Nothing worth having comes without a hefty price.
It's not easy to change lifelong eating habits, but it is possible with a proper mindset and a plan.
Keep these tips in mind when you are making choices:

1. Don't be shy about what you need to eat.
   Most restaurants are eager to accommodate diabetics.
   If you feel a bit sheepish about making a request, then get over it.
   Speak up and realize that you cannot get what you need unless you make known what your needs are!
2. Don't back down on what you've decided to do.
   Once you've decided to order grilled chicken tenders, don't take a look at the menu and decide that you'd rather get the chicken n' dumplings instead.
   You have to think with a logical mind now.
   You can't just eat the best tasting thing on the menu anymore.
   What works best for your (diabetic) body? Pure protein is always the best choice.
   Learn to limit those carbs.
   
3. Do reward your own good behavior.
   I saw a poster on Facebook yesterday that says, "Don't reward yourself with food.
   You're not a dog!" I laughed so hard when I saw that! It's so true! By "reward", I don't mean to reward your good eating habits with food (how insane is that?) - I mean, stay another five minutes in the shower, or buy yourself a new pair of socks to go with those cute sneakers you just bought.
   Remind yourself that you are indeed doing the right thing.
   Do something nice for yourself instead of beating yourself up for every negative behavior.
   We won't talk about those.
   
4. Do brag to your friends and family.
   It's perfectly fine to take pride in your accomplishments.
   Most of us have friends and family who love and support every great thing in our lives, so go ahead and brag!
5. Remember this is not about being selfish, it's about self-care.
   When you go out to eat and it seems you are a bit "picky" about what you want to order (dressing or sauce on the side, for example), keep in mind that what you're doing is not intended to make everyone else's life miserable, but making your health better.
   If it makes you feel better, you can explain to servers in restaurants that you have diabetes.
   Most servers are more than happy to help in any way they can.
   
6. Remember why you're doing what you're doing.
   Always keep your goal in mind.
   Some people say that imagery helps them.
   I have a friend who keeps a poster of a hot chick in a swimsuit as her computer screensaver.
   She tells me this is what she will look like in another year.
   It's not even about looks at this point (although it's a very nice side effect) - it's about your long-term health and wellness.
   

I challenge you today: Get serious about controlling your diabetes.
If you are not, then it will certainly control you.
If you're in denial about your diagnosis, you'd better wake up and smell the herbal tea because diabetes is a real disease with some terrible complications.
It's devastating and affects absolutely every part of your body from head to foot.
Here's the great news: we can make up our minds to reverse the devastation.
Are you in?