No, the mead channel isn’t changing, lol.
Still here? Whew. Okay, have a seat, grab a mug of mead, or a cup of coffee or tea… or dare I say.. kombucha. I’ve a story to tell.
For years, I drank, smoked, ate fast food and did all the things you shouldn’t do. Over time I quit smoking, stopped eating fast food, and began cooking. I made things myself, pasta, bread, everything. Ham, sausage, pickles, you name it, we made it ourselves.
We also thought we were eating well. As in… healthier. Well, turns out not so much. There’s so much sodium in food, even things you wouldn’t expect. There’s soooo many things we didn’t know. But, we were healthy, or so we thought. I’m not big on doctors, so I avoided them. Well, a few odd symptoms and I realized it might be time to go see one. Won’t bore you with too many details, but a tiny cyst that was present for years suddenly became as big as a silver dollar and half an inch thick in five days. It hurt too… an obvious infection.
Doctor wasn’t that concerned with the absess, but with the blood pressure reading they took as I came in. 172/107. That’s high. So high she ordered blood tests and put me on meds that day. Well… not a week later, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. So on to meds for that too. To add insult to injury, my cholesterol is stupid high too, and she’s afraid to put me on meds at the moment due to elevated liver enzymes.
Is this personal information that maybe you don’t care about? Possibly. But please, listen. This is a cautionary tale. I was abnormally healthy in my teens and twenties, despite being a smoker. I was an athlete, and was in incredible shape for a long time. It sneaks up on you though… bad eating habits, even when you aren’t aware… are silent killers.
Once we learned all the news. I was, and am still reeling and not just a little disappointed and upset at all the things I can’t do. No more breads, pasta, sausages, pizza, etc… The things I love… poof. They’re as good as poison to me now. Dramatic? You might think so, but those things are so dangerous to someone in my condition, it’s not even funny.
The main things we found are issues of sodium and sugar. Off the shelf foods are loaded with both. Even canned food, even FROZEN food. We found a package of frozen uncooked shrimp that had 10 times the sodium content that the shrimp should have! That’s insane! Just 10 medium shrimp without seasoning would be half a normal person’s daily allowance, let alone a person on a low sodium diet.
So we started digging into things. Spent two weeks on the couch due to trying to adapt to meds and new blood pressure and everything else so I had little else to do. We learned a lot. We were shocked by what we found out, and our goal is to share that with you. We spoke to professionals in the field, and medical professionals in general, and found out some great ways to eat healthier, and what to avoid. Sure, it’s a process, and we have a lot to learn. But, we want to share that journey with you.
What can you expect on the Rebooted Channel? Cooking healthy meals, of course, talks about a specific food or topic, and occasionally a vlog style record of our experiences and what it’s like to deal with the disease and push forward. I’m not a sappy kind of guy, but I know if I’m having trouble dealing with it, others are too. They need to know they aren’t the only one, and it’s not their fault they have to do this. But it’s crucial they do.
The channel isn’t going away, the old content will be there still. We’re simply rebooting it with a new look and a new focus. After all, if you don’t have any restrictions, there was some yummy food on there already!
The new name is: CS Homemade and Healthy
All of this happened pretty recently, toward the end of December, 2020. We’re taking a little time for the Holidays then getting to work making new videos!
To all our fans, thank you so much for your support, we couldn’t do this without you, and we hope you enjoy the new content!
-Brian
G’day Derica and Brian. A med a day keeps the ambo’s away (Aussie for ambulance). Good to get things sorted. Practice more horizontal folk dancing for the exercise.
Don’t stress about it, trust me, it makes your BP worse.
Happy Saturnalia!! ( no I don’t do Xmas)
Thanks for sharing. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s to come. I’m 51 years old and trying to lose weight so these things don’t catch me. I’ve been lucky so far, but I know I can do more to prevent it. I’ve lost 90 pounds over the last year and this last 50 has been the hardest, I’ve been stuck for 2.5 months now. I hope I can learn something from your new direction. Thank you for this.
Always love the content no matter what. Have you talked with a nutritionist or two? I know people equate them to losing weight. They do so much more than that and would be helpful.
I feel your pain I am type 2 also and working vary hard on the control. Just the changes in diet wow all the foods that you love you no longer are allowed to have. I am getting better I’m down just over 100 lb’s and getting near being taken off insulin. This is not braging it is to give hope to everyone life is not over it is just a new beginning.
It’s not bragging, it’s success and you should be proud. The more you feel that yourself, the better you will be in the long run!
Sucks to have that diagnoses, but there is still a lot of good things to enjoy. You and Derica are creative and intelligent so I am sure you’ll find tastefull things.
Maybe a dumb and useless thing I once encountered while reading Articles: appearantly losing a certain amount of weight in time , could counter diabetes type 2. It might be worth discussing with a specialist. Take Care.
Weight is a factor in diabetes, for sure. The new style of living and eating will take care of that for me… 8 lbs in two days so far!
Sorry to hear you aren’t well!! Hope your medical issues stabilize soon!
I got some of the same news from my Dr this month, although not diabetes. So I look forward to your healthy recipes although I’d prefer to eat the things you used to make.
Wishing you all a blessed season and a healthy life. May your changes lead you to new and incredible foods and drinks. Until your numbers show positive change we send love a blessings your way. Looking forward to all of your new videos.
Blessed be beautiful soul,
Chris
I thought you had cancer, like me! I’m still going. Suck it up dude. Keep going. I enjoy the videos. You can still make the wines , just don’t pound on it. Oh and I used to own those shirts that made it look like you had a big belly. I threw them out.
Glad to hear your all right! I am so looking forward to the new content. I will be making this journey with you. So your timing is impeccable. Be well have a great Holiday!!!
Brian, I too went through this.
Woke one day in May 2019 with what I thought was heart burn, only to find out, once I went to the hospital a day and a half later, I was having a heart attack.
At the ER they found I had Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. I also needed 3 stents in my heart to increase blood flow.
The meds made me sick, numb, and scared. I ate healthier and lost 30 lbs. By November I dropped my A1C number low enough to stop the Metformin.
As fate would have it, March 2020 my insurance changed and I needed to get a new DR. That became a joke since we know what happened at that time in history. I slowly weened myself off all my meds and have been enjoying life again.
( My GF is a Vegan and has been helping keep me on the plant food path. I slip up now and then too. Only human.)
I know I’m not in the best of shape, but am trying.
I look forward to your videos and plan to follow your meal plans if possible.
Best wishes on your recovery.
Mark R
Los Angeles CA
It’s all part of the journey. Sorry to hear you are in the same boat…
I know by watching your videos, you will research and follow through on making the needed lifestyle changes.
I also know that you will have the love and support of your dear wife.
I have a health problem myself and have been living with it very well for the past 20 years.
You have my email address so feel free to contact me if I can be of any help.
Be well and have a speedy recovery.
Thanks Michael, having support is huge.
Hey Brian I posted this on one if your recent vids. I too just found I am type 2 diabetic 2 months ago. I am super excited to see what new stuff you post, and what you do for brewing. I had posted that you can put a beano in your wort as it ferments and it lets the yeast eat up the non fermentable carbs. Carbs = sugar in your body so as type 2 diabetic I keep carbs to 25-30 carbs per meal. Carbs from fiber count as half….. like 10 carbs from fiber count as 5 real carbs. Anyway it allows me to still brew beer. I haven’t found any workaround for mead, wine or cider because like you I like them sweeter. But ……I have found a sweetner that I like that seems safe? Allulose. Plant based. I plan to experiment with making brews with minimal sugar or fermenting out dry and adding allulose to backsweeten. It’s a journey but think about it as a whole new channel to discover new ways of doing things ….. a diabetic brewing channel ……
Sadly, carbs in alcohol are not the only issue for diabetics. Alcohol is a toxin and that means your liver has to filter it. While it’s doing that, it’s struggling to do it’s regular job of detoxifying “normal” stuff from your blood. Once controlled, I’ve been told that diabetics can have SOME alcohol in moderation. That amount varies. I’m abstaining until I get things under control. Not sure about after that, but it will be in moderation at most. So the beano thing is a mild help, but it DOES NOT make it safe for diabetics.
Great timing for this change: I had my gallbladder removed a few weeks ago and am still looking for healthy alternatives to all the fat that gives me, to put it nicely, “gastrointestinal distress”.
Well, the way we’re doing it, it’s applicable for everyone. With the “big 3” of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol… it’s all about the right amount and type of carbs, enough protein, low sodium and sugar, etc. It’s gonna be interesting, for sure.
Wow, I’m so glad you caught that.. truly so. I had to cut out much bread making, much to my annoyance. Especially after having found your channel. I’ve been diagnosed, years back with the same thing, and I probably hate doctors as much as you! Their insistence on putting me on metformin and something else, I can’t remember because they told me if I watched my diet, I could reverse it. I believe that, but after reading on articles of how dangerous the metformin was, (actually didn’t make your body level out. So I’ve been muddling along, trying to eat better, knowing that I’m not. and literally was frustrated to tears this last week because, haha I really do hate vegetables. It’s a difficult road to change your eating habits, I’m 63.. I no longer weigh over 200 but I’ve leveled off at 175 for too long I think. I will be looking forward to your healthier channel, and I do have a greenhouse, though, I need to finish up working on the planting beds. ( me and a Dewalt drill had a difference of opinion. I didn’t break my wrist.. but it’s still touchy.) So I’ have non gmo seeds.. ideas, 10 green thumbs and 10 green toes. You guys are such a joy to watch, and I love the information. So I plan on hopping on this healthier eating with you. I don’t know where you are in your lives spiritually? But I do know Jesus Loves you, I have no doubt, that he’s directing you to a healthier life, and by your sharing this, you will be helping many others, including myself. I will be praying for success with your health and this new direction you’re adding. that there will be increase for you, and not decrease. Thank you.. Have a Merry Happy, Healthy Christmas!!!
Sandra, thanks for all of that. And… veggies are part of the key to eating healthy! We learned that white flour is evil, so that means 75% of my favorite foods are… gone. But… I’m seeing this as an adventure and a puzzle, so it’s pretty exciting and we can’t wait to share the journey!
Wishing you both the very best! Love all your content.
Thanks. We’re hoping this brings a whole new level of content to the CS universe.
Looking forward to the new content.
Us too! Really excited for this.
My grandma just had a stroke in June do to high blood pressure. Snice then my family has had to take over the cooking. I understand the situation your in whole heartly. But my advice for you is to not treat this as a distaster and not to dwell on the past but look at the brighter side of things. First off your alive and you can still have good flavors the second thing to be very proud of is that you are now a teacher and advocate for healthy eating and you have me so excited for this channel pivot because I have someone who can show me new recipes that I don’t have to make substitution galore. So no more beating yourself up it was caught before anything major happened. So put on your teacher cap and smile bright and big and remember that love is around you everywhere you turn.
That’s what we’re trying to do. My first instinct was to shut down, not tell anyone and get through anyway. Keep doing what we were doing, right? Then I realized… there’s no shame here, it’s not really my fault. I shouldn’t have to hide. We realized this is an opportunity to learn new ways of cooking and eating, and be healthier. Derica has wanted to eat more veggies and less bread for a while, so… the timing was right. I still have bouts of mini-depression, but for the most part, been staying positive.
Suggested research for oyu:
http://www.diabetes-book.com/
https://drberry.com/
Best Wishes!!
I can sympathize. I too have type 2 diabetes and the hardest thing to do was give up my pasta. I am Italian which is synonymous with pasta. I switched to whole wheat pasta — took so getting used to — and limited it to just 2 ounces once or twice a month. I also started eating it primavera style and piled on the veggies. As for my home made Italian bread — not any more. I learned, like you, that you have to stay away from all things processed. It’s not easy but it does get easier. Any change takes some time to get use to. I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with cause my cuisine could certainly use an overhaul and upgrade. Here’s to 2021 bringing much better things.
Yeah, bread and pasta, my go-to foods! But not anymore. At least none at all of any kind for the time being. My numbers are just too high still until we get meds right and get into the new lifestyle. Still improving every day, but I don’t feel the carb load of pasta or bread is worth it right now. Yes, I said it… But yep, the channel will have a lot of Italian/Mediterannean inspired food as that’s my wheelhouse!
Sorry to here you are having trouble, I hope you get everything regulated soon. I will keep you both in my prayers.
As someone who has been close to being a diabetic, weighed 365 lbs, and high blood pressure, I cant wait to see what your new content brings. I’ve lost 105 lbs but gained a lot back this year. This will be great motivation to get back on track.
Many years ago, my ex was diagnosed with type2 diabetes. The first thing we did was get rid of everything white in the kitchen. No white flour, sugar or rice. That gave him a ‘fudge factor’. When I went back to eating bread, I found that I can’t handle it anymore. I started milling my own and it made a world of difference! He wasn’t great about eating veggies either so I’d put them in the blender and then in a meatloaf.😉 Will also mention that the A.D.A. has some really yummy recipes on their website too. There’s also apps you can use to track where you’re at.
Best of luck! I know you’ll be feeling better soon!💜
Trish
Hey Brian,
This is such a positive approach to look at things. The way you are rebooting the channel, its really great. I am sure it will help the viewers too a lot. Thanks a ton for this. Also reminds me to pay attention to health. Keep doing what you love and wish you and Derica healthy new year ahead and happy holidays!
Thanks so much Prasad!
Hi, this is your new follower from Palm Coast. I’m feeling this so much right now too. I’m a nurse but I’m able to work from home. You know what that means…..more eating and probably drinking too. My mom had a non-ST elevation MI in June, followed by a stroke two days later and another stroke 3 days after that. She died August 30th, three days before my 45th birthday. Watching you guys has been getting me through these holidays as it’s kept my mind off of her. Anowho…..nurses are known to neglect their own health and mom dying opened my eyes. I made an appointment and saw my primary care doctor the following week. My weight has been out of control and I didn’t want to worsen it with grief so I went to ask him for help. I’ve known him for over 16 years and have gone to him since he opened his practice. I got a little “Tough Love” from him as I know what to do to stay healthy, I just haven’t been doing it, (cuz that’s no fun, right?) I’m hypertensive but he isn’t ready to put me on blood pressure medication yet because my heart rate was super high too, (likely anxiety). My fasting blood sugar is borderline, and my LFT’s were also a tad elevated. My weight though, was the highest it’s ever been. I’m looking forward to seeing the new episodes here. I’m such a foodie and love to cook but find myself eating the BOGO or 3/10 salads from Publix most of the time to keep me on track because it’s only myself unless my son is in town. After seeing this tonight, I’ll be pulling my four dirty Aerogardens out of the garage and trying to get them clean after forgetting about them and allowing them to get gooped up. I also purchased a microgreens kit a couple weeks ago, (don’t judge me). Save me a spot, I’m going on this ride with you! Think I’ll just got plaid right off the bat too! Happy New Year!
Amy, I’m sorry for your loss. Sometimes though it takes something serious to make us want to change. I know that’s how it got to me.
I am excited, or rather encouraged, by your openness and willingness to share your journey and experiences with this paradigm shift. This is why your audience, your fans, love you guys. I look forward to healing along with you as I, too, work to get my BS under control (best abbreviation ever). Gotta say, too, that I love the celebrity name mash-up. Too perfect!
Thanks Steve. We are overwhelmed by the reaction to this!
Hey Brian!
I suspected that something was up as your videos had already stopped showing your face and slowed down. I know that you are not a ‘sappy’ man, but I’m sure that it was all a bit of a shock and you are brave for going through it and sharing.
Processed foods are a bitch for sodium, and I believe even worse in places like the US where there is a lot of added sugar also. I try to keep an eye on the amount of processed food I consume, and, like you prepare most meals entirely from scratch, however it is easy to suddenly realise that you have had some sausage, bacon or ham everyday for a week without really thinking about it!
Good luck with the reboot of the channel, I really hope that you grow to enjoy your new diet as much as your old one!
Thanks Harry. Lots of changes for us, so yep…
Brian, this will be a big change. I am glad you found the issues, as we have with my husband. I look forward to the new videos as I have looked forward to all the content you and Darica have put out. On that note, please see a dermatologist about the cyst, as a skin cancer survivor I can tell you it may be more than your primary doctor thinks.
Best of luck with your new journey!
CS Fitness and Bodybuilding upcoming… 😉
Good morning Brian and Derica,
I am so sorry to hear about your double whammy. That is a lot of change to put in place quickly. But look at the great start you have with your garden and being a chef…I am personally looking forward to your new channel!
I have moved to much healthier eating in the last 3 years following the diagnosis and loss of my love and best friend. When he was diagnosed at Christmas 3 years ago with cancer (his 3rd round and the worst of the 3) my eating habits began to change drastically. For most of my life I didn’t drink alcohol at all–until I started making mead at the request of my love’s daughter. So now, very moderate mead drinking. I lost 20 lbs slowly over a year and another 5 after that. Last year on New Year’s day a strange thing happened to me and I took my bp, and after a lifetime of low bp’s, it was suddenly in the 160’s/90’s. Since then, most of the time I have it down to 140s/70s but not always. I’m trying to control it without meds.
I started yoga at home last March, my other favorite youtuber Yoga with Adriene. I’m doing a test with beet juice and will let you know if it’s made a difference. I’m doing a few other natural supplements to see if I can get it down even more. I know I need to track my sodium intake better than I have so far, I think/hope it may be my final hurtle.
Be encouraged, many many people have reversed those problems with diet and exercise…and how about those wonderful meads that come out with low alcohol levels like the Hibiscus Blueberry mead? Mine ended at just under 10% and it was delicious.
You two are loved by your followers, so glad you caught this when you did. Happy New Year.
Hey, sorry about all those diagnoses at once, that’s a rough couple of weeks. Glad you’re feeling better. I will say I’m really looking forward to the reboot of your channel though. I love the Mediterranean diet and healthier plant based recipes, just struggle to find enough recipes to sustain it long term. So I’m excited to learn from your experience trying out new and healthier recipes.
Brian and Derica,
My heart goes out to you. News like that is a shock to the system and it takes a while to process. It means a big lifestyle change and that, too, takes time. Various health issues I won’t bore you with have caused me to make big changes in how I cook, eat, brew, look at food… A friend of mine had the perfect words for it: ‘You have to mourn the past and then learn to celebrate the future’. Give yourself time to go through that process.
The fact that this news landed on you slap bang in the middle of a pandemic with all its challenges towards income, heightened risk if infected, reduced access to a lot of facilities etc can’t have helped either.
Thank you so much for your honesty and for sharing your journey with all of us. Once again you and Derica show us how wonderful you are: You don’t beat around the bush, you simply say things as they are and then you pick yourself up and move forward. You’ll stumble, hit snags, and you’ll laugh about it after having uttered a few choice expletives off-camera. We’ll be right there with you and we’ll be glad we get to share in the wisdom you gain along the way.
Brian, once your numbers level out as your meds get adjusted, the search for what works for you and when you can kind of relax the strict rules you now so rightly are imposing on yourself will get easier. You’ve already got a big head start: as a foodie there is that natural interest in food and making things taste good. Your interest in science and your and Derica’s investigative nature makes it easier for you to go out there and investigate your options, ferret out new techniques, try out new recipes. Your obviously solid and loving marriage and great sense of humour will help to make this change an adventure instead of making it an arduous journey.
We’re rooting for you and Derica, and will be looking forward to many healthy and absolutely scrumptious recipes. I know I’ll be cooking a lot of what you post.
This is not just a ‘you can do this’ scenario. I just know you’ll rock at it.
Sending cartloads of positive vibes all the way from rural Belgium…