I've had an interest in nutrition and health for over 40 years. It all began in the late 1970s when I found that I simply had no "get up and go." My fuel tank always seemed empty. I went to see a doctor, and after hundreds of dollars of tests, he told me nothing was wrong with me.

Fortunately, I had an acquaintance who was seeing a nutritionist. After a quick visit, it was suggested that I might be experiencing a B-Vitamin "deficiency." After beginning a regime of B-Complex supplements, my problem was solved.

So much for the "medical community."

That interaction sent me down a path of knowledge that included vitamins and minerals, moved through herbs, and ended in nutrition.

From that point, I began looking into indigenous "diets" and eating habits. Seeking out what native plants and animals indigenous people around the world consumed. How they harvested it, prepared it, and served it. Eventually, I began to look further back. What did older indigenous peoples eat?

I was quick to avoid "processed foods" and tried to avoid things like high fructose corn syrup. I cooked most meals at home from basic pantry staples. I baked bread, avoiding "store-bought." I was eating a pretty healthy diet . . . or so I thought.

December 7, 2021

Pearl Harbor Day. And, ironically, my personal "Pearl Harbor." That was the day I had Category 5 Hurricane Type 2 Diabetes make landfall in my life.

Fast forward 6 months to summer 2022, and rebuilding after the storm is well underway. My A1C went from 8.8 to 5.2, and I was off meds. My rapid A1C change was primarily due to massive lifestyle and nutrition changes. I discussed my initial confusion and struggles in the "Type 2 Diagnosis First Aid Kit." This material starts where that ends and covers meal and recipe preparation to expand your daily meals and provide meals that can WOW! even non-diabetics.

I'm no "chef." I learned to cook at the elbow of my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Literally, at their elbow, since I was only tall enough to see about to their elbow when I started. I was also raised to be a "son of the south." Raised on rice and beans and cornbread.