Type 2 Diabetes affects over 1 million Americans nationwide. Every year around 300 billion dollars is spent on this illness and it was the 7th leading cause of death in 2010.
Chances are you or someone you know has personal experience with this condition.
It can be debilitating, frustrating and uncomfortable.
Not only that, but diabetes is a precursor to more serious health complications like heart attacks, strokes, infertility, blindness, amputations, etc. Scary!
You and/or your loved ones don’t have to suffer forever and you certainly don’t have to suffer alone.
A lot of people in our community have been able to overcome – or greatly reduce their symptoms – by making lifestyle and dietary changes.
And I want this for you too!
Sharon’s Story
One of our amazing Fitlifers, Sharon, wrote in telling us her story.
She is a mother of 2 and is constantly putting everyone ahead of herself, which caused her health to decline.
After years of neglecting her own needs – including her diet – she gained weight and after a trip to the doctor, it was confirmed that Sharon – once vibrant, healthy and energetic – had type 2 diabetes.
Devastated, Sharon searched the internet for natural ways to improve her health to avoid medications and really get her body back on track.
She began juicing and fueling her body with WHOLE foods. She started walking every day and instead of giving into her family’s requests for junk food and the sweets they’d grown accustomed to, she decided that this journey back to health had to be all or nothing.
It was hard at first and her kids were not happy…
But overtime, they all began to feel better and they found ways to make this new lifestyle fun for the whole family.
Today, Sharon no longer shows signs of diabetes and her kids are eating veggies – without a fuss!
Your Story
These are the kind of stories we hear all the time at Fitlife.
Maybe you’re like Sharon and are feeling helpless… hopeless… maybe you’ve tried to change your lifestyle, but are confused and discouraged by all the conflicting information and the difficulty of learning new shopping habits and recipes.
I hope that her story has inspired you though because YOU hold so much power to change your own health… and it starts with a single step in the right direction.
I know you can do it… and I am here to support you the entire way.
The truth is, so often healing is possible, but the right tools can be difficult to come by with so much information available online. It can be both a BLESSING and a sea of bewilderment to sort through it all.
If you’ve been watching my videos for a while then you KNOW how important the role of FOOD is when it comes to supporting your body’s needs.
And by now, you likely know how much I LOVE superfoods for their amazing ability to skillfully attack and support the root cause of so many ailments, as well as their absolutely incredible power to prevent so many conditions when paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
While not feeling your best can cause a lot of emotions to arise – anger, depression, sadness and isolation, to name a few – there is a lot you can do to support your healing process and give your body the best chance to come back into balance.
I know you can do it – I have all the faith in the world in your ability to tackle whatever it is you’re going through and come out better on the other side.
It starts with your commitment to yourself and your beautiful body, which I believe is why you are here with me now. I want to help get you started on the right track.
But I want you to make me a promise.
If you are dealing with Type 2 Diabetes or any other chronic illness or disease, I want you to see this as a blessing – a gift.
I want you to thank your body for sending you these signals to allow you the opportunity to overcome these obstacles and reclaim your life.
We’re never given anything we can’t handle – disease is no exception.
Just remember, so many illnesses and diseases today are caused by lack of knowledge, poor diet and lifestyle choices and stress.
All things that YOU have control over.
All things that we are committed to educating you about at Fitlife.
How To Use Superfoods To Help With Diabetes
Here are some of the best superfoods on the planet to help you feel better and begin your journey to a healthier, happier YOU:
#1. Moringa Leaf
Moringa is known in at least 82 countries and has over 200 different names. Historically it was highly valued by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians for its medicinal properties.
An animal study done at the University of Allahabad in India showed that Moringa was effective in lowering blood sugar levels by 26.7 and 29.9%! Doctors in India use Moringa all the time to help with diabetes.
This is one of my absolute favorites, and is not well known in the states, which is why we put it in our Organifi Green Juice. You can also find Moringa leaf in powder or capsule form.
#2. Raspberries
Berries contain NATURAL SUGARS which DO NOT need insulin to be metabolized. This makes them ideal for those following a diabetic diet. Plus, they’re nature’s own candy – sweet, delicious, but low on the glycemic index and guilt-free.
Raspberries can be used in a variety of ways and are high in fiber, with only 15 grams of carb per cup of berries.
#3. Blueberries
Blueberries contain a little secret- a powerful compound called pterostilbene (say that 5 times fast).
Researchers at the Spanish Biomedical Research Center found that this compound naturally decreases body fat, which in turn lowers risk of diabetes.
Pterostilbene has also been shown to help protect cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin production.
#4. Monk Fruit
Have you ever tried monk fruit? Most likely you’ve had it unknowingly as it is a common natural sweetener – one that is 170 times more sweet than traditional sugar!
Monk fruit has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics and also helps with cholesterol, triglycerides and overall liver and kidney function. This is vital for those suffering from diabetes.
Monk fruit is another key ingredient in our Organifi Green Juice.
#5. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are an absolutely amazing superfood that I always have in my kitchen!
A study done by several universities in India showed flax seeds help diabetics regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Other research has shown that flax seeds improve insulin sensitivity and resistance.
You can throw flax into smoothies, use it to make gluten-free tortillas and crackers, sprinkle it on salads or even add it to your morning parfait. To gain the most benefits, grind them before consuming. You can do this in a coffee grinder, food processor or blender. You can also buy them ground, but I like to have them fresh to use.
#6. Almonds
If you’ve been around for long you’ll know I talk about almonds a lot. I eat a small handful nearly every night for more restful sleep. Almonds are packed with beneficial nutrients that help the brain and cholesterol and blood sugar balance.
Studies show that eating almonds before a meal can help reduce post-meal glucose levels by 30%!
#7. Broccoli
Broccoli was called by Reader’s Digest to be an ‘anti-diabetes superhero’ – and with good reasoning. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which improves blood sugar control, protects against cardiovascular damage and helps trigger many anti-inflammatory reactions in the body.
Heart disease is a big concern in those with diabetes, so protecting the cardiovascular system with a diet high in cruciferous vegetables is crucial.
#8. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is unique and not well known, despite its medicinal properties. It is considered a ‘vegetable-fruit’ and has a bitter, but palpable flavor. It contains 3 active substances that help with diabetes, including charantin, vicine and polypeptide-p.
Daily intake of this bizarre vegetable-fruit has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels significantly.
Unsure of how to prepare bitter melon? You can use it in your juice recipes or cook it into delicious meals.
Mother Nature knows her stuff! When it comes to regaining your health, she has got your back.
I know sometimes it can feel like the journey to good health is impossible. When you feel that way, I want you to think of “impossible” like this:
I’M POSSIBLE.
You didn’t get here overnight, so be patient with yourself and know that the process of getting your health back on track may take time.
But you’re worth it. And I know you can get there.
This is just a small list of superfoods to get you started. You don’t have to get them all at once - pick one or two that sound good to you and add them to your shopping list this week. Find recipes that you really like so that you’ll continue to use them on a regular basis.
Here's a delicious smoothie recipe to help get you started:
Diabetes Busting Green Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 handful spinach
- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 tbsp flax seeds
- 8-12 ounces unsweetened almond milk
Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth and drink immediately.
The more you fill your life with WHOLE food, positive thoughts, movement and quality sleep, the more vibrant and energized you will begin to feel.
I’m committed to help you change your life and feel your best. But I need to know that you’re ready.
Leave a comment below and tell me how all of us at Organifi can better support you.
Remember, we’re in this together.