Healthy Snacks List

Let's face it. Cooking is annoying! Coming up with delicious, nutritious meals that everyone likes is daunting! The only thing worse than cooking meals is concocting great snacks!

Creating a yummy snack for a kid like Rocco who has diabetes is mind bending.  Of course, as I’ve said before, Type 1 diabetics CAN eat everything. They just need to give themselves enough insulin to offset their intake of carbohydrates.  But, in reality, SHOULD they eat everything? No.

A cupcake with frosting is not as healthy for Rocco as carrots sticks. True. But this is also true for all children (and all people).  The difference is, when you feed a child with diabetes a high-carb food, you see the effects of it in an increase in blood sugar within an hour or two, creating a significant health issue. You can physically see the impact.  However, if you give a child without diabetes the same cupcake, the only visible impact is the obnoxious sugar-high behavior that follows! You see this too but just in a different way. Either way, the cupcake is not a good idea! So, we try and avoid it.

I try, and try being the operative word here, to avoid almost all sugary sweet treats. I usually do my best to just not buy them or have them in the house. Sometimes, tempting treats just call my name in the grocery store. Even if i hide them in the back of the cupboard for Michael and I, the two bloodhounds sometimes sniff them out. 

So, it makes it weird because you have two little faces staring at you asking you for the treat. One of which I would give without even blinking but the other I have to protect.  His body just works harder to process it. It gets "sticky". 

Most days Zeke just goes with what is put in front of him but some days he just wants ice cream! Of course, once he asks, Rocco starts in too. So then I see two little faces in front of me and I cave.

 Not supposed to cave but I do. I give the correct amount of insulin and then I wait. While I wait to see how this surge of sugar will affect my kids, I usually pray. Asking for any divine intervention I can get!  Then while I wait for the prayer to be heard, I yell at them to go play outside and burn some of it off! Your mom probably didn't know the entire reason she was sending you out to play after a sugary treat but exercise does help bring down the blood sugar faster than watching SpongeBob. Another reason to be in aww of your mom! 

This daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly back and forth game I play in my mind is daunting. There are times while I am mentally on this diabetes "diet" that I burn out. I get sick of creating healthy snacks. I forget all of the foods that have less than 10 carbs and I default to some processed snack hat is easier to just cut open and receive two smiles back.  Cheese (any)

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Sugar-free jello

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Johsonville turkey sticks

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Sausages

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Cheese sticks

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Turkey bacon

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Deli meat wrapped around a cheese stick and microwaved

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Bacon bit, hard boiled egg and cucumber salad

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Pickles

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Kroger Carb-Master yogurt (4 carbs)

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Snow cones made with sugar free syrup

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Popsicles (sugar free)

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Pepperoni

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Beef jerky

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Tuna salad

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Chicken salad

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SalamiSausage nibbles

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Cauliflower cooked then puréed with butter cream and salt. Mmmm! Tastes like mashed potatoes

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Any veggies cooked or raw

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Popcorn
Cinnamon or Cocoa roasted almonds
Diet juice
Any meat cooked not rawVienna sausages

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Pork rinds

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Fresh mozzarella

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Cottage cheese

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Pickled green beans

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Red, orange and yellow bell peppers

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Ham-wrapped pickles

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Olives

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Almonds

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Most nuts

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Frozen cool whip

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Fish

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Celery with cream cheese

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Scrambled eggs with cheese

(disclaimer: make sure you look at all of the serving sizes and carb counts on the packages. If it says 3 carbs per one serving, make sure you only serve one.)

So, I hope this helps! If we have missed anything, please include your ideas in the comments section below the post.

On a side note, I found another great product for breakfast cinnamon butter. Nutrigrain eggo waffles and Thomas's English Muffins work well for Rocco in the mornings. But, unfortunately, most things that go on these (syrups, jellies, etc.) spike his blood sugar.  The cinnamon butter only has 4 carbs for 1tablespoon and usually I smear on maybe ½ tablespoon. So I am not even sure it gets up to two carbs. Also, cinnamon helps maintain even blood sugar - bonus! Hope you like it as much as Rocco and I do!

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Hot dogs

However, even though I burn out, I can not stay in that space. For the immediate and long term consequences of the health of both my guys, I have to pull myself out of the burn out. I have to stand up, go to the grocery store, come home and cut up the fruit. Cut up the vegatables and have the lunch meat ready to go. 

This week, I decided that making list to post in my cupboard would be a great way to remind myself of all of the healthy foods I should be serving. I also printed it off to put in my purse to use at the grocery store. 

I came up with a list of 23 things but then I decided to reach out to my friends. I belong to a couple of Facebook groups for parents of children with diabetes. I asked them what is your child's favorite "free food"? In the diabetic community, a free food is a low carb food. It usually contains no more than 5 carbs. Usually kids can have this many carbs and it will have only minimal effects on their blood sugar. A cupcake usually has about 35 of all the wrong kind of carbs! So we try to include as many of these free-food snacks as we can.

I wanted a make a list that you could post in your cupboard, to reference before going to the grocery store or anytime your kid is starving with a blood sugar in the 300’s. Even if your child does not have diabetes, feel free to use this list for them too! Or for yourself- what the heck! 

As always, my Facebook friends came through with an overwhelming response! Thanks everyone for helping the masses! Here is the list of their favorite "free foods" -

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appreciation along the way

If you asked me what the hardest part of being a mother was, I would say without a doubt- the constant pressure to appreciate it.

My biggest fear (that has already been realized), is that I forget it all. I am worried that the boys will go to high school one day, on a random Tuesday and bound off in their car as all teenagers do and I will stand in my kitchen wondering how it all happened so fast. The thought of that suffocates me. Then I imagine myself watching old videos only wishing I would have taken more.

I fear that I will not be able to remember the little way that Zeke puts his tiny hand over my hand when he is scared. Today in this moment, at six, he needs me as his touchstone. I am his something safe and familiar when he walks into an environment that is overwhelming. However, one day, very soon, he won't even look over his shoulder as he gets on the bus. I know this is all normal and I want him to grow up healthy and happy and most importantly well adjusted. But for me and my life, how do you really appreciate it all?

When one of the boys says something funny I sometimes would post it in a little book that we call the funny book. I am glad I did. Some of the stories are hilarious. But usually the funny book is in a drawer in another room and I am too lazy to get up and write it all down. I always say to myself "I KNOW I will remember that one tomorrow!" but sure enough once I finally track down the book I have forgotten.

When the boys were two I would send my mom funny story emails and I took thousands of pictures. But once they were three I was so damn busy attending to their every need I never reached over to the computer and logged on to email her. The pictures all became pictures of the back of their heads. By the time I grabbed the camera and turned it on, they were already "on to the next thing".

So again, I struggle. When they were babies in the double stroller hundreds of people would randomly walk up to me and say "appreciate it while you can it goes really fast". These words would just stress me out! I wanted to scream "I know people! I am trying to memorize everything here but I am a little busy!" but I knew they were right. Everyday, I would watch them I'm amazement swearing to myself to remember it all but the next morning it would be gone.

So I and the rest of the world need your help. What do you do to appreciate it all?

indoor exercise

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Over Winter break, I treated the boys to pancakes for breakfast. There was only one problem- it was raining outside and cold. Too rainy and cold to go outside and burn off all those carbs. So I came up with this idea (I know, WHY? and please don't call child protective services. They ARE wearing their helmets for crying out loud. LOL!). Anyway this went on for an hour and his blood sugar was 112 when we checked Rocco again an hour later! Sometimes, in this life, you do what you gotta do!

new neighbors

                                                

Today is a great day! My little website has already been hit 536 times today, and it is only 1:30pm!!! So far it has been hit 2,887 times in the past month!  I feel very appreciative and hope I have helped a few people get through their day. This information made start thinking about something that my family and I discussed over our Christmas dinner.

We decided that with technology, a new type of "neighbor" has emerged and is rapidly evolving everyday! Expanding just like the strange life form in the old movie The Blob (I know I am dating myself).

Let me explain what I mean. When I was a kid, I lived in a neighborhood where the houses were lined up one-by-one no more than a driveway apart. We (adults and children) were always outside. The men would joke that if you wanted to hang out with someone, all you had to do was open the hood of your car. Within twenty minutes you would have six guys standing with beers, surrounding you, explaining how you should solve your latest car dilemma.  The kids didn't have “play dates” - you just went outside, and within five minutes you were playing hide and seek with ten kids. We had block parties on the 4th of July and Christmas parties with the neighbors. It was very Norman Rockwell. Forty years later, these people are still my best friends. I feel lucky that our small houses that were so close together provided me with the opportunity to experience these most important friendships.

Years later, when I moved into a larger house with Michael and the boys, I worried that I was depriving them the opportunity to live close to others and experience the same type of friendships. However, as much as I miss the old neighborhood, I also notice that a new type of neighbor is emerging. Not one that lives next door or down the street, but one that is online. One that may have the same issues that I have or one that is experiencing the same feelings I have about my current "cross to bear". This is true for me and millions of people around the world! 

Currently, there are people in Malaysia, Austria, Russia and even Latvia (I'll have to look that one up!) reading Everyday Highs and Lows! Wow! What a rush that is, to be a “neighbor” to someone in a country half way around the world.

People are Googling daily and finding their new neighbor. People are connecting across time zones, racial divides and language barriers. 

It is so exciting to be part of this and I truly can't wait to "meet" more of my new neighbors. 

Thanks for logging on and Feel free to tell your "neighbors"!

Everything happens for a reason

For five years, my husband and I struggled with infertility. It was the most heart-breaking experience I have ever been through. During that time, I was in real emotional pain. Though I’m not strongly religious, I begged God for a baby. I asked him if I wasn't meant to have a baby, just give me the courage to move on. I never mustered up that strength and just kept pushing myself, my body and my husband. I was determined (and obsessed).

 

We tried in-vitro fertilization twice without success. We were devastated and nearly without hope. We tried one more time and it actually worked!! I always wondered why it took me so long. I also wondered what was the purpose of this third try working and the others not. I knew there was a plan for me. I just couldn't see it yet.

 

When I found out it was twins, Michael and I were thrilled! Wow! We hit the jackpot.

As I look in my backyard, watching my six year olds working as a team by whipping old lettuce heads all over the backyard for the deer, I now know exactly the plan that was in store for me, and it is much more than I expected.

 

First, I believe the purpose of my early trials and tribulations was to ensure that I was ready. Having a high-risk pregnancy, heart problems, twin infants, one with Type 1 diabetes, was the hand I was dealt. Six years of injections, disappointments and heartbreaks were my training.  By the time I actually got pregnant, I was ready.

 

Second, I think these two boys were and still are my gift. Heaven's present wrapped in two swaddling blue blankets! Rocco's constant happy demeanor and easy, determined spirit fills me up every day. Despite the challenges of his diabetes, he is always happy and has a zest for life.

 

Then there is Zeke. I am convinced that Zeke is meant to be my and Rocco's guardian angel. He is the sweetest boy you will ever meet. He is sensitive to other people's feelings and can really hone in if someone is hurting. He knows exactly how to comfort them. He has a calming presence with anyone he meets. He even has a sort of magical spell over animals. His interests lie in quiet activities. He just has no interest for the loud, obnoxious ways the world can offer. He is the strong, silent type.

 

Third, I feel like Zeke was given to me to help me watch over Rocco. His personality allows for the openness to be aware of others, and because of his calm spirit he has the ability to hone in on Rocco's blood sugars and to sound the alarm.  Also, Zeke has always respected Rocco's diabetes. When they wrestle like bear cubs, Zeke knows just how to work around Rocco’s insulin pump, infusion site and delivery line. This is not easy. Such an apparatus can definitely get in the way. Not a problem for Zeke.  Also, when we have to stop doing something fun to care for Rocco's diabetes, Zeke never complains. He just sits and quietly waits. Then he proceeds on like nothing happened. 

 

I think one of the reasons I was gifted twins, one with diabetes and one without, was so I can have an extra person with my son when I can't be there.  Now, I don't dare give Zeke this job or burden. I would never put Zeke in charge of Rocco, but I have noticed it kind of happens organically. I also think it will grow stronger as the boys grow older. They have a very sweet best-friend relationship now and they look out for each other. I hope this stays true.

 

Even though Zeke doesn't have Type 1 diabetes, he has by default melded into much of Rocco’s “life style”. He eats the same foods, lives on the same schedule, deals with Rocco's mood swings, and shares the other minor inconveniences associated with diabetes. The only thing different is Zeke doesn't experience the physical pain or feelings of highs and lows.  (This is a good thing:  One time we checked Zeke's blood sugar because he was curious. He cried for twenty minutes. Cute! Rocco's felt strong and appreciated). 

 

 

When they are eleven and riding their bikes to the nearby Seven-Eleven and Rocco gets a low, I know Zeke will bring him juice and wait with him until he feels better. When they are in college (Of course they will go together! Lol!), Zeke will help him if he is in trouble. Kind of like his diabetes designated driver. I don't expect this, but I hope so.  A close friend once asked me "How do you think Zeke will feel when he realizes Rocco got diabetes and he didn't?" I simply said "Zeke’s got it too, in his own way". She knew what I meant.

 

It actually works the other way too. Rocco has deemed himself the "responsible one". When we are in a parking lot, Rocco is always making sure Zeke isn't lagging too far behind (something Zeke does a lot).  Every morning, he also makes sure Zeke has all of his stuff in his backpack before school. He is constantly making sure that Zeke is paying attention and following the rules. Rocco LOVES to get things right. 

 

Lastly, like all mothers, I think I have a great responsibility to create these two beautiful gifts into two amazing men. I feel as if God said, "You wanted them so here they are in virgin clay. Go and mold something amazing!” Just to make sure we also develop a little character along the way, we were also given some obstacles to make us grow some tough skin! 

Having twins and a child with Type 1 diabetes isn't always easy especially when I can't always be there to protect them. I am glad God offered me another way to watch over both little boys - with each other. 

Christmas! yeah! ugh...

I am so conflicted when it's Christmas time. Having young kids makes it truly "the most wonderful time of the year"! But my complicated life of having twins (one with diabetes) makes me anxious. Many challenges spring up at this time of the year. You may be able to relate if you have twins or a child with diabetes or even if you have two kids.

On the twin side, the boys are now six. They share some similar interests but are becoming their own men. I can still buy Legos and Star Wars items and put both names on the tags, but this year their Christmas lists are quite different. You can really see their personalities showing through when they write a Christmas list, can't you? I used to be able to just buy two of everything, but not anymore.

I am anxious to see how Christmas morning will work. For example, one kid asked for a giant elephant. I had no idea what this meant and truly was afraid to ask. So I ("Santa") bought him a big elephant stuffed animal. The other kid didn't ask for a giant anything so I didn't buy him any type of stuffed animal. I wonder if he will complain about it on Christmas morning. We will see.

One idea my friend told me about was to buy the double-sided wrapping paper and wrap Rocco's gifts in one color and Zeke's in the other. I know this is simple but it sounds awesome! I bought the huge roll of double-sided wrapping paper from Costco this year. I hate wrapping gifts, and anything that makes it easier I willdefinitely try.

The second part of Christmas that makes me anxious has to do with the food. My family has become so good about helping me serve "carb friendly foods". That includes the extended family as well. The first Christmas after Rocco's diagnosis, we were only a diabetic family for three months. My mom, aunts and uncles were new to it as well. My father-in-law has had Type 1 diabetes for 30 years, and he was very helpful in counting carbs when we went to his house.

The other Christmas parties we visited that year were a total disaster! The boys were only two. Food was everywhere and sweets were on display! I was tempted myself to over indulge. Imagine a two year old who sees that same sweets table. Not one item had a carb count on it, and my husband and I had no ideahow many carbs were in anything. Now you can hold up any food in front of me and I can guess the amount, give or take a few carbs. By the final party that first year (my mom's), I was exhausted. I just didnt have it in me to work through diabetes and the terrible twos and the holiday season for another minute.

But then I walked into my beautiful mom's house on Christmas day. As I was taking my shoes off and helping my toddlers take off their coats, my mom came to me with a stack of processed food boxes.

"I tried to cook only things with carb counts”, she said. “It may be a processed food Christmas, but at least we can measure how much he eats".

Even as I type this, I still get tears in my eyes. I will remember this sentiment as long as I live. It meant so much to have someone just understands our world and tries to help. I texted her later and told her his "going to sleep" blood sugar number was a perfect 110. She has truly been a godsend ever since. Thank you mom!

As we have gone through additional Christmases, it has gotten easier. We’ve become experts on eye-balling food and knowing carb counts. My father-in-law and I make a contest out of guessing the number. Then we look it up to see who won!

So, even though the thought of Christmas sometimes gives me hives, I still get excited as that most magical day approaches!

What are your Christmas challenges?