“Find Support with Project Goodfit”
At workshops and classes held by the BDI, we frequently hear from attendees that they feel alone with their diabetes and how helpful it is to talk to people who are also living with diabetes. That is why the BDI is proud to sponsor a new group called Project Goodfit (a new community for people with diabetes).
The mission of Project Goodfit is to create a person-to-person community for people with diabetes where peers can share how they manage their diabetes and what they have learned. This helps everyone learn about their disease; they are encouraged to make informed and healthier choices about their own self care. They receive support and understanding from others who know what they are going through.
Living with diabetes can be tough; yet somehow sharing those struggles can sometimes lighten them and alleviate the sense of aloneness. Project Goodfit creates events and venues for people with diabetes to gather in a supportive and fun environment. Project Goodfit held a potluck on November 8 where we shared diabetes friendly dishes and talked about the struggles we face during the holidays. We discussed tips and tricks we use to survive gatherings where food is plentiful and our food choices are discussed and commented on by family members and coworkers.
Everyone said that they found the discussion at the potluck really helpful and wanted to meet again. Here's a recap of the ideas we put together:
- Plan to eat something good for you before leaving so you don’t arrive at your event really hungry.
- Plan ahead and bring something to share that you also enjoy.
- Review selections at the buffet in advance of placing items on your plate so you can decide how to “spend” your carbs.
- If you are hosting, give the leftovers to your guests before they leave.
- Keep goodies out of sight: sit with your back to the food so you aren't constantly looking at the food and being tempted.
- Wait until others have assembled in the food line before you stand in line. If you are at the beginning, you may finish while people are still getting their meal and want to go back for more.
- Use smaller plates.
- Add steamed cauliflower to mash potatoes to reduce carbs.
- Use Dreamfields pasta (available at Vons and Ralphs)
- Lower expectations of what the holidays will bring so that you keep your emotions in check.
- Focus on friends, family or conversation rather than the food.
- Be the cook (or offer to cook or bring a dish) so you have more control of what you eat.
- Tell the host or hostess about your dietary needs in advance of the event so he or she can plan the menu accordingly.
- Have planned strategies or responses to help you cope with the “Diabetes Police.” For example, remind others that it's okay for you to take “vacations” around the holidays.
- Balance your time and energy, decide on your priorities.
- When accepting invitations to multiple events on the same day, arrive at some events after food has been served so you avoid feeling obligated to eat at every event.
If you would be interested in attending or have suggestions for events, please email ljpalmer@pacbell.net or call 650-743-0059.