Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: diabetes

  • Finding My Balance: Living Healthier with Diabetes 🌿

    Finding My Balance: Living Healthier with Diabetes 🌿

    Living with diabetes is a journey that’s constantly evolving — full of ups, downs, and lessons along the way. Right now, though, I finally feel like I’ve found something that truly works for me.

    If you’ve been following along, you might remember that I left off in a pretty rough place. I was first diagnosed with diabetes around 19 years old, and it completely took me by surprise. At the time, I weighed barely 110 pounds, hit the gym every single day, and ate what I thought was a clean, balanced diet. Still, I was always exhausted, had dark circles that no concealer could hide, and was constantly thirsty. Deep down, I knew something was off.

    Eventually, things got worse — to the point where I ended up in the hospital. Recovery took months, and it forced me to face the truth: I needed to make real changes. And thankfully, I did.

    Fast forward to today, and I can finally say this — I feel alive again. I haven’t felt this good in years! My doctor started me on Ozempic, and honestly, it has been a total game-changer. If you’re managing diabetes and struggling to find the right fit, I hope this gives you a little hope. I’ve lost about 15 pounds, my energy is back, and I genuinely feel (and look!) so much healthier.

    That’s not to say it was easy. When I first started Ozempic, the side effects were rough — nausea, fatigue, the works. But with time and patience, those symptoms faded, and I’m so glad I didn’t give up. My medical team has been absolutely incredible, and I’m so thankful for their guidance and support through it all.

    The only downside? Ozempic isn’t recommended during pregnancy, so that’s something I’ll need to plan for in the future. But for now, I’m just taking it one day at a time and celebrating how far I’ve come. Diabetes will always be part of my life, but right now, I’m feeling strong, balanced, and hopeful for what’s ahead. 💪✨

    If you’re navigating your own health journey — with diabetes or anything else — know that it’s okay to take your time finding what works for you. Be patient, listen to your body, and celebrate every little win along the way. 💕

    Here I am walking my mom’s dog Riis – he’s so goofy

  • Tough Love and Tender Care: My Wake-Up Call with Diabetes

    Tough Love and Tender Care: My Wake-Up Call with Diabetes

    Tender. Loving. Care.

    We could all use a little more of that.

    Lately, I’ve had to face a hard truth — my diabetes is not under control. My blood sugar is high, my weight is up, and my gums are a mess. And yet… I haven’t been doing much to change my habits. It’s easy to talk about people who struggle with their health, but the truth is, I’m no different. Every day I make choices that put my own health at risk.

    Take this morning, for example: I had multigrain toast absolutely covered in Nutella. Not a “just-a-little” situation — I mean covered. Then, of course, I turned around and complained about how awful I felt and how dry and swollen my hands were. The pattern is clear — I keep sabotaging myself.

    A Look Back

    Back in my freshman year of college, I decided I needed to make a big change. After months of ups and downs, I finally focused on both my mental and physical health. Within six months, I lost over 40 pounds through diet and exercise — going from around 150 pounds to 105.

    In the beginning, though, my diet was pretty extreme. I ate very low-carb, counted calories religiously, and allowed myself only one cheat meal a week. Eventually, I relaxed into a more balanced diet and felt healthier overall — confident, lighter, and more “me.” This was all before I was diagnosed with diabetes.

    Fast Forward to Now

    Over time, I slipped back into old habits. I’ve regained the weight and lost most of the muscle I worked so hard for. That wouldn’t be the end of the world… if I weren’t diabetic. But now, my blood sugar, diet, and exercise matter more than ever.

    Honestly, it’s tough. When I get home and see a big plate of pasta waiting for me, it feels impossible to resist. But I know I need to find balance again. My body has been trying to tell me something — I’ve been sick more often, with weird flu-like illnesses, and I was even hospitalized not long ago. Maybe those things are connected, maybe not. But one thing is clear: my diabetes being out of control definitely isn’t helping.

    Moving Forward with Care

    I know I can’t keep blaming being busy, broke, or tired. At some point, I have to take responsibility and start treating my body with the same tender, loving care I give to others.

    So that’s my goal — to show myself a little more grace and discipline at the same time. To eat better, move more, and find a healthier balance with diabetes.

    If you’ve gone through something similar, I’d love to hear your story. Drop your advice, struggles, or little wins in the comments — let’s lift each other up.

  • College Throwback: A Night at Johnny’s 🍻

    College Throwback: A Night at Johnny’s 🍻

    Okay, let’s talk about Johnny’s. If you went to Iowa State, you already know the magic — and if you haven’t been, add it to your bucket list ASAP. Going back recently gave me all the college nostalgia feels. There’s just something about being surrounded by Cyclone pride that takes you right back to game days, packed stands, and that unbeatable energy of Hilton Magic.

    Now, here’s the wild part — rumor has it you need to make a minimum donation of $12,500 for direct access to Johnny’s. Um, excuse me?! My college self could barely afford ramen noodles and Cherry Vodka Sours, let alone that. 😂 But hey, we’re manifesting. Maybe one day I’ll make that donation like a true alum baller. As Rihanna once said, “Work, work, work, work, work.”

    Let’s get to the good stuff though — the food, the bar, the atmosphere. It’s next level. I shamelessly hit up the buffet three times (because college habits die hard), and the unlimited lemonade refills? Chef’s kiss. 🥤

    The crowd, the cheers, the buzz — it’s like being wrapped in Cyclone spirit all over again. There’s something about Johnny’s that just feels like home for every ISU fan. It’s classy, it’s chaotic, it’s a total blast.

    So here’s to Johnny’s, to Hilton Magic, and to all the Cyclones who still get chills when the crowd starts chanting. Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone. 🌪️❤️💛