Written by Kelly @ Eyes On The Source, Contributing Writer
I have been doing a lot of research on blood sugar issues lately. I have never been tested, but I am pretty sure I am borderline hypoglycemic. My husband always says I treat eating like it’s my full time job because I am always trying to plan ahead and not go too long without eating or I become what we call around here…HANGRY! Hungry, angry, yup, you get the picture. It’s not a pretty sight. 🙂
I always have to pack snacks when we go places so the “hangry mama” doesn’t show up.
Hypoglycemia is basically a fancy word for low blood sugar. If I don’t eat the right foods every few hours, I feel foggy, shaky and CRABBY! If I eat junk food or a lot of carbs I am a complete mess! Anyone else have these problems?
Low blood sugar and high blood sugar lead to a lack of energy, memory loss, shaking or dizziness and mood swings. Our brain actually uses about 25% of our bodies blood sugar, so low blood sugar affects us mentally, very quickly. In the long run blood sugar issues can lead to damaged organs and blood vessels, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and the list goes on.
It’s long list of issues I would like to avoid! Prevention is always key! A little research and planning can go a long way in preventing so many health issues.
These are my top FIVE tried and true blood sugar balance tips!
1. Fiber is your friend!
NOT fiber from packaged/processed foods promising to fulfill all of your fiber dreams. 🙂 Instead, choose fiber from beans, peas and lentils. High fiber foods break down more slowly and help to steady your blood sugar.
2. Flaxseed and other heart healthy Omegas!
Our bodies need these essential fatty acids for numerous health benefits, including heart health. But they also help maintain a healthy blood sugar/glucose levels as foods break down in the body. I use ground flaxseed as it is super versatile. You can add it to recipes, sprinkle on cereal/oatmeal or use as an egg substitute. It doesn’t have a strong flavor so it’s easy to sneak into your menu! PLUS, it is a good source of fiber…double bonus! 🙂
3. Vary your diet!
It is too easy to get stuck in a rut eating the same foods everyday. It seems easy, but then becomes boring and we are tempted to go for less that ideal foods. I know I am guilty of this! Try a new recipe, cook a favorite food differently, spice things up a bit! Eating the same foods day after day doesn’t create the balanced diet our bodies need.
4. Choose low glycemic foods!
Or if a high glycemic food is on the menu, pair it with a low glycemic food to create balance. Low glycemic foods are those that break down more slowly so blood sugar levels are not raised too quickly.
5. Choose WHOLE Grains!
Again, this is not an easy one, as the average grocery store has boxes and boxes of prepackaged foods promising “Whole Grain.” Well, it seems to me that a whole grain should be just that…whole. Meaning not broken down, separated, processed, bleached and so on… Look for grains in their true form, no additives. Such as quinoa, oats, barley, buckwheat and rye.
Think twice before you eat. A little preparation and thought can go a long way in preventing serious blood sugar and other health issues.
What are your best tips for balancing your blood sugar?
About Kelly
I have the same ‘hangry’ feelings 🙂 My husband always says he can turn my day around by just stopping for lunch!
For sure! Hangry isn’t pretty! 🙂
Great tips! I have never been tested either, but am pretty sure I am hypoglycemic. Not fun!
Adele, I hope these ideas help so you can get it figured out. It can be so tricky to get it all under control! 🙂
Another great trick when you don’t feel like eating much but need to, is to add some oats to your smoothie. You can’t taste them much, but it adds the fiber and nutrients enough to make it technically a “meal”. Great tips, Kelly!
Thanks Ashley! Great idea, I have done this before and I love it! One of my faves to fill me up! 🙂
This is great advice! I learned last year that nori, the seaweed used to wrap sushi, helps to balance blood sugar. It is a great “rescue food” when you have gotten out of whack by eating the wrong things. Read about our experience here:
http://articles.earthlingshandbook.org/2013/06/25/prevent-the-post-party-sugar-crash/
Oh, wow! I have never heard of this, thanks for sharing, Becca!
These are great ideas. Thank you. We have been struggling with this with my 9 year old lately and it’s been tough.
Jennifer, It is tough! I can be so hard to keep under control. Hope these ideas help you some!
Thanks for sharing!!!
It’s possible that rather than hypoglycemia that you could have insulin resistance: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/insulinresistance/. I had the same symptoms as you, but after taking a glucose test, my blood sugar levels appeared normal. After years of investigating, my doc and I figured out that I was insulin resistant instead. Most people who have it are not aware until it is too late and becomes prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. You’re on the right track: the best way to combat IR is the same as hypoglycemia in non-diabetics: through a healthy, balanced diet focused on whole foods with regular movement/physical activity.
Thank you, Laura! I just started researching this too! I will continue to research so I can get this figured out, thank you so much!