I mentioned the importance of accountability last time I wrote. Well, I wish I had some one that was nudging me along holding me accountable with my exercise consistancy. Recently I have been challenged with my time due to a new job and a new relationship. I’ve been traveling more than ever before. My exercise schedule hasn’t been the same understandably so. Interesting how we write, or think, or talk about what we know we need. It is said that we hold "the answers" with in ourselves for the things that concern us. It’s been like the tail wagging the dog recently. I’m sure you have all experienced this, not only with our lives in general, but with our glucose management and control as well. We go through cycles in life (just like the financial markets ;-/…). However, ultimately it is our responsibility to adjust, adapt, and improvise, regardless of the good "reasons" (vs. excuses) why we fall away from the things we know we should be doing. It will always be a constant tug of war to regain control. We must go down "tugging" ;-)

The thought came to me today that our diabetes was a "person" it would be there always holding us accountable, nudging at our conscious (and body) to stay the course and be consistent with our nutrition and exercise routine (or else!!!!)….

One thing that can help us while we fight the good fight of staying consistent with our desired lifestyle (the road less traveled), is supplements. The deluge of dietary supplements on the market today provides countless avenues for the fitness enthusiast to achieve their goals. However, rather than drawing into a fitness lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest, many will turn to dietary supplements as a panacea for all their fitness dreams. With all of the misinformation and empty promises that accompany many products, trying to keep afloat on all of the new breakthroughs can be overwhelming. Protein powders are the original bodybuilding supplement and continue to be a staple for growing and maintaining muscle. Don’t shun them just because you don’t think you are "a bodybuilder" or that it’s just for the extreme muscle builders. They have many great Amino Acids that will feed your muscles and compliment your vitamin intake (which I am sure you are taking, right? ;)

The ultimate value of a food protein or a protein supplement is in its amino acid composition. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and muscle tissue. Many physiological processes relating to building and maintaining muscle from energy, recovery, muscle hypertrophy (growth), fat loss, and strength gains are linked to amino acids.

In fact, protein is the key "building" nutrient for a variety of bodily tissues, many of which support muscle growth (enzymes, skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective tissue are all constructed from protein). Protein makes up 15-20% of ones bodyweight and is thus, next to water, the body's second most abundant substance.

The correct ratios of essential and non-essential amino acids should be made available in sufficient quantities before any muscle can be produced. The amino acids can be divided into two groups: essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids. The nine essential amino acids are so designated because they must be supplied by the foods we eat. The twelve non-essential amino acids are so designated based on the body’s ability to synthesize them from other amino acids.

Although protein synthesis is very important, the body’s number one priority is to obtain sufficient energy to carry on vital functions such as circulation, respiration and digestion. Therefore, in the absence of adequate dietary carb and fat calories, the body will break down not only dietary protein but protein in the blood, liver, pancreas, muscles, and other tissues in order to maintain vital organs and functions.

We don’t want this!!! as I wrote a few weeks ago in my "Feed the Muscle" blog. Help your muscles and glucose management by consuming supplements that will help you reach your goals for a healthy lifestyle. I use Champion Nutrition for my protein shakes. They are low carb and don’t clump up. It mixes easily with a spoon vs. a blender. It will not be like a milk shake. I don’t use the "weight gainer" shakes that are traditionally thick. Give it a try. My favorite is cookies n cream. OMG, it tastes like a watered down cookies and cream ice cream… mmmm…. ;-)

Gratefully, Bianca

Email me at Bianca@diabetessisters.org with comments or questions.