Diabetes Awareness Month 2011

Type 2 diabetes has become one of the most serious health issues in our country. The unfortunate thing is that it is completely preventable.

Even the president had something to say.

Fast-food options have increased in variety and prevalence. Corporate food finds more ways to make things cheaper with lower quality ingredients. Technology advances have given us an excuse from being more active. And now we see more people struggling with their weight than ever before - including our children.

It is not enough to exercise anymore. We have to understand what food is and how it effects our bodies. We have to understand what food choices to make. We have to care about our health.

Otherwise "(d)iabetes will strike you or someone you love. Unless you strike first," according to the 2011 campaign from the American Diabetes Association for Diabetes Awareness Month.

The equation is that simple. Thankfully, the solution is too.

Do something about it now - before you end up on the wrong side of the equation.

Learn about proper nutrition.

Learn about your body and what it needs.

Teach the kids.

And if you are inspired (like me), decide to fight diabetes.

Will I?

It takes a combination of discipline and sheer will power to avoid the foods you love. If it only causes a mild reaction your internal dialogue goes something like this: (Or at least mine does.)

        Just a small amount won't kill me. Maybe things have changed - I am healthier. I've
        been so good and worked so hard, I deserve it. Even if I do have a reaction it will
        clear up eventually. It's worth it.

And then you eat the desired tabooed item and shortly after you regret it and vow to be stronger next time - to have more will power.

But what is will power? And why do we instinctively blame it for failing us when we have a moment of weakness?

My father once told me will power is simply wanting one thing more than another. In this case, wanting the food more than wanting to be reaction free. I still have will power, my will has just changed.

Perhaps a better word for what we need is determination. To be focused on a goal and have our attitude set to accomplish that goal. Sometimes it works, other times I eat a bag of popcorn or fry up an egg. It's hard to be determined when you can't stop thinking about (and eating!) chocolate - for the fifth day in a row.

More than anything else, educating myself about food has made me more determined to live healthy. Learning about nutrition and how profoundly it effects the body has altered my attitude. Knowing the process my body goes through to convert the food I eat into needed dietary components has made me more aware and involved in the process.

I am changing my mind. Instead of will power, I will seek out inspiration to stay focused and motivated, forgiving myself for bad choices and learning more about what I need to take care of my body.

Learn more about food allergies and basics of nutrition. And take care of yourself.