When it comes to dieting, knowledge is power

Knowledge will always set you free so read the nutrition facts on the foods you buy.  Make your decisions based on taste and what would make you the happiest.

I discovered Marshmallow Fluff again I’m happy to say! You say oh no that’s fattening.  I say Fear not the Fluff. It may be what some call a mystery food, and if you read the "first five" on the label, you will go OMG. However it has 40 calories for 2 tablespoons, no fat and 10g carbs. So when your body screams for sweet, it's Fluff to the rescue.  

My child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 9 years old. I can proudly say I never controlled her food. Together we became food buddies with publications by the American Diabetes Association. We would read nutrition facts on the labels and from there make decisions as to what a serving would be and was it even worth eating. 

One great example was cookies. The low calorie diabetic cookie (that tasted like cardboard) had 35 grams of carbohydrates. She could have five of those (might as well eat the box) vile tasting cookies. Then there were chocolate chip Chips Ahoy with 22 grams of carbohydrates for 3 cookies.  Needless to say she was much happier with three Chips Ahoy. 

Eating what the other kids were having also made her feel better about herself. This was so important as type 1 Diabetes is not only physical; our mental approach was just as important.  

Even with today's modern medicine, type 1 Diabetes is forever. I refused to have my 9 year old think she had a disease. The word alone was too negative, like a super nova cootie for life, and unacceptable in this very special Journey.

I tried to teach my daughter it’s a condition, one that makes you be vigilant with your food intake. While it can kill you if you don’t take care of yourself, fear was not our way of dealing with the situation. I explained that there are other "conditions” kids have to deal with and they are not called diseases. 

Johnny can’t eat peanuts in anything and has to carry an Epi pen. Lilly can’t play in the grass. We all have something we need to stay away from for our own health. For her, it is controlling her food intake, checking her sugar level and taking her insulin. 

In my life, there is a reason for everything. I honestly am very grateful for my eating disorder. WHAT!! Yes, I am grateful. With my eating disorder, I acquired the knowledge needed to guide me through my decades of dieting. More importantly, I was able to guide my child in living a full and healthy life unencumbered by her “condition.”   

She is a happy well-adjusted Registered Nurse. My baby grew up to be a pediatric nurse. Her loving heart and goal: to help children with their health issues.

Yes, a reason for everything.

Affirmation:  I welcome knowledge finding joy in all I know. 

Martha T. Soto-Galicia is a longtime dieter and motivational speaker, and president of The Lebanon Voice. She lives in Lebanon.