I am a recovered diabetic. A few months ago I found out I had full blown type 2 diabetes. I began cutting back on eating carbohydrates (carbs). I experimented with intermittent fasting and restricted caloric intake from 0 to 1800 calories per day. In two weeks I was down to less than 30 grams of carbs per day and my blood chemistry normalized. I easily lost 50 pounds (23 kg) in the first two months on 1200 to 1500 calories per day. It was too fast. I have slowed weight reduction and am working on building endurance, muscle mass and hopefully resorb the folds of skin hanging all over my body. I am currently low-card, one meal a day (OMAD), 1800 calories per day.
I have similar stories of being recovered from other forms of self abuse. It has always been the same story. It does not matter if it’s sugar, dysfunctional relationships, materialism or heroin. One day I realized that too much was never enough. Going cold turkey was not always easy but I have never relapsed. I have never fallen off the wagon or looked up an old flame. When I am done, I am done and never look back. That is why I say “recovered” and not “recovering.”
“Recovering” implies an inability to control an addictive personality/physiology as if it is a genetic defect or being trapped in a dysfunctional culture, suffering severe trauma, cancer and so forth. It does not matter the cause. A way must be found to overcome situational adversity and personal weakness. Am I morally superior or just lucky to have the right body chemistry and have access to resources to escape misery? I don’t know and don’t care. I just know I have always recovered. Will I always? No, someday I will be destroyed by adversity and everyone dies. Until then, I am recovered and moving forward.
