Hypoglycemia for dummies

I went into the doctors office today for my mission physical. I finally remembered to ask about my shakes (I've been meaning to ask a doctor about this for at least two years). He diagnosed it as hypoglycemia. While there the doctor told me a little bit about it. Of course if I were a responsible person I would make sure that I was completely educated on the matter, so I went home and Googled it.

From what I have gathered Hypoglycemia is when your body does not break down glucose correctly. The pancreas fails to shut off the insulin quickly enough and as a result your blood sugar gets low.
Symptoms I have include(I know it just sounds like I am a normal person who is just not fun to be around):
-Feeling cranky or agressive
-Hunger (I have the appetite of a starving hyena)
-Shaking or Trembling
-Trouble sleeping
-Unclear thinking/Inability to concentrate
-Fatigue
-Migraines

Food to avoid:
Processed foods
Fried foods
MSG
Soft drinks
Artificial sweeteners
Hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats (I find this one strange)

Dealing with Cravings(Their word for my appetite):
Toss it. Any food on the "to avoid" list. If it is more inconvenient to get to you are less likely to eat it.
Breathe. Take deep belly breathes till the cravings go away. Preferably for 5 min.
Bathe. Helps clear stagnant energy.
Drink. Drink water before you eat something. Wait 15 min to see if you still feel hungry.
Meditate. Figure out why you want what you do. Comfort? Love? Security? Fill it in a different form (Call your Mom. Find a time you felt loved and feel it again. Etc.)
Visualize. Imagine yourself healthy and happy-- when you finally have self control.
Pause before Caving. Bargain with yourself. 'I'll wait 10 min and then eat it.' and then follow through.
Switch to something similar. Want sorbet? Make a smoothie.

*Food to avoid and Dealing with Cravings are thanks to Hypoglycemia for dummies.

A few words on gratitude

Today I decided to go back and look at some old posts of mine. I only read a couple but it was enough.

At the beginning of this year I was thinking that time couldn't pass any slower. I was so stressed and I was a wreck. I was missing Natalie and I was having a hard time handling it... I was reminded of this when I read this post.

In church many times I have heard stories of saints in the Book of Mormon and also in these latter days who, when going through hard times, draw close to the Lord. As life begins to get better they drift away. I feel as if I have done this in my own way. Not to an extremity where I've stopped praying at night or lacked in my church attendance but concerning my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

The beginning of this year was hard. As I look back I feel as if my life is much better. I live in a cheaper apartment. I still have wonderful roommates. I have a job that gives me the hours I want. I don't live too far away from campus. But I have not shown any gratitude.

We were sent here to this earth to learn and grow. God understands that we aren't going to be perfect while we live but the important thing is that we are living and we are keeping God apart of it the whole time.

I'm grateful for my challenges. I have definitely learned from them. I am grateful for a sister who has faith enough to sacrifice a small bit of her life to serve the Lord. Her example has given me strength as I made the decision to do the same. In the Lord I am ready for anything that is to come. I pray that as I continue to live that I don't forget to live without gratitude.