It's all Good: More than Surviving, Thriving with Diabetes

Over the years I have learned the nutritional value of food and how to eat well in order to live life to the fullest

I learned along the way that life remains unpredictable. It sometimes sneaks up on us and throws us a challenge which we do not expect. It is our response to those kinds of challenges which forges our character and changes our life. That is precisely what has happened to me. Ten years ago I contracted onset, type one, diabetes. I am not simply "surviving" with diabetes, I am THRIVING with diabetes. 

P>MOYOCK, N.C. (Catholic Online) - It is said that only once in a lifetime a man finds the opportunity to live his dream. I am been fortunate to have experienced the truth of that claim. I started weight training at the age of twelve and entered my first body-building competition at the age of fifteen. I competed in 19 fitness shows. Very early on I knew what I wanted to do, worked very hard at attaining it, and experienced rewarding results. I won numerous titles including "Mr. Virginia Beach", Mr. Charlottesville" and "Mr. New River Valley".

I worked hard to expand my knowledge of body building, nutrition, health and wellness. I sought the path to obtaining optimal physical health and fitness. I achieved seven certifications in personal training, sports nutrition, nutritional counseling and rehabilitation and fitness direction. Because my life's goal was to offer all of this to others - while achieving my dreams - I pursued a degree in business management at Old Dominion University in Virginia. I founded, owned and operated one of the most successful health and fitness clubs in the Tidewater area of Southeastern Virginia for over 21 years.

All of this was motivated by my love for life and my desire to help others find their own path to fitness, integrated health and well being. Changing lives by helping people to achieve their health, fitness and wellness goals has been my passion, my fortune and my reward. I have counseled over 1,000 fitness competitors and assisted over 500 other people to lose between 50 and 125 lbs, the healthy and lasting way, by changing their lifestyle and finding the freedom that health and wellness can bring to their lives.

Over the years I have learned the nutritional value of food and how to eat well in order to live life to the fullest. In this pursuit I also discovered a love for the culinary arts. I throughly enjoy the flavor, presentation, and the celebration that comes with a good meal with good company. I have developed a passion for cooking. I know that we can eat well, enjoy the pleasures we derive from cooking, and enhance our health. Eating and good food are not problems but intended to help us to achieve our fitness and wellness goals in order to live life to the full.

What we eat does not need to be boring in order to be nutritionally sound or enjoyable. Using all of the spices of the good earth along with all of the magnificent herbs and sharing our greatest treasure, our time, we can make every meal deeply satisfying. Our enjoyment of good food presents a means of bringing us together with those whom we love. Cooking, eating, and good company are the path to the good life.

However, I also learned along the way that life remains unpredictable. It sometimes sneaks up on us and throws us a challenge which we do not expect. It is our response to those kinds of challenges which forges our character and changes our life. That is precisely what has happened to me. Ten years ago I contracted onset, type one, diabetes.

As you can imagine, it came as a complete shock given my occupation and my lifestyle. It also helped me to realize that I had allowed a misguided idea to take hold of me, the notion that I had become "Superman!" Nothing brings one back to the reality of our limitations and the things that matter most in life than those unexpected twists in the road. Our plans confront our mortality and we are presented with an opportunity.

Receiving the news - and learning the challenge of living responsibly with the disease - has only convinced me more of the importance of eating well, living well, and learning to love life. Diabetes has not diminished my dreams; it has deepened their importance. And, it has not stopped me in my drive to achieve those dreams and help others to do the same.

I am not simply "surviving" with diabetes, I am THRIVING with diabetes. I want you to do so as well. I have created recipes over these years which will help you, if you are facing the challenges of diabetes, to prepare, enjoy and eat, in a manner that helps you to achieve maximum health and experience the sheer joy of gourmet cuisine. 

I am happy to write for Catholic Online. The Catholic Hospital Store, still in its early stages, will offer much that can help others like me to thrive with diabetes. The plans for offering recipes through both its Health and its Home and Family channels presents me with one more opportunity to share what I have learned with others, only now in the virtual community which the world wide web offers.  

For those not challenged with diabetes, every one of my recipes will be pleasing to your palate and your waist line. They will help you learn to avoid the unhealthy eating patterns which only detract you from living life to the full. After all, life is meant to be received as a gift, enjoyed and shared with others.  Remember, it's all good.

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Shaun Moore and his wife, partner and best friend Becky live in North Carolina. Shaun is a certified personal fitness trainer and nutritional coach in Chesapeake, Virginia who helps others through "Fitness Concepts, LLC". Shaun and Becky also engage in real estate development through "Beckmoore Development" in North Carolina.

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