When most people think about blood sugar issues, they think about diabetes. And it’s true. People with diabetes have a more difficult time controlling their blood sugar than people who don’t this particular condition. However, even if you’ve never received this medical diagnosis, you should still be concerned with your blood sugar levels as they are very important to dietary control.
Blood Sugar and Cravings
Have you ever went a few hours without eating, only to find yourself craving chips, cookies, or fried foods in larger than normal amounts? This is because, after going so long without food, your blood sugar levels start to dip, causing your body to send signals to your brain that it’s time to eat and raise them back up. That’s why cravings can be so strong. They’re based on your body’s primitive need for survival.
Additionally, if you give your body high doses of sugar from eating sweets or drinking a lot of soda, sugar-sweetened coffee, or other similar drinks throughout the day, these raise your blood sugar initially, but a crash soon follows. Again, in an attempt to stabilize your blood sugar, your body tells your brain to eat, which is why eating something sugary makes you want to eat even more sugary things.
Stabilizing Your Blood Sugar
The best way to keep your blood sugar levels stable so you don’t incite cravings is to:
- Eat often, like every 2-4 hours
- Include a protein and healthy fat source at every meal
- Avoid sugary foods as often as possible
- If you do eat something sugary, eat it with a protein to stabilize your blood sugar levels
- Drink water all day long to keep your blood more sugar-diluted
What has your experience been with regard to blood sugar levels? Any additional tips you’d like to share?
