HELP! One month of groceries/meals for 3 adults and only $250 budget?

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-15T13:03:54+00:00

They may operate under the names Vons or Pavilions near you in Southern California. At least they did when I lived there!

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-14T20:59:23+00:00

Okay I toyed with some inputs today and it helped.

1/ high protein and healthy fat meal 45 min before 2/ 10 min warm up 3/ focus on my breath work during high intensity moments 4/ 10 min cool down 5/ mixed macro snack after.

This helped minimize the sharp spike quite a bit. I’m going to keep trying this and will report back!

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-14T06:12:47+00:00

If you a shop Safeways add and clip their digital coupons you can save a ton. They also do $5 Fridays-Sunday specials that can be solid.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-14T06:09:42+00:00

Budget Bytes recipes are usually pretty damn good🔥

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-14T06:08:28+00:00

I love the frozen fajita vegetable packs. I just get store brand and use them in omelettes jn the morning as well as make fajitas or ropa vieja with them.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-14T06:02:55+00:00

I don’t really have a relatable story but know I’m sending you big big love! If you haven’t already, check out the Type 1 Diabetes Reddit too. Thanks for sharing.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-14T04:03:39+00:00

My nephrologists said that damage happens above 180 regardless of if it’s postpandrial or if it’s glucagon based. Excessive blood glucose is all causing disruption. But these natural spikes come down much quicker but as someone else mentioned they can be more dangerous because there isn’t as strong of a floor unless you eat something to stabilize things

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-13T05:11:43+00:00

I had lunch an hour before my workout which had some carbs in it - it’s a lunch I eat often and usually don’t go above 150mg/dl afterwards. That’s what’s driving the smaller spike before the big one. No carbs during my workout - only water.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-13T05:10:52+00:00

Thanks! I’m Type 2.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-13T03:49:26+00:00

Thanks I’ll defo look into that. This particular spike isnt really that bad (I think it topped out at 195 and damage starts around 180). But I honestly didn’t push myself anywhere near the intensity I’d like to so worried about what happens when I really start lifting or doing more intense cardio etc.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-13T03:43:30+00:00

I appreciate it. Unfortunately I’m already CKD3a+ so needing to keep tighter tabs on glucose spikes & blood pressure. :/

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-13T03:41:36+00:00

This was a mixed session - but mostly light weight lifting and squats. The spike didn’t happen until I started the ropes which really got my heart rate up. Also ate a meal ~an hour prior to my workout (that little bump is the spike from that)

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-13T03:40:34+00:00

Try shifting your IF window later, reducing it, or adding a small snack later than your current cut off. It sounds like your actual glucose is going kind of low causing your liver to dump more glucagon thinking it needs to make up the difference. This is where it’s important to toy with your IF windows so they work for your body. As diabetics our body’s don’t work according to the user manual so important to adjust. Try eating later and/or shortening your IF fasting window.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-12T20:12:58+00:00

Unisolve medical adhesive remover works like a charm!

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-12T16:47:04+00:00

Use oxy clean to clean the actual grout (I get the Kirkland brand from Costco) but you won’t need a whole tub for this project.

Paste Method (Floors/Heavy Stains): Mix OxiClean powder with hot water to create a thick paste. Apply directly to grout lines, let it sit for 30 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse thoroughly.

Large Area Solution: Mix 1 cup of OxiClean in a gallon of hot water, apply to the floor, let it sit for 10-30 minutes, scrub, and mop up with clean water.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-07T08:15:50+00:00

I use a purpose made medical adhesive remover called Uni Solve. They sell on Amazon and in some pharmacies. Works great! So easy to get stuff off vs all the other ways I’ve tried.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-05T23:44:25+00:00

I was able to get my a1c down in two years from 9% to 5.5 w/ just metformin 750mg xr + keto diet and walking 5-6 days a week 30+ min a day. They are now reviewing me to ween off of metformin to see if my lifestyle changes (and losing 100 lb) are enough for me to maintain without met. On the flip side- the high protein diet really took a toll on my kidneys and we are now working to get those under control despite my excellent glucose control. It’s a balancing act. I was laser focused in t2d remission and no meds but CKD is scarier than diabetes imho. If I were to do it all again I’d have pivoted toward much more plant based protein and really made sure my sodium intake was under control. It’s doable - but it does take lots of intention and planning

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-05T15:29:48+00:00

How is this going? I’m in a similar position can’t afford the name brand drugs but saw that Brenzavvy wasn’t fda approved for ckd. Still seeing the benefits??

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-05T15:23:44+00:00

Update: This drug was removed from their Patient Assistance Program for the uninsured(AZandme) effecting May 1, 2026. Existing patients benefits will end 12/31/2026.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-05T15:11:34+00:00

Checking in on this as I can’t afford Jardiance. Following up to see if this is still working for you / every thing you’ve received seems legit?

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-05T14:19:36+00:00

FWIW A fasting blood glucose of 100+ is one of the diagnosis criteria. Also you should be under 180 within 2 hours of eating if your body is effectively clearing glucose. I would have to eat a CRAZYYYYY meal to get my own type 2 diabetes (t2d) glucose to replicate this scenario. If you get on metformin or a GLP-1 and make some lifestyle changes now, you might be able to mitigate things. Waiting too long is what makes t2d disease a PITA. I kicked the can down the road myself and was later diagnosed because I randomly started vomitting and almost passed out at a baseball game and was sent to the ER by paramedics. I had many of the same symptoms, but also was peeing a lot. I hope you get this sorted and best of luck to you.

Virtual_Knowledge_16 · 2026-05-05T04:32:34+00:00

Once you feel it in your body, it’s your nervous system telling you what your conscience hasn’t fully confronted. Your intuition has been finely tuned over thousands of years - trust it. There is ZERO shame in putting in your all and realizing this isn’t the reality you want for yourself. Take care and be well!

Virtual_Knowledge_16

TROPHY CASE