Sweet Discoveries on the Healing Journey: Blending Wellness, Vital Signs, and Chocolate Cake Adventures

Welcome back to More Food Adventures! I have been busy and was away. Changed homes twice and changed schools.. 

hehehe

Food is so much more than just fuel - it is a way we build community, find comfort, and celebrate everyday moments. But what happens when your food adventures have to navigate a few new health plot twists? Lately, my culinary journey has been all about finding the sweet spot where delicious flavors meet mindful wellness.

Today, I am sharing a snapshot of my recent health check-ins, vital sign trends, lab results, and a guilt-free breakfast discovery that proves you can still have your cake and eat it too - even while managing diabetes, hypertension, and a heart stent!

Part 1: Checking In on the Numbers

Every great adventure requires a map, and keeping track of your health metrics is the ultimate roadmap. Here is where things stand following my recent clinic visit on October 19, 2026 at the Bumrungrad Clinic in Yangon:

• The Vital Signs & Weight Trend:

  • There is some fantastic progress on the scale! Through consistent lifestyle mindfulness, my weight has dropped from 95.0 kg back in late May down to 85.0 kg - a steady, encouraging 10 kg reduction.

  • My blood pressure readings have fluctuated across past months (peaking earlier in the year), and my October reading registered at 140/72 mmHg, reminding me to keep a close eye on cardiovascular health.

  • My resting heart rate is a calm 59 bt/min, respiratory rate is steady at 18 br/min, and oxygen saturation sits comfortably at 95% on room air.

• The Lab Results Snapshot:

  • HbA1c (%): Measured at 5.8% (slightly above the optimal range of 0.0–5.6%), placing it in the prediabetes range and indicating that average blood glucose has been running a little high over the past few months.

  • Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG): Came in at a healthy 83 mg/dL (Reference Range: 70–99 mg/dL).

  • Kidney Function: Serum creatinine is 1.29 mg/dL and the eGFR is 50.3 mL/min/1.73m², pointing to a mild-to-moderate decrease in filtration that requires careful medical monitoring.

  • Lipid Profile & Liver: Total cholesterol (93.0 mg/dL), triglycerides (70.0 mg/dL), and LDL ("bad" cholesterol at 46.0 mg/dL) are all in optimal shape! However, my HDL ("good" cholesterol) is running low at 32.0 mg/dL (Reference Range: >50.0 mg/dL). Liver enzymes (ALT/SGPT) are entirely normal at 18 U/L.

As always, these numbers are just part of the bigger picture and are best reviewed alongside my trusted physician from Bangkok.

Part 2: The Ultimate Food Adventure – Breakfast Chocolate Cake!

When a major sweet tooth hits, traditional desserts loaded with refined flour and white sugar are off the table. But who says you can't reinvent comfort food? Inspired by recent recipe discoveries, I whipped up a morning treat that sounds too good to be true: Chocolate Cake for breakfast, tailored for someone managing diabetes, hypertension, and a heart stent!

What Goes Into a Healthier "Breakfast Cake"?

Instead of heavy processed ingredients, this recipe swaps in nutrient-dense superfoods:

1. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Acting as the flour base, legumes provide complex carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and high dietary fiber. This means a much lower glycemic index, preventing the sharp sugar spikes caused by regular cake.

2. Ground Flax Seeds: A powerhouse addition! They bring heart-healthy plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), extra soluble fiber for blood sugar balance, and gentle support for cholesterol and blood pressure management.

3. Basil Seeds & 5 Eggs: Add fantastic texture, extra binding power, and a hearty boost of protein.

4. Dark Cocoa, Cinnamon & a Touch of Honey: Unsweetened dark cocoa brings rich, antioxidant-packed flavor, complemented by a dash of warming cinnamon, and sweetened ever so lightly with a minimal drop of honey just to balance the bitterness.

5. Baking Powder: To help it rise into a fluffy, satisfying cake consistency right in a pinch!

The Verdict?

It is rich, chocolatey, satisfying, and completely guilt-free when enjoyed mindfully as part of a balanced routine. It proves that living a health-conscious life doesn't mean giving up the joys of eating - it just means getting creative in the kitchen.

Curious about the quick microwave-and-cooktop method? 

Check out my YouTube channel: Mommy Dharlz - Let's have breakfast cake..)

Reflecting on the Journey

Balancing health goals with a passion for food is an ongoing adventure. Whether it's watching your HbA1c, keeping track of blood pressure, or experimenting with chickpea-and-flax-seed baking creations, every small step counts toward a happier, healthier lifestyle.

Here's to nourishing our bodies, enjoying our food adventures, and taking charge of our wellness one day at a time!

Have you ever tried baking with beans or flax seeds? What are your favorite healthy comfort food swaps? Let me know in the comments below!

 

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