When I found out I had Type 2 diabetes, my HbA1c was dangerously high 121. I felt overwhelmed and scared. My doctor gave me Metformin and another medication, but honestly, they didn’t make a big difference. I believe that 90% of the improvement came from changing my food. In just 3 months, my HbA1c dropped to 57. In this post, I’ll share exactly what I did, what I cut out, and what I started eating to lower my blood sugar naturally.
I Completely Changed My Breakfast
Before, I used to start my day with toast or other quick carbs – things I thought were normal, but they were spiking my blood sugar right at the beginning of the day. Now I eat a low-carb, high protein breakfast that keeps me full and helps my sugar stay more stable. Here are the things I usually include:
- Eggs – boiled, scrambled, or fried
- Salami or cold cuts
- Different type of cheese
- Avocados
- Cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers
I try to mix and match ingredients so I don’t get bored. But I’ve kept toast and all high-carb breakfast foods out of my morning routine.
I Changed My Coffee Habit
I always started my day with coffee – and I still do. But what I didn’t realise at first is that regular milk has a lot more natural sugar than I thought. And when you’re drinking it every day, that sugar adds up.
So I made a simple switch:
- I now use unsweetened almond milk in my coffee
- I don’t add any sugar or sweeteners
👉 Was easy to get used to? Not really. Almond milk doesn’t taste like regular milk. I’ll be honest – it took time. Now I often add a little double cream to make it smoother, and it’s much better. Give your body and brain time to adjust – your taste bud will change. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about protecting your health and finding what works for you.
I stopped Drinking Sweet Drinks – Even Juice
One of the biggest surprises for me was how much sugar is in drinks that seem “healthy”. For example, one glass of orange juice has as much sugar as 3 or 4 actual oranges – and drinking it is like sending all that sugar straight into your bloodstream.
So I stopped drinking:
- Orange and Apple juice
- Smoothies
- Regular fizzy drinks like Coke or Pepsi
Now I stick to:
- Water
- Herbal teas
- Sugar-free drinks like Coke Zero or Pepsi Max
Making these swaps helped me cut out lot of hidden sugar without giving up the habit of sipping on something throughout the day. It’s a small change, but it made a big difference for my blood sugar.
I Gave Up Sweets – But Found My Own Treats
Giving up sweets was hard at first. I stopped eating:
- Chocolate bars
- Biscuits
- Cakes
- Anything with added sugar
But I didn’t want to feel deprived forever – so I started finding healthier options.
Now I eat:
- Very dark chocolate (85% cocoa or higher – just a few square)
- Homemade sweets and cakes that are low-carb and sugar free
- I started trying out diabetic-friendly and keto dessert recipes, and honestly, some of them are amazing!
In the future, I’m planning to share some of my favourite sugar-free sweet recipes here on the blog – because life is still better with dessert, even as a diabetic. 🤭
What I Eat for Lunch and Dinner Now
Since changing my diet, I focus on simple, filling meals without the heavy carbs.
Here’s what I usually eat now:
- Lunch: Chicken or other protein with some vegetables or pickles
- Dinner: A light salad with some grilled meat
I also include:
- Different types of cheese
- Sometimes cold cuts like salami in small amounts
- I keep portions balanced and try not to overeat
Keeping my meals clean and lower in carbs helped me feel more in control – and my sugar levels dropped because of it.
I swapped Bananas And Grapes For Berries
Before my diagnosis, I used to snack on bananas, grapes, and other fruits that I thought were healthy. What I didn’t realise is that those fruits are actually very high in sugar, and they were causing my blood sugar spike.
Now I snack on:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Sometimes raspberries
Just a small handful is enough – they’re lower in sugar and much better for people managing diabetes. These swaps helped me still enjoy something sweet without the sugar crash afterward.
What I Learned and What I Struggle With
Bringing my HbA1c down from 121 to 57 in just three months was one of the biggest achievements of my life – but it hasn’t always been easy.
Even now, I still have:
- Cravings sometimes
- Days when I feel frustrated or tired of being careful
- Ups and downs in my weight and energy
But what I’ve learned is that this is a journey – not a quick fix. The most important thing is to keep going, keep learning, and do your best. Even when it’s not perfect, it’s still progress.
💚 Closing Thoughts
If you’re just starting your journey with Type 2 diabetes, I hope my story gives you hope. Small changes really do add up. Food can heal – and you don’t have to do it alone.
-Roni 💚
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