In the last three weeks I have drastically changed my life. Seriously, there has been a completely radical change in my attitude towards food. Adrian has been warned about diabetes a few times over the years by his GP and long time blog readers will probably know that he lost a lot of weight early last year, before his Dad had his stroke. It all went a bit awry after that and he never really got back on track.
Well it’s my turn now. I have blood tests every year to keep a check on my thyroxin levels, having had an overactive thyroid in the past. Three weeks ago, I was called back to the doctors for my results and my thyroid is fine, but completely out of the blue, I was shocked to find out that I’m technically just over the threshold of what is now classed as type 2 diabetic.
Huh?!!??! This wasn’t supposed to happen to me. Diabetes is Adrian’s problem, since when was it catching? Since we both ended up with an unhealthy diet of too much food and too many snacks, that’s when.
So in the last three weeks, I have made some very significant lifestyle changes. We never really had a bad diet, as an almost vegetarian, we always ate plenty of fresh vegetables, rice, pasta, etc – all the stuff you’re supposed to eat. It was punctuated by far too many snacks, biscuits, meals out and takeaways though. Plus our portion sizes were way too big. When was the last time you weighed out a standard 30g portion of cereal – it’s tiny!
I went cold turkey. I came back from the doctors and went through the cupboards, fridge and freezer and actually threw food in the bin. It was painful to watch a tub of Haagen Daz, two whispas, a multi-bag of crisps and several packets of biscuits going into the bin, but for me, it was a symbolic act as much as anything. I apologised to all the starving people in Africa as I did it, but I figured the ice cream and chocolate would have melted by the time it got there …
So was it worth it? Emphatically yes. We are eating a sensible, healthy diet. I’m watching calories, but not counting them religiously. I bought a small pocket calorie counter book which lives in my handbag and allows me to check anything I’m not sure of. I read Anthony Worral Thompson’s low GI diet book and learned a lot about food that I didn’t know or had forgotten.
I read the labels and select the lower calorie options where I can. Our snacks are now Alpen cereal bars at 70 or 80 calories each (the apple and sultana one is yummy). I am amazed at how much variance there is in the calories of a slice of bread. We used to buy thick sliced white, now we buy thinner sliced granary.
The scary part is just how much I weighed, and yes, I’m going to share it with the world for the simple reason that most people don’t believe me. Three weeks ago I weighed exactly 17 stone.
There is a slight downside – there is slightly less time in my evenings for crafting as I am definitely spending more time cooking. That’s partly the reason for the lack of blogging recently, though the main reason for that is that we are putting two month’s Guild newsletters together and all my crafting energy has gone into that. Guild members – oooh, you’re in for a treat …
(Other reasons for the recent blog quietness include floods, birds down the chimney, two different leaks in the porch and bathroom, Derrick’s ongoing health issues, designing new Christmas stamps and a few other interesting activities I am not at liberty to reveal just now.)
There’s a huge upside though. In three weeks I’ve lost 8lb in weight and can fit into my old jeans! Woo hoo!! Sorry, let me just say that again … eight pounds, as in just over half a stone!! Can you tell I’m rather chuffed with myself!
Don’t worry though, I’m not going to become a food bore – I’m not on a diet after all, I’ve just changed the way I eat. We are going to America for the summer CHA show very soon, so that will be a bit of a challenge. Yes, we’re off shopping again (it’s tough, but someone’s gotta do it) so keep an eye on the Graphicus website, they have my permission to have a bit of a summer sale while we’re away to clear some space on the shelves. If you’re not signed up to get our email newsletters, you might miss a bargain or two. I think you should be able to click here to sign up, or you can do it from the Graphicus website (top of the left hand side menu bar).*
I have a million and one things to do before we go away, including the final testing of the new Decadent Brocade CD which has had a very rocky path, but we finally think we’ve ironed out the kinks. We’re also working out the details of the Summer Food Festival and an evening launch of our new Christmas stamps on August 19th – boy are there some beauties in this year’s collection.
I shall leave you with a little snapshot of one of our recent journeys to work last week. Where did summer go?
*The email newsletter is completely separate to registering on the website when you purchase products. You register as a customer when you buy something, but the email newsletter is run through a proper mailing list service so we fully comply with data protection and anti-spam legislation.
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Wow, Glenda, where do I start? First of all congratulations on the weight loss. I have been wondering how you were getting on since you told me about the diabetes at the open day. You have done extremely well to change your lifestyle like that. It’s something I should do but am struggling to find the willpower. I think stopping smoking 2 years ago took it all!
I’m sorry to hear there’s no better news about Derrick. I do hope he picks up soon. And as for the floods, birds and leaks what can I say? You don’t do things by halves do you?
After all that you mention tempting sounding ‘wait for its’. Really looking forward to the double Guild Newsletter and just know there’s going to be loads in there I want and best of all – NEW CHRISTMAS STAMPS! I luurrve them.
Have a great time in Orlando. I’m sure you’ll rise to the challenge of finding healthy food although from experience, it definitely will be a challenge and I’m sure you’ll bring back lots of goodies to tempt us too.
Lesley Xx
Hi Glenda,
What a nasty shock to find you are borderline diabetic! But you’re doing the right thing by trying to control it with diet (and exercise??). Well done for losing half a stone. Keep up the good work.
Lucky you to be off to CHA in America. Have a good time and bring us back lots of goodies!
Oh my Goodness! Life is never straightforward is it? So sorry to hear about your health issues, but well done for dealing with it in such a direct and positive way. You and Adrian will both benefit from this healthier eating, but I hope you can still have an occasional treat and not feel guilty. Hope things with Derrick improve, we hear so much about him on here, and only wish him all the very best.
Looking forward to the new CD patiently (!), am excited at the prospect of some new Christmas stamps, and whatever else could there be in store for us? This year the quality of your stamps has really re-energised my enthusiasm for stamping and card making in general, so a big thank you for that. I’d got a bit jaded, and I’m not any more.
I hope CHA goes really well, and that you bring lots of goodies back, and now I’ll just wait for that double Guild newsletter! Take extra special care of yourself Glenda, Judith x
Well done on the weight loss, Glenda, and also for being so open about your health problems – I’m sure your determination to change your lifestyle will be an inspiration to many people, including me! Hope you manage to keep it going. If you start to waver, you need look no further than here for encouragement, there will be lots of us willing you on.
Can’t wait to see what you bring back from CHA!
Gosh! Drastic action but a quick way to get back on track, congratulations with the weight loss. Yes, CHA will be a challenge. The lovely salads in the US are piled with dressings before they’re served, I find, also I come home with a craving for lots of fresh veggies. But hey, someone has to take the shopping challenge
.
Can’t wait to see the new newsletter, also hope to be at Graphicus 5 or 6 August during our hols.
Have fun at CHA
congratulations Glenda on the fantastic weight loss – and i still don’t believe you weighed that much! Speaking as someone even heavier, to me you looked definitely slim on tv, and those cameras usually put pouinds on people.
If you have all those goodies coming up, maybe I ought to follow your example and try to save a few pounds (both ways). Enjoy the trip, maybe you’ll find the summer there
Well done on your 8 pound loss!!!
Congratulations on your great weight loss! You have definitely got the right attitude. I wish you every success in dealing with the diabetes with diet and exercise. I hope your shopping trip to CHA goes well and the weather cheers up. I made my own bit of sunshine here so I thought I would share it with you. My blog candy arrived this morning by the way. Thanks again. I love them!
What an eventful Summer you’re having, but I’m so pleased you’ve got your usual positive attitude and dealing so well with it all. Your weight loss is terrific – and it’s much better to say you’re on a new eating regime than being on a ‘diet’. It’s so much better mentally!
Sorry not to have seen you for a while, but being in Canada and the States for three weeks and about another month in varying Scottish places (son & cottage!) time has just vanished. I think you’ve inspired me again to take care of my diet more seriously – bot OMG it’s so hard….. Incidentally, how brave you are to publically announce your start weight! Never would have thought it – that’s the advantage of being tall!
Good luck to you and Adrian and hope to see you soon.
Barbara xx
Wow, well done Glenda! Sometimes it takes a bit of a shock to make you realise, I’m getting married in 6 months and I couldn’t fit into my dress on the second fitting (not health threatening I know but it sprurred me on!) Anyway, I found this website and it really helps me, http://www.nutracheck.co.uk
they do a free 5 day trial which is good and it helps you get to know how many calories are burnt during exercise, housework, shopping(!) etc.
Anyhoo, I hope the CHA goes well!
Beth xx
Very well done, Glenda! Like the others said, can’t believe you were that weight to start with. I have an underactive thyroid so have a constant battle with my weight so I appreciate what you’re going through – but you’ve made an excellent start, haven’t you? When I’m being “good” I do the Atkins diet & it really works for me, mainly ’cause I’m not hungry on it – but it doesnt’ suit everyone & you have to find the best diet for you & your lifestyle. So, keep up the good work & have a wonderful time, stateside!
Looking forward to my next Guild newsletters & seeing those new Christmas stamps – though I really shouldn’t…………
Liz M
Well done Glenda with the weight loss and no I can’t belive your were that weight – I lost 2 1/2 stone two years ago at Slimming world and still eat their way but it isn’t a diet – It’s hard to keep off but I’m doing it. Looking forward to the newsletters – maureen x
Sorry to hear about your health scare, but at least you are tackling it head on. Well done Glenda on the weight loss, I have just started watching what I eat again after falling very hard off the wagon! You are probably sick to death of ‘advise’ but I would definately recommend Sophie Dahl’s new cookbook as a source of inspiration and a surprisingly good read, its called Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights. You definately don’t feel like its ‘Diet’ food, but it took me a while to get used to smaller portions! Good Health and thanks for all your hard work, it always keeps me inspired.
Thank you everyone. I’ve had an incredibly frustrating morning (let’s just say the in-laws have been “difficult”) so it was lovely to pop onto the blog and see so many encouraging comments. Really cheered up my lunch break, so thank you all for that.
Glenda
Well done on the weight loss Glenda – must say I would never have guessed you weighed 17 stone. You certainly have had a rough ride just lately but hope things are now ‘on the up’ for you all. Hope you have a great holiday and can’t wait for the Guild Newsletters to arrive, I must have those summer stamps
and the new Brocade CD and…:)
Oh Glenda. Sounds like life’s been putting you through the mill a bit recently but so well done on loosing all that weight. I hope things continue to go well for you.
Have a great time in the states, all those new craft goodies!!!!! you lucky thing.
Can’t wait to see the new stamps and CD.
Lisax
You have such a positive attitude Glenda – I wish I could say the same. I’m about the same height and (to my surprise) weight as you (were!) and have been intending to do something about it for ages – the trouble with being tall is, people who mean well say – Oh you can get away with it, you’re tall, and I’d agree in your case, you never looked anywhere near as heavy as me!! Anyway, well done, you’re an inspiration. I know a few people with type 2 and they manage to control it with food and exercise (in one case just food!) so I’m sure you’ll manage very well, particularly as you are only borderline. Maybe that dodgy thyroid did you a favour by getting it detected early! sorry about your other troubles too, what do they say – what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger? (hollow laugh!) hope things improve rapidly. Having my own “difficults” I know how you feel. Enjoy cha, come back refreshed and we look forward to all the goodies.
Congratulations on your weight loss, what a shock it must have been to find out you are diabetic but what a fantastic positive response
As for birds down chimneys, leaks and floods you don’t do things the easy way do you?
I’m sure you will rise to the challenge of America and have lots of fun shopping
Look forward to seeing the up and coming things you can’t tell us about
Jackie
Things have definitely been ‘full on’ for you lately! I can sympathise with the ‘in-laws’ thing…. love mine to bits and I know their heart is in the right place, but sometimes….’count to ten…!’
Good on you for having such a positive attitude, it will have been a shock for you, personally I think you are doing the right thing, so called ‘diets’ are’nt always the best way to better health, sensible eating and keeping active is something that you seem to be doing well by, by the sounds of it.
Take Care,
Kat.
Hi Glenda
Gosh – you have had a tough time of it. And, certainly seeing you on TV would I have ever thought that you were that weight – a very brave and courageous lady to admit it. Well done on the weight loss – bet it makes you feel really good! Enjoy the States, and just ask for dressings on the side (lemon juice and olive oil is yummy) – they will think you are barmy, but hey ho!
Certainly looking forward to all the new goodies, and I reckon that as you are annoucing the new stamps for Christmas on my birthday, I have a very good reason to put them on my shopping list!
I’m a Type 2, and yes, my weight was the main cause. It’s still not perfect, but I know what suits me now, and that is the way we eat. I did not go all the way and throw lots of stuff away, because occasionally I still make a cake or something for visitors, but can now leave it alone. I think half my food shop goes on fruit, veg, salads, every week – probably the rest goes on stamps, etc.
Valx
Well, Glenda!!!
A great big hug.
Congrats on the weight loss.
Take care of each other.
Maggie
You and me both re weight and Type 2! I have done same as you and changed eating habits etc. weight loss is slow but steady and if it keeps up I shall disappear completely!
Well done you.
I am sure you will beat this setback with your usual determination. My lovely hubby has type 2 diabetes and is doing really well by being strict about food. A traet nmow and then is worth waiting for. I am on holiday in Spain at the moment and am looking forward to my new artylicious CD arriving soon after I get home.
Hugs to you all
Chris
Sorry to hear about the health scare and well done for doing what needed to be done regarding your eating habits. You have every right to be proud of the weight loose you have acheived. I too am looking forward to the new CD when ever it’s ready – no pressure tho – I can wait till it is ready. New Christmas stamps tho, that is scary cuz the stamps that have been coming out this year have been some of your finest so I guess this means yet more irrisistable temptation!!
Ho Glenda, I would love to attend your preview evening on August 19th. Unfortunately I work night shifts 8 on 6 off and quess what yes I AM WORKING not fair, every invite you have sent so far I HAVE BEEN WORKING. Never mind one day hopefully. Yes I totally agree with you I would prosecute as well but they seem to think it is their right to rip off people who have worked hard and think nothing of it. Good luck with the healthy eating, why does it take a health scare for us to realise we are killing ourselves even though we have taken pleasure in all the fatty sugary great tasting rubbish we have eaten previously. Yes I to am a convert and no it is not easy but the scales dont lie and when you have lost 3 stone in weight and dropped 2 dress sizes you to will say YES it is worth it. You will be running up stairs shortly as well without getting out of breath. Sorry on my soap box now. Looking foreward to the new stamps. I made all my christmas cards last year from goodies aquired after a visit to your shop. Am only sorry I wont be able to get there, will have to visit mum again soon she is in Newcastle and yes I am a Geordie at heart. Love to all, I could write and write but you dont know me so I am just prattling on. Kisses for the pusses.
Hi Glenda,
Well done on the weight loss. I also was diagnosed with diabetes last year and lost 15 1/2 kg. I was 78 kg. when I started to eat sensibly (under the doctor). As I live in France it was more difficult but I managed it and I am sure you will too. Best of luck and I hope to see you on Create & Craft with your new stamps.
Ann
Well done Glenda! I should take a leaf out of your book, similar starting point!
Cazzy x
Hi Glenda
Sorry to hear about your health problems, but congratulations on the weight loss. You did the best thing emptying the house of temptation though, its the best way to go. I would eat biscuits for England so I make sure I don’t have any too sugary or chocolaty too often. Crisps disappear too if they come home so the only solution is not to bring them home in the first place
One way to find a few more hours in the day, and still have an easy option for when you get home late and don’t feel like cooking. If you have the storage space prep things and freeze them where possible, some complete meals can be frozen and you can even buy the ‘take away’ style of foil box with card lids so you can put the thing straight into the oven from places like Lakeland Limited. If you make extra quantities when you have a ‘baking session’ then you can have half now and half to freeze, so it doesn’t necesaryily have to take extra time to create.
Hoping you both feel better and may the remainder of the year be gentler to you all.
Take care
Billie
As someone who has battled with overweight down the years I lift my hat to you on your weight loss and that decision to change lifestyle. I fully understand the length of time it takes to organise, shop and cook all the right foods. It IS time consuming. I was in desperation in the Springtime and went to the Dr….who offered me Xenical…..the ‘new’ wonder drug…not wonder drug in the sense that the weight drops off you without any effort but if you eat more than say 30 grams of fat per day you may (and everybody is different) suffer side effects of your body disposing of it’s own accord the extra fat you’ve eaten.in the form of orange oil…imagination needed here. I haven’t had these side effects at all and live my life as normal eating the correct foods. Since 1 April I have lost 1 1/2 stone….some people lose much much more but I prefer to go the slow way at my age! Keep going….the sense of well being is something I don’t want to lose and you already have experienced it. I know what you are going through in Florida…..I always end up with a streaming head cold….cold places are too cold and outside is just too hot! And yes, you could time your watch to a thunderstorm around 4 00 p.m. every day. Yes, one gets really fed up with the food in the U.S. I usually had a green salad with wedge of lemon only. Baked potato and fish or chicken….boring after a week….want to get back to real veg etc…..Best wishes for continued weight loss and my best wishes to your husband for better health.
WOW! Fanatstic weigt loss well done xx
I also had a dibetes scare and am now on Cambridge diet – have been for 9 weeks and lost 3 stone. Its so hard – no food at all – but pleased i’m doing well. I can’t believe how much you weighed before you started, you certainly carried that well.
So really well done xx
Well done you on your healthy eating and weight loss. I hope you enjoyed the USA and CHA. Looking forward to seeing neww goodies. She xxx