Diabetes and life and stuff

Having diabetes is a pain in the ass. I didn't ask for it, and unlike your typical Type 2 diabetic, there wasn't anything I knew of at the time to prevent it from happening. Some people are diagnosed before age 1, which I cannot fathom, but nonetheless, we just live on and do what we have to do. If you want to read about a guy that has lived with diabetes since he was too young to talk, check this out... http://philsoutherland.blogspot.com/ . And read on about Team Type 1 at www.teamtype1.org All that being said, I don't need special treatment, because all kinds of people get things far worse that Type 1 diabetes. And despite all the bullshit I need to do everyday to remain healthy, it becomes about as tedious as brushing your teeth. Literally, its life, and if you want to live there is no choice. All that being said, life isn't a never ending struggle, and nothing prevents me from finding the beauty in it. Check out this article, and piles of others that have probably been written on the topic. http://www.velonews.com/article/89008/training-with-type-1-diabetic-athletes-has-taught-coach I have huge piles of respect for Rick Crawford and his coaching, but diabetes isn't a controller of activities and life, it is something you control. Its frustrating at times, but so what? As someone who hikes, bikes, skis, works and lives while controlling diabetes, it has never been a topic of conversation for me unless someone else brings it up. I am so appreciative of Team Type 1, and what they do, but I don't tolerate the idea of diabetic cyclists using the concept of a diabetic team as a crutch or excuse (I don't think this is the case with TT1). There is no reason that diabetic cyclists/athletes can't succeed in any situation (cheers Jay Cutler). The only reason to advertise is to let children dealing with the same bullshit understand what is possible... everything is possible. So to those that have inspired me, Nate from camp, Wade from the bar last week, Phil, Joe, Kerry (http://xcwhite.blogspot.com/), piles of others... keep on living, and brush your teeth daily.

Recent News

So, I mentioned in the first entry that I feel the food guide pyramid is a load of crap. It is insane how much tax money is spent on putting together the ideal diet for everyone. The problem, of course, is that we aren't all the same. A recent study came out declaring that in weight loss, calories are what matter, not the specific diet you are on... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29393995/ That being said, it is important to realize that every fad diet will work great for some people, and not at all for others. Atkins is fantastic if you tolerate lots of protein, metabolize fat efficiently, and don't mind being frowned at by registered dietitians. You just need to burn more calories than you eat. There is a book I've been reading called 'The Blood Type Diet', and it says that certain blood types are predisposed to function their best on certain diets. I think there is much more to it than blood types, but it still illustrates that everyone is different, and no single diet is right for all. Bottom line for weight loss... Eat lots of veggies, find food that fills you up without Texas sized portions, get off your ass and go for a walk!
On a lighter note, I prefer skiing to walking, and after skiing piles of Colorado powder today, I'm going to Crested Butte tomorrow. So think about snow, and hopefully Ullr will deliver!

Here we go!

Hey all, blog #1 here. As I attempt a late entry into instant thought sharing with the world, I would like to set a premise for MY BLOG. I will undoubtedly have rants and raves beyond select topics, but, I would like to keep MY BLOG somewhat nutrition/sports nutrition/healthy living related. This is the field I have found myself in, no, the field I have chosen, so might as well spread the Gospel of Dan (Daniel was already taken by some really old book). Here goes...

So, Medicare is on the minds of many politicians. And it should be, as it eats up insane amounts of the federal and state budgets. We are a nation of over-medicated lazy folk, and if you are dead set on remaining this way, so be it. But, as long as the government is spending piles of cash, and Barack mentioned that seeing dietitians should be a part of medicare, so as to not spend $30,000 getting your foot cut off in later years, I propose something different. A program similar to WIC (women, infants, and children) for those that need serious lifestyle coaching on their way to healthier living. I want to see a credential assigned and related to such a program. And I want to see locations that provide free consultations to those that want help in learning healthy living. Not just nutrition or exercise, but LIVING. There should be no set curriculum for such a program, because everyone is unique, has different needs, and has their own tastes, motivations, and incentives. This shouldn't be some Jenny Craig, lose 30 pounds in 30 days, bullshit. It definitely isn't about Mypyramid, one size fits all, waste of money, public health campaigns. Healthy living involves just that, healthy living in all aspects of life. There is no reason that this should be undesireable to anyone. It isn't about rice cakes and treadmills, its feeling good about yourself and your health. I don't want to pay for your leg amputation, your cholesterol medication, or your hospital stays. Let's get serious about preventative health, America. So, Barack, give me a cabinet post, and I'll head this deal up. 5 required visits for everyone before being approved for medicare. I see huge signs saying 'Healthy Living sold here... Price: FREE'.

I think blogging is going to be great for stress reduction... Nothing but smiles here now!