Achieve Diabetes Weight Loss Success with the Feel Great System

Achieving Weight Loss Success with Type 2 Diabetes Using the Feel Great System

Living with type 2 diabetes poses many challenges when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can sabotage weight loss efforts. However, losing just 5-10% of your body weight can dramatically improve blood glucose control in people with diabetes.

The Feel Great System offers a customized weight loss approach for people with type 2 diabetes. Developed by leading health experts, it provides a flexible, sustainable plan to help you slim down and better manage your blood sugar.

How the Feel Great System Works for Diabetes Weight Loss

The Feel Great System tailors the diet and lifestyle changes needed for lasting weight loss with type 2 diabetes. Here’s an overview of how it works:

• Take a quick assessment quiz to identify your needs and challenges
• Get matched with a customizable low-carb meal plan based on your quiz answers
• Receive diabetes-friendly recipes and meal ideas to simplify healthy eating
• Learn helpful tips to improve your sleep, stress levels, and physical activity
• Join the supportive Feel Great community for extra motivation
• Get access to health coaches for accountability and guidance
• Use the mobile app to track food intake, activity, and blood sugar

The Feel Great System combines proven nutrition strategies with lifestyle changes tailored for diabetes management. This personalized approach sets you up for safe, sustainable weight loss.

Benefits of the Feel Great System Diabetes Weight Loss Plan

Losing weight with diabetes requires an intelligent program designed for your needs. Here are some of the top benefits of using the Feel Great System:

Blood Sugar Control

The low-carb meal plans help keep blood sugar steady and prevent sharp spikes after meals. Losing excess weight also enhances insulin sensitivity.

Reduced Medication Needs

Slimming down and controlling blood glucose levels may lower or eliminate the need for insulin or other diabetes medications.

Improved Heart Health

Weight loss decreases cardiovascular risk by improving cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure.

Sustainable Approach

The Feel Great System establishes smart eating habits and lifestyle changes you can maintain long-term.

Customizable Plans

Meal plans adapt to your unique needs, preferences, and challenges with type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle Guidance

Tips and support provided for sleep, stress management, and activity establish healthy lifelong habits.

Convenience

Easy recipes, meal planning guidance, grocery lists, and tracking tools make the program simple to follow.

Creating a Calorie Deficit for Weight Loss

Like any effective weight loss program, the Feel Great System works by creating a calorie deficit. This means you burn more calories than you consume each day through diet and physical activity.

To lose 1-2 pounds per week, aim to cut out 500-1000 calories from your maintenance level each day. The meal plans provide approximately 1500 calories for women and 1800 for men to facilitate safe, steady fat loss.

Pair your reduced-calorie meal plan with 30-60 minutes of activity like walking, cycling or light strength training most days. This speeds up your metabolism to help burn fat stores. Monitor your blood sugar before and after exercise.

Low-Carb Eating for Blood Sugar Control

Consuming fewer carbohydrates promotes weight loss while keeping blood glucose levels in check. The Feel Great System limits carbohydrate foods, emphasizing high-fiber choices like:

• Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens, broccoli, peppers
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes such as beans, lentils, and peas
• Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice
• Berries and citrus fruits

Higher-carb foods like bread, pasta, rice, and starchy vegetables are restricted. Sweets and desserts should be occasional treats only. Portion control is key.

Incorporating Diabetes-Friendly Foods

Certain foods have benefits specifically for people with diabetes. Try incorporating more of these choices:

• Fatty fish: Provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats to lower heart disease risk.
• Walnuts: May improve insulin sensitivity.
• Olive oil: Helps regulate blood sugar.
• Avocado: Healthy fat aids weight loss and blood sugar control.
• Apple cider vinegar: Taking before meals may reduce post-meal glucose spikes.
• Cinnamon: Can lower blood sugar and cholesterol.
• Green tea: Contains antioxidants that help stabilize blood sugar.

Talk to your dietitian about adding more diabetic-friendly foods into your eating plan.

Sample Meal Plan for the Feel Great Diabetes Diet

Here is a sample one-day meal plan on the Feel Great System diabetes diet:

Breakfast:

• Vegetable omelet made with 2 eggs, spinach, onions, peppers
• 1⁄2 grapefruit
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Lunch:

• Tuna salad made with 3 oz tuna, lettuce, tomato, 1 Tbsp olive oil mayo
• 10 whole wheat crackers
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• 3 oz grilled salmon
• 1 cup roasted broccoli
• 1⁄2 cup brown rice
• Tossed salad with 2 Tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Snack:

• 1 apple
• 1 stick part-skim mozzarella cheese

This provides a good balance of lean protein, healthy fats, high-fiber carbs, and vegetables to help manage hunger and blood sugar.

Incorporating Exercise with Diabetes for Optimal Health

Physical activity provides enormous benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. It’s a key component of the Feel Great System. Exercise helps:

• Burn calories and body fat
• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Lower blood sugar levels
• Reduce cardiovascular risk factors
• Relieve stress and improve mood
• Increase energy levels

Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking. Strength training 2-3 times per week also provides advantages. Speak with your physician before significantly increasing your activity levels.

Optimizing Sleep and Reducing Stress

Getting quality sleep and managing stress are additional pillars of the Feel Great System’s holistic approach. Poor sleep and high stress both disrupt blood sugar control and sabotage weight loss.

Try to get 7-9 hours of restful sleep per night by sticking to consistent bedtime and wake-up schedules. Engage in relaxing activities before bed like reading, gentle yoga, or meditation.

Lower stress levels through things like deep breathing, nature walks, muscle relaxation, and saying “no” to overwhelming demands when possible. Talk to a therapist if stress feels out of control.

Using the Feel Great App to Track Progress

The Feel Great System app makes it easy to monitor your diabetes management and weight loss progress. Features include:

• Food diary: Log meals to analyze calorie and carb intake.
• Blood sugar tracking: Record and graph glucose readings.
• Medication tracker: Log insulin or other meds.
• Weight tracker: Graph weight over time.
• Food database: Look up nutrition info.
• Meal plans: Browse diabetes-friendly recipes.
• Physical activity log: Record workouts and calories burned.
• Sleep tracker: Monitor restful sleep patterns.

Let your health coach know if you require any assistance navigating the Feel Great app. Consistently tracking your progress provides valuable insights.

Overcoming Challenges to Weight Loss with Diabetes

Losing weight with diabetes comes with unique obstacles. Here are some strategies to overcome common challenges:

Cravings

Fight cravings for sweets, carbs, and junk food by planning nutritious meals and snacks. Drink water or herbal tea and distract yourself with a walk or hobby when urges strike.

Fatigue

Boost energy levels by getting regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and eating frequent small meals. Consult your doctor if fatigue persists.

High or Low Blood Sugar

Learn how different foods impact your blood glucose so you can maintain ideal levels. Speak to your healthcare provider about adjusting medications if needed.

Emotional Eating

Find healthier ways to cope with stress to avoid emotional overeating. Counseling provides tools to develop self-awareness around triggers.

Dining Out

Opt for grilled lean protein and veggie sides when eating out. Request sauces and dressings on the side. Split or pack up half your meal.

Injuries

Choose low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or water aerobics if joint pain or injuries are obstacles. Strength training boosts mobility.

Discuss any ongoing struggles with your Feel Great coach or healthcare providers. Overcoming hurdles is part of the journey to better health.

Achieving Long-Term Weight Maintenance

Losing weight is challenging – but keeping weight off long-term is an even bigger struggle. To maintain your hard-earned results:

• Weigh yourself weekly: Catch any gains before they escalate.
• Continue tracking food and activity: Don’t get complacent with monitoring.
• Engage in consistent exercise: Make activity part of your routine.
• Plan for special occasions: Enjoy treats in moderation by cutting back elsewhere.
• Keep your support system engaged: Ask loved ones to help hold you accountable.
• Limit liquid calories and snacking: Stick to water and planned snacks.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress: Don't neglect self-care.

Maintaining even a 5-10% weight loss improves diabetes management tremendously. Let your victories motivate you for continued success.

Take Control of Your Health with Diabetes Weight Loss

The Feel Great System provides the structure and support you need to lose weight safely and effectively with type 2 diabetes. Shedding just a small portion of your body weight delivers immense benefits if you have diabetes.

Commit to the Feel Great meal plan, get consistent exercise, and make lifestyle changes that set you up for long-term weight control and diabetes management. Losing weight reduces your health risks and allows you to feel your best.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.