Gloria Palomino gives herself quality time in meditation. - photos by Rosemary Parkinson/Gleaner Writer
"I am Gloria Palomino and many people might not believe that I am a diabetic. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes during one of my annual executive profiles. I went for a thorough medical check-up and when my doctor first informed me of this diagnosis, I was stunned. How could this have happened to me? I have been an exercise freak for many years with trips to the gym, jogging and tennis being the norm and I just did not expect this kind of news. Truth is that my physician actually told me that if I had not had such a sport regimen I might have found myself with full-blown diabetes - that is Type 1 which requires daily insulin.
Scared and upset, I went straight to the Internet, read all about the disease, informed myself with every possible booklet and pamphlet I could find and made a conscientious decision to deal with this setback in my life. The first thing I had to do was to de-stress. I run a business, I am on so many boards here in Jamaica and all the running up and down between meetings and business appointments had taken their toll. The demand on my time was not worth losing my health and possibly my life.
I have since taken up yoga, and trying meditation - that is, sitting in a quiet spot, preferably out in the garden, and just getting into myself by closing my eyes and relaxing, thinking good thoughts about beautiful things. Both these methods of relaxation are supposed to be the best to fight stress, and although it is not always easy to find the time to do it, I am determined to make it such a part of my life that it will become easy for me to take 'five' as they say, whether I am in my office or at home.
Changed eating habits
In terms of diet, I try not to call it a diet because I find that restrictive. I have changed my eating habits. I eat small portions five times a day with everything in moderation, concentrating on protein and natural foods. If, for example, I find that what I am going to purchase in the supermarket has too many preservatives, or too much sugar, I simply do not buy it. In fact, I have made it a habit to read every label before it goes into my shopping cart. More than three grams of sugar does not do well with me and I leave it behind.
Advice
My advice generally and particularly with those of us who have diabetes, whether full-blown or Type 2, is to eat natural foods, fruits, ground provisions, such as sweet potatoes and yam. Breadfruit is good too and naturally, protein is a must. Avocados have been found to be a deterrent to diabetes, so they are great and we have beautiful avocados on our island. If you cannot afford to go to yoga classes or the gym, simply walking at least for half an hour every day will do. Any kind of exercise is important.
My message is simply: Come on, Jamaica, time to lower the statistics on diabetes. Let us all make an effort to lead a far more productive life and the only way to do this is by keeping ourselves healthy! All it takes is strength of mind. I know it is not always easy but we have to at least try our best."
CULLODEN CAFÉ'S LAMB SALAD
By Ann Lyons
1. Roast a leg of lamb or lamb shank seasoned with garlic, thyme, parsley and cumin.
2. Cool and cut into slivers. Wash and strip about three lettuce leaves.
3. Place in a bowl for mixing, Add thinly sliced cucumbers.
4. Add just a couple of julienne red, yellow, green peppers for colour. Sweet peppers are also great if they have been pickled without sugar by placing in a jar with vinegar, olive oil, lime, a pinch of salt and pickling spice, such as pimento, for a few days.
5. Add lamb, chunks of favourite cheese. Toss salad. Serve on plate with a no-sugar salad dressing of choice.
Culloden Café's lamb salad with cheese and a touch of diabetic salad dressing.
