lemon and lime.  I could not drink a green colored drink so I used the berries to change the color to purple.  I know it’s hard to believe, but it actually tasted good!  This gave me hope!  Over the next week or two, I decreased the amount of berries and exchanged the banana for an avocado until one morning I drank my first “real” green smoothie with no fruit!  And liked it!  My taste buds had changed!  I now crave these smoothies which is still sometimes difficult for me to comprehend.  It’s amazing what a lemon and lime can do to spruce up a smoothie

Next up: how this drastic diet has affected my blood glucose levels and insulin needs!  (Note: it’s good news!)