Hey there, it's been a while, hasn't it? I wanted to break the silence and share a bit about what's been going on since I spilled the beans about being diagnosed pre-diabetic. My bad for going MIA, but trust me, it wasn't because I had nothing to say. It's been a time of reflection, especially during the holidays, when everything seems to revolve around food and festivities.

So, let's rewind a bit. I've been grappling with this pre-diabetes thing, and it hit me hard during the holidays. Instead of drowning my worries in the sea of holiday treats, I decided to take a long, hard look at my life and the changes I needed to make. It's a journey, no doubt, but if I play my cards right, I can turn the tide on my health.

One of the toughest parts? Figuring out how to deal with those relentless cravings for carbs and sugar. It's like they have a mind of their own! But then, I realized that I don't have to give up everything – I get to keep way more, and that includes my health and, hopefully, a longer, healthier life.

The first big change? Saying farewell to my beloved rice. It wasn't easy, but I needed an alternative that could help me on this health journey. Enter quinoa – my new go-to. Why quinoa, you ask? Well, let me break it down for you.

Quinoa is like a nutritional superhero. It's packed with protein, a bunch of essential vitamins and minerals, and the best part? It won't send my blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride because of its low glycemic index. Plus, it's gluten-free, which is a win for my digestive system.

And the taste? It's got this nutty flavor and a satisfying texture that adds a little something extra to my meals. The versatility of quinoa means I can experiment with various recipes, keeping things interesting on the culinary front.

But, being real with you, there are a few things to consider. Quinoa can be a bit pricey, and I know not everyone has it on their regular grocery list. There's also this environmental side – concerns about water usage and deforestation in some regions where quinoa is grown. While rice may lack some of the nutritional firepower found in quinoa, its accessibility and affordability make it a practical choice for many. Economically accessible and widely available, rice has earned its place on tables across the globe.  It's essential to weigh the pros and cons when making choices for your plate.

So here I am, stepping into this journey, swapping out rice for quinoa, and navigating the twists and turns of managing pre-diabetes. It's about making choices that work for me, my health, and my taste buds. I wanted to share this because, well, maybe someone out there is going through the same thing. We're in this together, right?

Here's to embracing change, making informed decisions, and, most importantly, rediscovering the joy of living a healthy life. Cheers to the journey – let's see where it takes us!