Welcome to Gaia! ::

I generally eat pretty well. I have to, I've been an insulin dependent diabetic for over 15 years. Even though Type I diabetes doesn't result from poor diet and lack of exercise (like the more wide spread Type II that we hear about on TV all the time) and is rather an auto-immune disorder that requires regular injections of a manufactured insulin hormone, Type I diabetics are prone to some of the same complications that Type II's are. (I.e. Heart problems, kidney failure, etc.)

It also boils down to the simple fact that the less sugar/carbohydrates I eat, the less frequently I have to take insulin. I generally fill up on proteins and veggies, and try to snack on fruits and complex carbs.

But, that being said, I sometimes forego the quinoa and spinach for a big juicey burger from Red Robin or Chili's and I'm constantly baking goodies to nibble on.

The trade off I make is to use whole wheat flour, unrefined sugar, butter instead of margarine and even substitute things like brown rice syrup or agave nectar for sugar.

One thing I don't compromise on: dairy products.

I drink whole fat milk, use REAL sour cream and I would rather starve myself to death then put a fat free ranch dressing on my salad. Not only because these taste so much better, but generally, when fat is taken out of a product, sugar and salt go in..and that's not much of a trade off really, since sugar converts to fat and too much salt is bad for you.

Of course, if you find this holiday season that you're packing on a few extra pounds just tell yourself what I tell myself all the time..."Don't fret it, you're just working on your back up mass!"