There is a common misconception of insulin directly causing weight gain--but this isn't the case!

Maybe you are Type 1, and you feel that since being diagnosed you aren’t where you want to be physically. I have totally been there and I am still working daily towards my best!

Before diagnosis, I was down about 15 lbs of my normal weight, i.e. SUPER frail and skinny.

After diagnosis and getting my body healthy again, I put weight back on.

As a girl, you are like ah… what the heck!—or at least I was. It’s shocking to see your body change, especially when it’s going in a direction you aren’t necessarily wanting it to. Maybe you can relate?

I was diagnosed in January 2014, and I felt like after a year of having Type 1, I was carrying a little more extra weight then I wanted/needed. I wasn’t overweight by any means, but I for sure wasn’t feeling my best.

I was learning the in’s and out’s of managing this disease 24/7. Constantly fixing the highs and lows—injecting more to correct the exhausting highs, and gorging myself to correct the scary lows.

It can be a vicious cycle.

I’m not too sure what your story is—whether you have had Type 1 since before you could remember, or if you are newly diagnosed, but here are: SIX simple, yet solid tips on how to get your body where it needs to be while managing your Type 1 diabetes:

1. DON'T LET TYPE 1 DIABETES KEEP YOU STUCK!

You have Type 1, but this doesn’t mean you are stuck or hindered to get where you want to be physically! Yes, it takes work (extra work then someone without Type 1), but you CAN get there. Check out Nick Jonas!—he is living his dream and keeps his body solid even with Type 1.

2. TYPICALLY TOO MANY CALORIES ARE CAUSING THE WEIGHT GAIN—NOT THE INSULIN.

If you are eating more calories than your body is using and you are taking insulin to keep your blood glucose levels normal…… you will likely gain (keep on extra) weight.

Taking too much insulin and then having to eat more to prevent lows will also cause weight gain.

3. CONSTANTLY CORRECTING LOWS?

Your basal (long acting insulin), may be set too high! Dropping low in the middle of the night, or randomly experiencing lows when you haven’t had much to eat can mean that your long acting insulin is too high. Getting this correct will minimize overeating and fixing constant low blood sugars.

4. ARE YOU WORKING OUT?

If you want to get in better shape, it starts with diet but also must involve a consistent workout regimen!

Don’t let Type 1 hinder you from joining a gym, going for a run, or joining fitness classes or your health. This is SO important for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

5. FIND YOUR HAPPY!

What do YOU enjoy? Getting out and moving takes effort for sure, but making sure you love the style of workout you are doing will help push you towards your fitness goals. For me, it’s Crossfit—I love the accountability, community, and the variety of workouts. I also love to take my furry child for long walks and runs. Mixing it up keeps staying fit fun and less of a chore!

6. WORKOUT RESOURCES!

Crossfit offers varied functional movements: strength training & metabolic conditioning. The community is also something I love. It keeps me accountable and I love the team setting. Crossfit has helped me GREATLY with my mental health upon diagnosis. Click here to find your closest Crossfit!

Yoga is great for a deep stretch, flexibility and mindfulness. While I don’t practice often, Hot Yoga is a good option for a good sweat and quieting your mind. Try this Yoga Flow for beginners and a great stretch.

HIIT & Circuit Training is an awesome starting point and perfect for overall body composition. Check out Personal Trainer and Mental Wellness Coach Taylor at: mybodytaylor.com for some great FREE workouts. I try implement her workouts 2-3 times a week and have seen a big difference in toning and leaning out!

Get moving and start with this workout today!

Feel free to message me anytime for education & encouragement that you might need while managing this disease!

We got this :)

xoxo

-Whitney