Anyone else feel like the mental side of diabetes is harder than the numbers sometimes?

My blood sugar is under control now. A few months ago my A1c was in the double digits, and after completely changing my lifestyle, it's finally in a healthy range. Objectively, I know that's something to celebrate.

The problem is... I'm exhausted.

Every meal feels like a puzzle. I spend way too much time thinking about what I can eat, what order to eat it in, how much protein I need, whether something will spike me, whether I should skip it entirely, etc. Some days drinking a protein shake sounds easier than making another PERFECT meal.

To make things worse, and all I want is chocolate cake. Not a keto brownie. Not a protein cookie. Actual, fluffy, chocolate cake.

I'm not looking to throw away all the progress I've made, but I'd also like to feel like a normal human once in a while.

So I have two questions:

- How do you deal with cravings without feeling miserable?

- Are there any chocolate treats you've found that actually satisfy the craving without sending your glucose on a roller coaster?

Would love to hear what's worked for you.