Clean, Kosher, and Delicious
Recently a friend of mine introduced me to Bright Line Eating by Susan Peirce Thompson. A PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences, she used her knowledge to formulate a diet that works. So I looked into it and I’m taking what I like and am …
So I recently finished my first box of needles for my insulin pen. I think 100 days is an appropriate time to reflect. Wow, my diabetes has been such a journey for me. Going from convenience grazer to meal prepper has been a huge step …
Hi Everyone!
So the results are in! After over 3 months of hard work, I finally get to see how my body is reacting to all the changes — the dieting, the food prep, the exercise classes, the intermittent fasting, the medications, the insulin injections… all of it.
I expected to see some changes, but I didn’t expect some of them to be so drastic.
Before we get into the bloodwork, I want to share a few scale and non-scale victories:
– I’m officially down 20 pounds (that’s 9.2 kilos)
– I’ve gone down 2 skirt sizes
– I have more energy, less bloating, and less morning stiffness
– And my mood has improved a lot (though this past week I’ve been grumpy and tired — but I know that’s just the Chaggim)
Now, for the bloodwork changes — here are the results side by side (I’ve written them out clearly below too):
| Name | Before (June 11 ) | After (September 18) |
| Sodium | 132.9 | 137.3 |
| Potassium | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Glucose | 350.2 | 90.4 |
| HbA1c | 12.6% | 5.8% |
| Urea | 21.8 | 16.5 |
| Creatinine | 0.59 | 0.60 |
| eGFR | 121 | 120 |
| AST (GOT) | 62 | 29 |
| ALT(GPT) | 77 | 23 |
| Alkaline Phosph. | 149 | 103 |
| Bilirubin | 0.91 | 0.70 |
| GGT | 63.5 | 19.7 |
| Cholesterol total | 285.7 | 213.7 |
| Triglycerdes | 563.9 | 141 |
| HDL Cholesterol | 32 | 29 |
| LDL Cholesterol | ? | 156 |
| Non HDL Cholesterol | 254 | 184 |
| Iron | 92.3 | 41.9 |
| Transferrin | 306 | 279 |
| Transf. Saturation | 21.4% | 10.6% |
| Ferritin | 46.26 | 30.90 |
| Vitamin B12 | 706.7 | 472.1 |
– HbA1c went from super high to slightly elevated
– Liver function markers went from elevated to normal
– Triglycerides — this one shocked me — went way down
– Iron levels dropped quite a bit too, which I wasn’t expecting
So what’s next?
After the Chaggim, I’m planning to go back on Whole30 as a reset. And beyond that, just continuing what I’ve been doing:
– Clean eating
– Regular exercise
– Intermittent fasting
– And continuing with medication (hopefully not for too much longer)
Feeling proud, hopeful, and ready to keep going!
![What I ate this week [Sept. 7- Sept. 13]](https://healthykosherkitchen.com/wp-content/themes/kale/sample/images/thumb3.jpg)
This week’s meals were a mix of wins and real-life moments. I’ve been paying close attention to my fasting blood sugar, and I’m so encouraged that it’s been looking good every other morning — definitely a sign that some of the changes I’ve made are …
This past week was a whirlwind — between a hospital appointment for my son and the kids heading back to school, it felt like there was barely a moment to catch my breath. And yes… I may have indulged in one too many granola bars …
![What I ate this week [August 24- August 30]](https://healthykosherkitchen.com/wp-content/themes/kale/sample/images/full2.jpg)
Hi Everyone,
This week I began experimenting with intermittent fasting, and so far it’s been making a noticeable difference—especially in lowering my morning blood sugar levels. While I did enjoy a few keto cookies and a slice of cake here and there (balance is key!), the majority of my meals were focused on clean, nourishing, and low-carb foods. I’ve been aiming to create meals that are not only healthy and satisfying but also aligned with a kosher and realistic lifestyle—even with a busy household!
Sunday, August 24
Monday, August 25
Tuesday, August 26
Wednesday, August 27
Thursday, August 28
Friday, August 29
Shabbos, August 30
Overall, I feel really good about this week. Intermittent fasting is helping me become more mindful of when and what I eat, and I’m proud that most of my choices supported my health goals. I’m learning that eating well doesn’t mean being perfect—it means staying consistent and giving myself grace. Looking forward to building on this progress next week with more energy, clarity, and delicious meals!
![What I ate this week [August 17-August 23]](https://healthykosherkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250820_093823-760x400.jpg)
Hi Everyone, This week was a tough one, I won’t lie. Between back-to-back trips, lots of meals eaten out of the house, and the general chaos of life, I felt super uninspired in the kitchen. Cooking didn’t excite me, and planning felt like too much. …
This past week wasn’t my best when it comes to eating. I reintroduced sugar… then some carbs… and before I knew it, I was reaching for the whole wheat spelt cookies I baked for the kids. I knew I shouldn’t—I have diabetes and I’m well …
This Apple Strudel Chia Pudding is basically cozy in a jar. I created it when I was craving something sweet and cinnamony but still clean and Whole30-friendly. It tastes like dessert, but it’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and warm apple-cinnamon goodness. It’s a make-ahead breakfast that feels like a treat and keeps you full for hours.
Yes! It’s best made the night before and lasts up to 4–5 days in the fridge.
Absolutely! Replace the almond butter with sunflower seed butter and use a nut-free plant-based milk. Depending on the type of milk you use it will no longer be whole30.
Yes, blend after it sets overnight for a pudding-like consistency.
– Almond butter → sunflower seed butter, cashew butter, or tahini
– Almond milk → coconut milk, oat milk (not Whole30), or homemade cashew milk
– Applesauce → mashed banana or pear puree
– Walnuts/raisins → pecans, sliced almonds, chopped dates
If you’re a fan of apple strudel (who isn’t?), you’ll love this easy, healthy twist. It’s quick to prep, super satisfying, and perfect for busy mornings. Let me know if you try it — I love seeing your recreations and hearing your tweaks!
Apple strudel not your jam? Check out my Banana Cream flavor chia pudding below!
![What I ate this week [August 4- August 9]](https://healthykosherkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250810_100923-760x400.webp)
Hi Everyone Here’s another week of clean eating in the books! This week was a little different because of Tisha B’Av. While I did eat on Sunday, it didn’t feel right to share those meals, so ill be starting this week’s recap from Monday. I …