Joanna Renner’s Empowered Balance Method for Managing Type 1 Diabetes
My son was diagnosed earlier this year and we have gotten on track so quickly that I want to share his daily diet to help other families who may seek direction in routine diet and food.
This method differs from what nutritionist advise.
Joanna Renner is sharing her method for managing her son’s Type 1 diabetes, which has kept him exceptionally healthy since his diagnosis less than a year ago.
His A1C levels are excellent and gettting even better with each visit, and he requires minimal insulin thanks to a balanced diet rich in high-quality, organic whole foods and simple wellness practices.
Key Components of the Empowered Balance Method:
1. Wild-Caught Sockeye Salmon – 2 times a week-Full of omega-3s, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
2. Grass-Fed Lean Beef – Seasoned with salt, paprika, and poultry seasoning for taco meat, served in bell peppers-instead of tortillas to keep meals low-carb and stabilize blood sugar. Or into small burgers just seasoned with salt and pepper- or into little meatballs seasoned with pecorino Romano cheese fresh chopped parsley garlic and salt and pepper baked.
3. Farm-Fresh Organic Pasture-Raised Local Eggs – Nutrient-dense, providing protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
4. Grass-Fed Butter – Rich in vitamins A, D, and K2, which promote insulin sensitivity.
5. Organic Pecans, Walnuts, and Almonds – Nutrient-packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants to stabilize blood sugar.
6. Organic Fruits – Including bananas, apples, mangos, strawberries, and blueberries, blackberries, which provide vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness.
7. Organic Chicken – A high-quality, lean protein for sustained energy and muscle health. I make chicken cutlets with home made bread crumbs that we administer insulin for those carbs.
8. Organic Vegetables – Broccoli steamed with garlic salt and water and pecorino Romano grated cheese and olive oil , bell peppers raw, cucumbers, romaine lettuce, and baked sweet potatoes are high in fiber and essential nutrients, helping to balance blood sugar.
9. Organic, Non-Homogenized Whole Milk – A natural source of calcium and healthy fats.
10. Uncured Organic Bacon – Free of preservatives and an excellent savory addition.
11. Hot Cocoa with Organic Pure Cocoa and Madagascar Vanilla – Cocoa is known to encourage stem cell growth, and with vanilla, makes a delicious, health-supporting drink.
12. Organic Cookies – Reserved for treating blood sugar lows, providing an enjoyable healthy, quick response to hypoglycemia. We save cookie indulgence for these moments to avoid excessive spikes. We also use a huge bowl of fresh strawberries or a banana to treat a low.
13. Cereal Substitute – Instead of processed cereals, we enjoy our own made up one!
A mixture of cut-up banana, Madagascar vanilla, pecans, walnuts, almonds, and a crumbled organic oatmeal cookie with whole milk for a nutrient-rich and naturally sweet breakfast option. 3 units of insulin-
14. No Processed Foods or Seed Oils – We avoid processed foods no fake artificial sugars,and only use organic extra virgin olive oil or grass fed butter-for cooking to promote heart health and reduce inflammation. We don’t use avocado oil because my son is allergic but if you have no allergy, this is also a great oil.
15. Minimal Bread – We really do avoid bread to prevent blood sugar spikes.
16. Occasional Pizza – Enjoyed once a month to maintain balance and fun.
Magnesium Foot Soak for Added Wellness-Important
We also include a warm water and high-quality magnesium foot soak as part of our bi-weekly routine.
Magnesium helps with insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, and relaxation.
Sensor and Pod Use for Safer Control – Important
We’ve chosen not to pair the sensor with the insulin pod, allowing us more precise control in case the sensor gives inaccurate readings, ensuring safer insulin management and avoiding dangerous highs or lows. This is truly the best decision for us.
We use Aloe Vera and coconut oil to keep his skin healthy from repeated use of the sticky sensors and pods.
Food Quantity: Never an Issue
When we use these high-quality, nutritious foods, quantity is never an issue. Because they are so nutrient-dense, we can enjoy more and always feel satisfied, without worrying about excessive blood sugar spikes or insulin needs.
Why This Works for Us
By focusing on organic, whole foods and wellness practices, our son’s blood sugar has stayed stable, his A1C remains excellent, and we’ve drastically reduced the need for excessive insulin. He is growing and gaining weight proportionally excellent for a young teenager.
This method helps us manage diabetes effectively while ensuring a balanced, satisfying diet and healthy growth and development.
Disclaimer: Every individual’s needs are unique, and this method works well for our family. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes, especially if there are food allergies or dietary restrictions.
I am not a doctor and don’t claim to be. Just sharing what has been working really well for our son Chris. We are never above 200 and never below 75 mostly stay between 100-140
If you or someone you know is struggling after a new diagnosed child I am available for coaching but not in the capacity of a doctor but more so to share what didn’t work for Chris and all of the specifics of my son’s experience which may save you stress and time therefore, any nutritional advise is recommended and encouraged to be checked with your endocrinologist.