How Damon Gained Energy and Started Enjoying Food Again

Taking the Fun Out of Food

Damon was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 14. His doctor told him to keep living his life and eating as he had been, and just adjust his insulin dosage as needed based on whatever his blood sugar numbers were. From the start, Damon knew he wanted to take a more mindful approach to supporting his body and taking care of his health.

For years, he ate a high-protein diet because that’s what he thought was best for diabetes, but didn’t see the results he was looking for. Eventually, he got to a point where he had what he describes as a love/hate relationship with food. Eating was no longer fun, because he knew that no matter what he ate, his body would not react well and he felt like it was all out of his control.

Two years later, his A1c went up yet again to 5.9, so he knew that something wasn’t working for him nutritionally – especially because leading up to this higher test result, he had actually lost weight.

Accountability is Key

Damon found the Mastering Diabetes Method years ago and had been loosely following the guidelines after reading the book, but trying to make big dietary changes on his own while juggling work commitments and family life with two young children proved to be difficult. He knew that he needed personal support to stay accountable.

It turns out he was right. Having a coach and talking to other people who were following the same methodology was invaluable. He was finally able to truly commit to the lifestyle and as a result, see the benefits he was looking for!

Sometimes the “Quick Fix” is Real

In just 6 weeks, Damon’s A1c went from 7.1 to 6.2, his weight dropped from 215 to 204, and he has more energy than he can remember ever having. Not too shabby for a month and a half! (But also not out of the ordinary here at Mastering Diabetes!)

When asked how these changes have affected him, Damon says he feels like he’s finally taking a deep breath of air, and knows he can keep taking those breaths! It’s a relief to feel like he’s in control of his diabetes health and confident in his ability to stay in control.

But Is It Sustainable?

When he first started the program, he thought that staying on track would be difficult. But now that he has new habits dialed in, the lifestyle doesn’t feel difficult to maintain. He also was apprehensive about the recipes but was surprised and impressed to find that he always enjoys the Weekly Meal Plan suggestions.

Damon also credits his success to his wife’s support. She got on board with him and stepped up to help in the kitchen, and this made it all more possible for him.

To someone on the fence, considering this approach, Damon says to look into the information and just give it a try – and stop worrying about protein! He has more energy than ever and feels stronger than when he was eating a high protein diet.