Together We Are Providing Tools for Better Health

What I love most about the Eat Well for Life program is how it sets you up for success. I was recently talking to a friend who referenced my new diet, but I quickly corrected her to say it is my new lifestyle. The Eat Well for Life Program, a partnership between Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Be Well Fox Valley, supports food insecure community members who have diabetes or
pre-diabetes. I was diagnosed with diabetes 10 years ago and the program provided me with boxes of food every week with healthy food options like fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, brown rice, and spaghetti, along with frozen meat options like chicken, ground turkey, and fish.

I’ve never felt like I’ve had so much food in my house in my life! Especially produce, which has always been hard for me to afford. The boxes are delivered to me each week by DoorDash. Along with the boxes of food, the Eat Well for Life program includes 13 weeks of classes on healthy eating. A local chef showed us how to cook nutritious meals, and reinforced cooking techniques like the proper way to chop vegetables and slice chicken. The boxes of food include recipes, which have helped me maintain healthy habits. Be Well for Life also equipped us with cooking supplies like knives, wooden spoons, and strainers.

Before starting the Eat Well for Life program, my A1C level was an 8, and after three months of eating healthy through tips from the program, my A1C level went down to 7.3. I didn’t think I’d ever see an A1C that low. I also lost over 20 pounds. Once of the classes offered through Be Well for Life focused on exercise, an area I’ve always slacked in, and gave us resistance bands to use at home.
When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I wasn’t willing to change my ways. I just wanted to take the medications I was given and still eat what I wanted. My doctor warned me not to overwork my medications, but for 10 years I definitely did. The Eat Well for Life program changed my whole attitude. I don’t keep chips, cookies, ice cream, or other sweets in the house anymore. The  program has helped give me the power to walk past everything in the grocery store I used to rely on for comfort food. I’ve been recommending this program to all my friends who have diabetes.

The peace of mind of getting healthy food and education on how to maintain a new lifestyle has been invaluable.

Dianna
Eat Well for Life Participant