Zara Finch was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in her early 30s, and the news hit hard. “I felt like food had suddenly become the enemy,” she says. “I was afraid of bread, fruit, even carrots.”
At first, she dove into research and ended up overwhelmed. So many charts, rules, conflicting advice—low-carb, low-fat, high-fiber. It was too much. “I didn’t know what to eat, so I just stopped enjoying meals altogether.”
Eventually, with the guidance of a registered dietitian and a bit of trial and error, Zara found her way back to balance—and joy. “The biggest lesson I learned?” she says. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being consistent and kind to yourself.”
Instead of cutting out everything, Zara began focusing on what she could add: more fiber, more lean protein, more whole foods. She started noticing how pairing carbs with protein—like apple slices with almond butter—kept her blood sugar stable while still satisfying her cravings.
She also discovered that eating mindfully made a huge difference. “If I slowed down and actually tasted my food, I felt full sooner—and more satisfied,” she says.
Now, Zara uses her platform to help other newly diagnosed diabetics approach food with curiosity instead of fear. “Your diagnosis isn’t a punishment,” she says. “It’s an invitation to learn your body—and eat in a way that supports you.”
