HIV & Healthy Diet

Hello Again!!!! Thanks to all of you for coming back to my blog. Hopefully you have found some useful information and that you see it as not to technical. I try but sometimes I guess I could get to technical or statistically oriented. If I do and it doesn’t work for you let met know. I want to be as factual as possible so as not to give any info that isn’t pertinent to you but remember I am just a guy like you. I just feel a calling to share my experiences and as much information as I can so we all can live our lives to the fullest.

Something really wonderful has happened since I took on this challenge of providing solid information. Not only am I passing along what I have learned but my research is also educating me. Sort of a refresher course in some areas and a definite new learning experience in others. It is the best of both worlds!!

Okay! “Nuff of that. Let’s move on.

Living with HIV is not, repeat, NOT my weakness in life nor has it been my downfall. Granted, when I was first diagnosed and before I took control I did have a major pity party as I have mentioned to you in previous blogs. But soon I learned that having HIV is not just part of me but who I am. It has been and will be one of the strongest stepping stones in my life.

I have lived with this infection for over a decade. Right now I have never looked better. Don’t believe me? Check out my pic. Unlike the old saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover” in my case you can. Ok. Ok. Maybe I’m being a little (?) egotistical and a little (?) narcissistic but hey! when you got it – you got it! If you will let me educate and empower you with the information I have those of you that have contracted this infection will see it is not the end. Hell – it can be and for me was, the beginning.

When I take a good look at my past I have no doubt whatsoever getting HIV was the biggest wake up call I would ever have. Yes I wondered if God had forsaken me (Remember I told you I believe in God) and had condemned me with HIV. But I know now He didn’t. I am not angry (that left long ago) and I definitely don’t have those pity parties anymore. I can truly say I have no regrets. In some way, and I know this will sound strange, I only have a sense of relief. I can’t explain it but it is there. When I wake up every morning with a smile on my face I know I am blessed. I have many things to offer and this blog is just one.

11 years is a very long time. If you have been following my blogs you know I do not take the “cocktail” and my counts are excellent. Just like me, you hold the keys to your future. You can make having HIV a barrier to living life or you can take it little by little and move on towards a full and happy life.

Now something about healthy living with HIV. Your diet is crucial. I eat a lot of poultry, steak and drink a lot of milk. I make sure I get as much protein as possible from the foods I eat. Carbs are particularly good for people with HIV. Pasta, potatoes, bread. I don’t overeat. I’m not a calorie counter but I know when I should stop and I do. I drink a lot of different things making sure I am as hydrated as possible at all times. I also eat foods that are high in fiber. That is critical at least to me. Yes I do drink alcohol and sometimes more than I should but what did I say? I am living my life.

Personally I have to eat a lot but I don’t, as I said, overeat. My metabolism is high so if I don’t keep “fuel in the furnace” I’ll run down which could cause some issues as you can imagine. Exercise? I honestly don’t get enough but I am not a couch potato. Still, it wouldn’t hurt me to get to the gym more often. (Hmmmm! Just thought. There are some other reasons to go there, too, LOL) One thing for sure. If you eat right, exercise some, and generally take care of yourself you will feel and look great. Come to think of it whether you have HIV or not that should be your mantra. If you are on the “cocktail” nutrition is a major key in the break down of the HIV meds.

I guess one of the biggest things (and was hard for me) is to remember it is your life. If you have the attitude of being sorry for yourself then, hell, give it up. If that is you get over it!! You got the bug and once you have it you have it. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself get off your ass and do something that will make you have a super release of those wonderful endorphins. Exercise will do that. Food, in moderation, will do that. Being with friends will do that, too.

I want to feel that I am here as more than just the “sexpert”. I can and want to be a companion and a lifetime friend who will be true to you. I had to “man up”, as my dad says, and get the balls to come out again. This time letting everyone know I had HIV. Candidly, coming out gay was a helluva lot easier but I am so glad I no longer hide (from myself) that I am HIV positive. Actually, not keeping the secret is very beneficial to my well being and, in turn, I now am able to share what could possibly be some life saving or, at the least, life changing, information with you.

I just read what I have written and guess I really got to rambling. Oh well. Sometime that is how conversations go. Lots of rambling but lots of information put out. Anyways, it is time to close for now. But, I do want to tell all of you and especially those of you who are positive that you are not alone. In life you can either “choose to” or “choose not to”. I chose “to”.. live life, that is. I have a fantastic life. I surround myself with positive people and I grow each day. Everyone can do the same. You just got to “choose to”.

Until next time – Be Safe, Be Smart and always stay 10 steps ahead. Send me your questions and comments and I will answer at sexpert@thbworld.tv

Your Sexpert,

Carl Crosco