Living with diabetes can be difficult to get accustomed to, especially if your doctor has recommended that you manage your blood sugar with diet and exercise. It can be hard to make those changes, especially if you have a very busy schedule or a large family that requires a lot of your attention. However, changing your lifestyle can be as easy as making out a shopping list before going grocery shopping, carving time out of your schedule to walk everyday, or creating your own home gym. Having an area to workout in or around your home will make it easier to stick with a routine, which is imperative for many people living with diabetes. Being able to get in daily exercise from the comfort of your own basement or den will allow you to make healthy changes, and it might even get your family members involved, as well.
For tips on how to get started with these changes, keep reading.
Shop smart
Individuals living with diabetes must learn how to read labels and shop smart, and that means being on the lookout for foods that contain refined sugars, such as white bread and rice and even spaghetti sauce. Look for breads that are 100% whole wheat and list that as the first ingredient on the label, and be careful about your fruit intake, as well. Talk to your doctor about the best diet for you.
It’s also helpful to make a list before you go grocery shopping rather than winging it. This will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed and will prevent the addition of unnecessary items in your cart.
Make time
It’s not always easy to find time to workout, especially if you get up early for work and come home late. However, it’s important to make time every day, and that might mean anything from going for a walk after dinner with the family to taking the stairs at your office. On your lunch break, go for a brisk walk around the block, or head to the local mall and do some laps when the weather is bad. If you’re particularly strapped for time, find 10 or 15 minutes to get active in the afternoon and another 10 or 15 at night; it may not be ideal for everyday exercise, but it’s better than being inactive. Check out EverydayHealth.com for more exercises you can try.
Having your own home gym can be extremely helpful if you’re pressed for time, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Try doing pull-ups on a doorframe pull-up bar, and invest in a good yoga mat. Look up the best yoga poses for your needs; some are better than others for joint health and flexibility. If you have no mobility issues, a balance ball is a great addition to your home gym as well. For more tips on how to create your own workout space at home, check out Redfin.com.
Count your steps
If you’re unsure of just how much exercise you’re getting while doing daily tasks–such as cleaning–try a pedometer to help you measure your steps and keep track of your activity level. Many people assume that working up a sweat while vacuuming is just as good as a workout, but it may not be enough.
Finding time to exercise isn’t always easy, but doing so will help you manage your health much more easily. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to get active, the best diet for your needs, and how you can help keep your blood sugar under control.
