It has been one month since my A1c blood test showed a slightly higher than normal score.

The score indicated I needed to cut down on sugar, and carbs – which turn into sugar — in my diet.

I look forward to each meal more than I did in the past when I was eating more sugary foods.

I enjoy making the discovery of so many low-sugar foods that taste so good.

Here are some of those new discoveries.

• My scrambled eggs breakfast was becoming boring. Now, most days, I make a super omelet with one real egg, the equivalent of two egg whites, mushrooms, bok choy, garlic and a slice of Munster cheese.  It is fun, healthy and delicious.  My daily smoothie is now a four-times-a-week smoothie with only half a banana.

• My lunch menu of sandwiches of tuna, salmon or sardines is the same except for the sandwich part – now the fish comes with salad and Melba Toast. A few slices of Melba Toast with margarine satisfy my crunch need and my bread desire. Instead of store-bought salad dressing, I prefer Tahini with a little lemon juice and garlic. Beets, served cold, are a favorite side dish.  I have all but cut out beans and potatoes from my diet.

• For dinner, chicken is often combined with garlic, broccoli and/or bok choy. I enjoy occasional homemade crispy egg rolls filled with the same ingredients. My cheat food is an occasional half a yam.

• A favorite snack is fruit mixed with plain Greek yogurt mixed with a half-teaspoon of vanilla and a packet of Stevia sugar substitute. I also enjoy handfuls of almonds, walnuts, and pecans. Peanut or almond butter with sugarless jam on Melba Toast is a tasty snack.
• Glitches may be found in my low-sugar diet.  When I dine with my mom each Tuesday, we either eat out or at her residence dining hall.

Eating my regular Eggplant Parmesan meal at the Olive Garden, I try to leave some of my spaghetti.  At the Red Lobster, I enjoy the bread-coated fried sole. And since the meal at mom’s residence is only moderate in size, I am glad I have room for that scoop of ice cream for dessert.

So what if my A1c blood test score is the same after two more months?

I expect to continue eating the way I am, perhaps with the following exception:

I will use a slightly smaller plate.  Why not cut out the Melba Toast, spaghetti from the Olive Garden, half a banana in my smoothie, the egg roll wrapper, half a yam, bread-coated sole, and the scoop of ice cream?

I suppose I could cut out those little treats.  But I would not be as happy.

And my happiness is what helps to keep my low-sugar diet in gear.  IMHO my happiness is more important than bringing down my A1c a point or two.  Cheers!

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at  robertzebsen@gmail.com