How to Bounce Back Better: Turning your Setbacks into setups
Back in 2018, when I was first diagnosed with prediabetes, my doctor’s office sent me home with a one-page document that had “Mediterranean Diet” written at the top. That sheet included a list of foods to eat and ones to avoid. I was told that I needed to lose weight in order to prevent my condition from getting worse. Apparently, this Mediterranean diet I had just learned about was the key.
WRITTEN BY OSCAR CAMEJO JR.
PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE COLLETTA IMAGES
STYLING BY OSCAR CAMEJO JR. & IVORY FILLMORE
I am writing this article a few days away from my 50th birthday. Wow. Turning 50 is so surreal.
Looking back over my life, I can’t help but to be grateful to God that I made it to the big FIVE-0. They say life is short, so you might as well make the most of it. What a true statement.
Like so many people, I have experienced lots of ups and downs in 50 years. I almost died a few times. Been divorced twice. Phew! Maybe one day I’ll write a memoir about my experiences and how I handled setbacks in detail. We’ll see.
Siempre Sigue Adelante
My dad taught me so many valuable lessons in life. He passed away in 2018, the day after Father’s Day. My dad “Paco” (that was his nickname) was Afro-Cuban. He was one of those old-school Cubans who loved people, music, and got along with everyone. He loved cooking, good Cuban food, and laughter among friends.
He wasn’t the richest dad. I didn’t inherit a ton of cash. However, he left me something more valuable: a legacy of wisdom.
My dad used to always say, “Siempre sigue adelante,” which in Spanish, means “always keep moving.” If you have followed me on social media for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me use the phrase “stay focused, keep moving, never go back” quite a bit. If so, now you know the backstory.
My dad’s “always keep moving” philosophy has helped me during some of the darkest of times. It’s become a mindset that fuels my desire to never allow setbacks to stop me.
Setbacks Are Setups
When we experience unexpected setbacks and disappointments, we have two choices: learn from them and grow, or allow them to hold us back and throw us off course. I often tell folks that “Setbacks are setups for you to experience better!”
There’s something about having forward momentum even in the midst of things not going so well in life. Imagine if you could apply this same mindset to every aspect of your life, regardless of your circumstances.
It may be hard right now. Perhaps you’re in what feels like the fight of your life. Your situation may even feel hopeless. I get it. But like Paco used to say, “siempre sigue adelante”; always keep moving.
Setbacks come in the form of all kinds of experiences. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a setback as “a slowing of progress; a temporary defeat.”
I’m pretty sure you could think of a situation in your life where your progress might have been slowed, or you experienced what felt like defeat. Perhaps it was a divorce, a recent breakup, an unexpected financial obligation, a health diagnosis, a lost job, or maybe a huge business deal that fell through.
Think back to how you handled that experience. What did it feel like? What were your thoughts regarding the outcome?
The Principle of Perception
How we think and the thoughts we stew on can play a major role in how we handle the unexpected.
Have you ever worried so much about a situation and the potential “what if’s,” only for things to eventually work out in the end? Perhaps you got yourself all worked up, stressed out, and anxious for nothing.
Perception is basically how we see things. If we perceive that a situation is way too overwhelming for us to overcome, then it’s likely we won’t overcome it. If we adopt a defeatist mentality, then we’ve already lost.
The 19th Century poet Walter D. Wintle wrote the following poem titled “Thinking”:
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost;
For out in this world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can!
So, I would say that it behooves us to transform our way of thinking to begin the process of transforming our lives. Remember, the goal is to bounce back from your situation better than ever before. But it starts on the battlefield of your mind.
How to Bounce Back Better
When I was going through my relationship challenges sometime ago, I was also dealing with health complications. It was like a double whammy. I felt terrible both mentally and physically. I was a mess, but no one really knew what was going on.
For me, bouncing back from that time period became a must. I was tired of not being myself; tired of being overweight, stressed out, worried, unhealthy, and emotionally drained.
I chose to bounce back better than ever.
Looking back, I didn’t have a step-by-step roadmap to bouncing back. But, I did have enough sense to start the process. Here are a few key things I learned along the way.
Accept Self Love
When we go through tough times, it’s often easy to beat ourselves up. We blame ourselves for mistakes or for things not going as planned. That blame turns into self-hatred sometimes, and we fall out of love with the person who is with us 24/7: us.
So learn to love yourself because you’re worth loving. No matter what’s going on, stop beating yourself up. Love the seemingly unlovable. As you do, you’ll slowly start the process of bouncing back. Why? Because you will be in a better place mentally to do whatever it takes to transform your life. You’re worth it!
Prioritize Self Care
Self love has a way of motivating us to begin examining what areas of our lives need an overhaul. You see; sometimes we neglect ourselves when we’re in that place of depression, sadness, worry, confusion, doubt, and anxiety. That is why we need to shift our focus and prioritize self care.
The following key areas of self care are what I recommend you zero in on.
Make Better Nutrition Choices (e.g. consume healthier foods and drinks)
Improve Your Physical Health (e.g. exercise; lose weight; sleep better)
Pursue Personal Development (e.g. read more; learn new skills; complete a professional certification program; finish school; journal your thoughts; create a vision board; dream big)
Build New Relationships and Strengthen the Existing Good Ones (e.g. get involved in rebuilding your personal community)
Seek Professional Help for Mental Health (e.g. therapy; counseling)
Allow Your Spirit and Soul to Heal (e.g. prayer; meditation; attend church; confide in a mentor)
Pursue Transformation
A butterfly is a caterpillar first.
So become a better version of yourself by being willing to change. Make up your mind to go through the process of turning your life around. Like a tenacious pitbull, do whatever it takes to pursue your transformation with everything that’s in you. Pursue success; don’t wait for it!
Be Patient
Anything worth pursuing will demand patience. So don’t expect lasting results overnight. Transformation takes time, requires consistency, and will become a reality with a plan. You can apply this to almost any circumstance. Experience teaches us patience, and patience brings about growth. So use setbacks as opportunities for development.
Pursue Peace
When we think of the word “peace,” we often limit it to having peace of mind. That’s ok, but it’s incomplete. I want you to broaden your understanding of what it means to have peace.
Think of wholeness in every area of life: spirit, soul and body.
Sometimes, when we experience life-changing setbacks of any kind, there’s a kind of brokenness that occurs. You may have heard some people say, “I feel broken” after a divorce, or after receiving a medical diagnosis. That emotional brokenness can be painful.
If that’s your situation, be encouraged. There is healing for that brokenness. If you haven’t figured it out yet, what I’ve shared so far is actually a roadmap to wholeness (peace): self love, self care, pursuing transformation, and developing patience.
Therefore, pursue your wholeness for yourself and not for anyone else. And don’t forget to run your own race. Pace yourself.
Conclusion
You deserve to be refreshed, renewed, and living your best life regardless of what you’re experiencing at the moment.
So stay focused. Keep moving. Never go back. Leap forward. Bounce back better because you can, my friend! And above all else, trust God! You got this. I believe in you.
Join our Facebook Community Group called The Beating Diabestes Lifestyle Community. I would like you to connect with others in this growing community of folks, like you, who want to live healthy. Click here to learn more.
©2023 Oscar Camejo - The Beating Diabetes Lifestyle
The Mediterranean Diet: A Sustainable Lifestyle for Losing Weight and Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Back in 2018, when I was first diagnosed with prediabetes, my doctor’s office sent me home with a one-page document that had “Mediterranean Diet” written at the top. That sheet included a list of foods to eat and ones to avoid. I was told that I needed to lose weight in order to prevent my condition from getting worse. Apparently, this Mediterranean diet I had just learned about was the key.
Back in 2018, when I was first diagnosed with prediabetes, my doctor’s office sent me home with a one-page document that had “Mediterranean Diet” written at the top. That sheet included a list of foods to eat and ones to avoid. I was told that I needed to lose weight in order to prevent my condition from getting worse. Apparently, this Mediterranean diet I had just learned about was the key.
Around this time, I was roughly 268 pounds, dealing with high blood pressure, and Hyperlipidemia (basically high cholesterol and high triglycerides). I was at risk of a heart attack or stroke.
I didn’t like how I looked in the mirror, and I didn’t like how I was feeling. Something was “off” and I knew it.
Leaving my doctor’s office, I decided that I would give this Mediterranean diet thing a try. I tried some of the food suggestions on the sheet my doctor gave me. I even started exercising; walking and going to the gym occasionally. Sometimes, I even cut back on pasta, bread and rice.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t 100% committed to actually turning my health around. My attitude was, “Well, at least I don’t have full blown Type 2 diabetes. I’ll figure it out somehow.”
Fast-forward to August 2020. I found myself still overweight, and still dealing with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The only difference, though, is now I had indeed developed Type 2 diabetes, which I learned about while in the hospital.
I was sick and felt like I was dying.
I Should Have Listened Early On
I became obese in a short period of time leading up to 2018. In fact, between 2015 and 2018, my health was quietly declining. Taco Tuesdays and Pizza Thursdays, and eating fast food two to three times a day contributed to my poor health.
Looking back years later, now that I’ve lost over 80 pounds, having reversed Type 2 diabetes, I wish I had followed my doctor’s orders back in 2018. I should have listened.
Knowing what I know now about nutrition and overall health, I am convinced that I could have prevented myself from developing Type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes beforehand for that matter. My lifestyle at the time of regularly eating fried foods, over-processed meats, consuming high sugary drinks and foods, not drinking enough water, and not exercising consistently, caused my health to spiral out of control.
Why Consider a Mediterranean Lifestytle Diet?
Regaining control of our health throught nutrition is critical. But there are lots of diet trends that have surfaced over the years, and leaves many people confused as to where to begin. Die-hard advocates for each diet plan swear up and down that their method is the best solution.
Well, for me, all I can say is that the Mediterranean diet worked for me, and is a sustainable lifestyle for so many. Researchers have conducted numerous studies on this ancient way of eating, and have concluded that it is a viable option. It’s simple to incorporate. I’m all about simple solutions that anyone can follow and achieve results.
So, here are some overall benefits to consider as you contemplate adopting the Mediterranean lifestyle diet.
Promotes heart health
Slows the progression of plaque buildup in your arteries, minimizing your risk for heart disease
Helps to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Supports healthy blood sugar levels
It helps stabilize blood glucose and protect against Type 2 diabetes
Reduces fasting blood sugar levels, and improves A1C
Shown to decrease insulin resistance, which is a condition that impairs the body's ability to use insulin to regular blood sugar levels
Protects brain function
Helps combat memory fog, memory loss, and cognitive decline
Can lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
How to get started with following the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle
Getting started with any new program, especially a diet, starts with a firm commitment to changing. Without a firm commitment, it is almost certain that you will have a tough time reaching your goals.
Commit to eating healthier.
So for the sake of knowing what to do to kick start incorporating the Mediterranean diet, below are a few very important things to consider.
Focus on protein, fats and carbohydrates.
What to eat:
Eat vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, herbs, spices, fish, seafood, and extra virgin olive oil.
What to eat in moderation with limits:
Eat poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt in moderation.
What to eat rarely:
Reduce or limit the consumption of red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugars, processed meat, refined grains, refined oils, and other highly processed foods.
Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals and snacks throughout the day is a great way to get started on the Mediterranean diet. Try adding a side salad or steamed veggie dishes to your main meals, and enjoy a fresh piece of fruit for dessert.
Healthy snacks are also recommended. Here are a few examples:
mixed nuts
a piece of whole fruit
baby carrots with hummus
mixed berries
grapes
Greek yogurt
hard-boiled egg
apple slices with almond butter
sliced bell peppers with guacamole
cottage cheese with fresh fruit
chia pudding
Conclusion
There is no one specific Mediterranean diet that fits everyone. However, it is a pattern of eating and living that I’ve implemented and have experienced results.
I didn’t have to stop enjoying eating food. I simply made a firm decision to eat foods that promote good health; and the Mediterranean style of eating made a difference in my life.
Join our Facebook Community Group called The Beating Diabestes Lifestyle Community. I would like you to connect with others in this growing community of folks, like you, who want to live healthy. Click here to learn more.
©2022 Oscar Camejo - The Beating Diabetes Lifestyle
A Healthy Guide to Good Nutrition
Being “healthy” is more than just exercising regularly and eating healthy foods on occasion. There’s a lifestyle component. You see, when you make up your mind to achieve better health, the focus should be on making it a way of life. Short-term weight loss goals are ok. However, we’re after longevity.
We’re all concerned about our health; at least we should be.
I have come to learn that “being healthy” is more than just exercising regularly and eating healthy foods on occasion. There’s a lifestyle component. You see, when you make up your mind to achieve better health, the focus should be on making it a way of life. Short-term weight loss goals are ok. However, we’re after longevity.
This became very clear after I set off on my health journey to lose weight and reverse type 2 diabetes. At first, losing weight was an obession. I was tired of being overweight and stressed out because of diabetes. Having to take medication and watch what I eat became so frustrating. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing at first. But that changed over time.
I started to focus less on dropping pounds, and more on being healthy. After awhile, losing weight became a natural byproduct of that decision to develop a healthy lifestyle.
As of today, I’ve lost over 80 pounds, and I’m no longer on medication. I exercise daily, and I regularly eat balanced, nutrient-dense meals. I regained my focus. I’m physically fit, and I feel alive. You can too!
Proper Nutrition Is the Key
Whether you’re at your ideal weight or striving to reach your weight goal, is it simply a matter of burning more calories than you take in? The answer is no!
Overall body health improvement, as well as weight gain or loss, must be factored into the equation or you could be heading for problems. Correct nutrition can help to reduce the risk of health-related problems, such as heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, inflamation, cancer, and other issues.
Proper nutrition, however, involves eating many different foods, monitoring your consumption of some food and beverages, and paying attention to your calorie intake. Good diets offer balanced nutrition that reduces cholesterol, blood pressure, and helps with weight control.
I have come to learn that to function properly, your body must have the correct combination of nutrients:
Carbohydrates (carbs). They are the primary source of ammunition in your diet. The body uses carbohydrates to build glucose which can be used immediately or stored in your body for later. Too much glucose, however, is stored as fat. There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Sugars are simple carbohydrates. Starches and fibers are complex carbohydrates.
Proteins. Proteins help your body build and maintain muscles and other tissues. They also function in the creation of hormones. Like carbohydrates, excess protein is stored as fat. Animal and vegetable proteins are the two major types of proteins. Too much animal protein can cause high cholesterol, as it is high in saturated fat.
Fat. It may seem strange, but fat is another nutrient your body requires. It comes in both saturated and unsaturated forms. Saturated fat puts you at risk of health problems. Unsaturated fat is healthy, but if it goes through any type of refinement process, it can become saturated fat.
Vitamins. These are also required nutrients. Different vitamins perform different tasks within the body. They can work with your metabolism to help with energy levels for tasks your body needs to perform. It has also been said that certain vitamins can prevent disease.
For example, vitamins A, C, and E, also called antioxidants, can assist with the prevention of coronary artery disease by keeping build up from occurring on artery walls. Vitamin B-1 is needed for digestion and proper nervous system function. Vitamin B-2 is needed for normal cell growth. Vitamin B-3 helps to detoxify your body. Folic acid assists with production of red blood cells. Vitamin D assists with the absorption of calcium. Vitamin K helps your blood clot.
Minerals and trace elements. These are another nutrient your body requires. Both are used in many different body processes. Minerals like chlorine help make your digestive juices. Phosphorus helps build strong bones. Both can be found in the foods we consume, but with a trace element, your body just needs a tiny amount. Salt is one final nutrient your body requires. You should not consume more than 2400 milligrams per day, though, as it might raise your blood pressure. I personally stopped adding salt to my meals. Instead, I added garlic while cooking dinners, for example, to help give my food flavor.
Finding Your Balance and Doing it Well
You should follow several guidelines to create a well balanced, nutritional diet. First, try to consume two and one half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit each day. When making your selections for each day, be sure to choose a good variety. A good rough guide is to eat as many different colors as possible, this will help you to select from all five vegetable subgroups at least four times per week. Download the “Healthy Grocery Shopping Guide: Fruits & Veggies Edition” I created that goes more in depth.
You should eat at least three ounces of whole grain products each day. At least half of your grain intake should be whole grain based.
I’m not a cow’s milk or goat’s milk drinker. But some believe milk should also be part of a healthy diet. If you decide to incorporate milk, consume at least forty-eight ounces of low fat milk or milk products on a daily basis. Your total fat intake should only be between ten and thirty percent of your calories.
Most of the fats you consume should be in the form of unsaturated fats, as saturated fats can do much to damage your health. Meat, poultry, dry beans, and milk or milk products should all be lean, low-fat, or fat-free. Less than ten percent of your calories should come from saturated fats, and you should always try to avoid trans-fatty acid.
Fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be a regular part of your diet as should potassium rich foods. I don’t recommend consuming alcoholic beverages.
Bottomline, excellent nutrition is the basis of a healthy diet.
Hopefully you found this information to be helpful!
As always, stay focused, keep moving, never go back, Trust God!
Join our Facebook Community Group called The Beating Diabestes Lifestyle Community. I would like you to connect with others in this growing community of folks, like you, who want to live healthy. Click here to learn more.
©2022 Oscar Camejo - The Beating Diabetes Lifestyle