As we look back on November we learned how to enjoy the simple things in life while we conquer diabetes and instill healthy lifetime habits.

Our first week was all about enjoying the stillness of life. Stillness and meditation help us balance life as we heal, process, and rest. It is a time and space to be alone with yourself, your thoughts, feelings, and dreams. We spoke about Dr. Hebert Benson’s book The Relaxation Response and listed what most mediation methods involve:

  •  Finding a quiet, confortable space away from distraction
  • Sitting in a comfortable, relaxed position
  • Shifting the focus of your mind from the business of daily tasks to the repetition of a single word, phrase, or sound
  • Adopting an attitude of passive observation

We then dove into behavior change and how it can help us finally achieve our goals. We spoke about taking time to self-evaluate and reflect on habits and behaviors that shape your everyday life. Remember to ask questions so you can conquer and move past old behaviors for the future.  A few questions to get you started on change include:

  • What changes do you want to make in your life?
  • What challenges are you willing to face?
  • Who are your role models? What can you learn from them?

We then tackled Thanksgiving and all the food that comes with it, having a goal for what a balanced plate looks like provides you with a visual cue to help select a balanced meal. Remember to:

  • Reduce your calories by enjoying your food, but avoiding oversized portions
  • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
  • Make at least half your grains whole
  • Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
  • Drink water instead of sugary drinks
  • Choose low sodium options for foods like soups, breads, and frozen meals

Lastly, being thankful for our gifts on Thanksgiving is important, but being thankful EACH day helps us to live with the attitude of gratitude all year round!

As we head into the new month, you may be wondering how to stay on track around family, friends, and holiday parties. Be on the watch for how to take charge of the holiday season. Share the gift of helpful tips by passing along our newsletter to someone who would benefit!