Preparing for Diabetes

We found out just before our first trip that our girl has Type 1 diabetes.  After our trip to meet her, and learning her food/insulin/blood sugar information, I committed myself to eating more like a diabetic, so I could better help her manage her condition.

I started watching carbs, for the most part, trying to keep each meal in the range I needed for myself, if I was diabetic.  We already eat very little processed food, so there was no real change there.  But I hung onto my bread.  I may or may not have said many times at Golden Corral (and Quincy's when they still existed), "I know the Bible says man cannot live on bread alone, but with yeast rolls and sweet tea, I could make it."  I love bread, pasta, pastries, cake... if it has flour and yeast, I'll probably eat it.

But I knew my relationship with bread could only last so long.  Both my grandmother and mom are quite sensitive to grains, and their sensitivities showed up first with rice, then moved on to wheat and most other grains.  And about a year ago, I gave up rice, when I started turning red and itching after eating it.  I couldn't even wear my wedding ring, because the skin under my ring was raw.

I kept hearing people rave about Dr. Davis's book Wheat Belly, so I bought the e-book when it was on sale and began reading.  I'm promise I am not being paid to say this, but after being wheat-free for a week, I feel like a fog has lifted and I have energy, focus, and don't have to fight to stay awake in the afternoon.  I haven't noticed a difference on my waistline, but I think the added energy will help a LOT with that.

My goal for January is to go sugar-free, as well.  Not in my coffee, not in my oatmeal, no more delicious Chick-fil-A sweet tea, and no artificial sweeteners, either.  Not that I can stand the taste of them, anyway.

Anyone else go wheat- or sugar-free?  I'm really hoping this helps me to prepare for helping Tory manage diabetes.  The "side effects" so far are quite nice!