Why balancing your blood sugar is the key to better health

Most of us know that the foods we choose to eat have a big impact on our health, but figuring out what’s right for you and where to start can be overwhelming. One of the keys to feeling your best lies in balancing your blood sugar. Let’s dive into why it matters and how you can achieve it with some simple changes to your diet.

Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar

• Simple Carbohydrates: Found in processed foods, white bread, and sugary drinks, these cause rapid spikes in blood sugar followed by crashes, leading to energy slumps and cravings.

• Complex Carbohydrates: Found in whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, these are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy and preventing sudden blood sugar spikes.

 Effects of Blood Sugar Spikes

When you eat simple carbs, your blood sugar levels rise quickly. Your body responds by releasing insulin, which moves sugar into your cells. If this sugar isn’t used for immediate energy, it gets stored as fat, causing your blood sugar to drop and leaving you feeling tired and hungry again. This cycle can lead to the release of cortisol, a hormone that promotes fat storage around the abdomen.

 Eating complex carbohydrates, along with proteins and fats, slows down sugar absorption, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and steady energy throughout the day.

Simple Principles for Balancing Blood Sugar

1. Eat Regularly: Try to eat every 3-4 hours and leave a 12-hour gap between dinner and breakfast.

2. Include Protein: Make sure to have protein with every meal and snack to help slow down sugar absorption.

3. Choose Carbs Wisely: Opt for complex carbohydrates over simple ones to avoid spikes and crashes.

 What foods should I include in my diet?

1. Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, and beans are packed with protein and fibre, which help keep your blood sugar steady.

2. Nuts and Seeds: High in protein and healthy fats, these can reduce blood sugar spikes when paired with carbs.

3. Vegetables: Loaded with fibre, they slow down sugar absorption and improve overall blood sugar control.

4. Whole Fruits: While some fruits can spike blood sugar, berries, apples, and avocados generally help moderate it due to their fibre content.

5. Whole Grains: Foods like oats, quinoa, and brown rice provide fibre and nutrients that help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Benefits of a Balanced Blood Sugar Diet

1. Improved Energy Levels: Stable blood sugar helps maintain consistent energy throughout the day, preventing the fatigue and crashes associated with blood sugar spikes and drops.

2. Better Mood: Balanced blood sugar can help regulate mood and reduce irritability and anxiety, which are often linked to fluctuating glucose levels.

3. Weight Management: Managing your blood sugar can aid in weight loss or maintenance by reducing cravings for sugary foods and promoting feelings of fullness.

4. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Keeping blood sugar levels stable can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions.

5. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Stable blood sugar levels support better concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function.

6. Improved Heart Health: Managing blood sugar can contribute to lower cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease.

7. Better Sleep: Consistent blood sugar levels can help improve sleep quality by avoiding the disturbances caused by overnight blood sugar fluctuations.

Following a blood sugar-balancing lifestyle works both in the short and the long term. It’s enjoyable, safe, and sustainable, making you feel great without the need for rigid discipline or expensive foods. Within just a couple of weeks, you’ll likely notice an increase in your energy levels, and within a month, you’ll feel like a new you with more consistent vitality and a well-regulated appetite.

Curious to find out more about how to balance your blood sugar? Book a free, 30-minute online health review today!