Opinion

Resolve to free yourself from the scourge of diabetes

Remember when you were young and living with your parents? You didn’t seem to have a care in the world, now did you? No pressure, stress or worries about keeping a roof over your head, working from “sun up to sun down” for a pay check, juggling those escalating doctor bills, and keeping food on the table.

Those were the days – some good, some, I suppose, just OK. I remember them just like yesterday – being in grade school, for example, and not having to worry or care about anything, because whatever I needed, my parents provided – even a daily course of stick-to-your-ribs food.

Time brings about a change and, along with it, myriad problems. I can recall those moments when life was simple and family camaraderie was a joy to behold. But I’m sure there are some people who wrench in pain when they find themselves replaying their lives.

It is good to reminisce, but when you’re not secure mentally, emotionally or not feeling your best physically, it would be futile, in my opinion, to push forward without addressing these problems. For one thing, what you put in your body will determine your overall health.

Let’s talk about health and how to stay healthy. By now you should know that eating nutritious food is beneficial to your mind, body and soul. You need to know your body inside and out and learn when it rejects a particular kind of food.

Most of us have health issues – from diabetes to high blood pressure to lupus to obesity. The strange thing about our society today is that we tend to believe whatever we are told without investigating to see if it would be beneficial to us or not. That includes the food we eat and the meds we take.

A lot of health problems can be prevented or reversed. Do you remember when your grandmother – or your mother for that matter – used to tell you to eat your vegetables, or the adage that “an apple a day keeps the doctor a way?” Well, we know now that your grandmother and mother were right, and the adage, too.

Time waits on no one. An unhealthy society is a dilemma that must be addressed without delay. People are getting fatter and obesity is on the rise. The statistics are alarming and looming each day. Just how many people are diabetic today? Well, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 259 million worldwide.

Remember when the old folks used to say someone had sugar? Now that we’re all grown up, we know now what the old folks meant the person was diabetic. There wasn’t much information at that time to really comprehend the dangers of this dreaded disease, which causes irritability, neuropathy, loss appetite, blindness, amputations and death.

Diabetes can be controlled. But those who suffer have to learn what to eat, and the right portions, of course. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that certain foods can raise your glycemic index. Some foods are beneficial; some you should avoid.

The media always report the problem to be grimmer than it actually is. Health problems can be arrested – that is, when it comes to diabetes, it can be controlled, even reversed. I’m beginning to believe it’s all about profits, how much money can be made from diabetic medications.

Is there a powerful drug that vanquishes diabetes? If you believe this, I have a bridge to sell you. Eating right and exercising are the only keys to controlling diabetes and vanquishing it altogether. You have to eat more fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and drink pure water – not juices, sodas, and alcohol beverages – to rid your body of this debilitating disease.

Your New Year’s resolution should be to live a happy, peaceful, restful and meditative life that’s free from the scourge of diabetes.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef. He can be reached by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit him on the Web at http://www.cheftimothymoore.com or www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore; or text him at 33938 message Chef.)