I know it has been some time since I typed a new blog but lately I have been in a rut. Ruts have a way of affecting my creativity. Everything in my life was starting to be monotonous and boring. I decided to try a few new things to spice up my life. One of the areas I thought needed spicing up was my workout routine. For the last three years, I have been taking cardio- kickboxing classes to get in shape. Cardio-kickboxing inspired me to improve my eating habits and the combination of diet plus exercise resulted in an over 20 pound weight loss. I also improved my upper body strength and dropped two dress sizes.

Alas, despite all these advantages I was beginning to get bored with my workout so when I bumped into a salesperson from the local gym I was anxious to see what he had to offer. I went to two classes and canceled the membership. Why you ask? The reason was the time the classes were offered. My job requires me to be as flexible as possible so the only time I could work out was early in the morning. I also like group exercise classes because I need someone to motivate me while I am working out. I am the first to admit I am lazy. The only early morning they offered was group cycling and since I already own a bike, this class was not needed. Besides, cardio-kickboxing gives me a full body workout in 45 minutes whereas cycling only works out the lower half of my body. I know I am not motivated enough to work out the rest of my body on my own so I just decided signing up for the gym would be a mistake.

My 6:00 morning kickboxing class is an external control for me. I am a morning person so I know I will make it to every class. You may be different and you need to adjust your life accordingly. Here are some ideas to create external controls for keeping your blood sugar and weight stable:

1. Set a reminder of when to check your blood sugar or exercise.

Most people have a cell phone these days. If you happen to be in this group use this instrument to your advantage. Set a reminder of when to check your blood sugar and when to exercise. In addition, if you have a camera phone take pictures of what you eat so you can decide if you need to make changes. Recent studies show people with diabetes who monitor their blood sugar regularly have better blood glucose and people on a weight loss program who take pictures of their food lose more weight.

2. Measure and weigh your food.

When you first are learning how to count carbohydrates it is a good idea to measure your food. This task will help you learn the correct amount of carbohydrates to eat to maintain your blood glucose. You will eventually be able to look at your food and estimate the carbohydrate count. Reading labels is also important to learning about carbohydrates. Make sure to read the serving size of the food and the amount of total carbohydrates it contains on the label.

3. Keep healthy food around your home.

If you do not see it, you will not eat it!

4. Ask the server at restaurants to split your meal and store the leftovers before you eat.

Most restaurants provide enough food for two people so make it simple and ask the server split your dish in half and pack it for you in a take -home container. You can always eat the rest of the food another time. If you are eating with someone else split the meal with them. You both will save calories and money.


In conclusion, I decided to take up gardening and fixed my bike so I can ride on the weekends to resolve my boredom. I hope this blog will give you some ideas and inspiration. Email me at askard@stablebloodsugar.com if you have any questions. Allison