4 Habits to Balance Blood Sugar Levels

You may think that balancing your blood sugar levels is a task reserved only for people with diabetes. While it is true that people with diabetes must closely monitor their blood sugar levels, the truth is that everyone should pay attention to their blood sugar levels even women who are concerned about their hormone health. Here's how you can focus on making sure your blood sugar stays stable throughout the day.

Eat Low Glycemic Foods 

Foods with a low glycemic index (GI) are digested slowly and release glucose into the bloodstream gradually over time instead of all at once. As such, they are beneficial for maintaining steady blood sugar levels throughout the day rather than having drastic highs and lows in between meals. 

Low GI foods include whole grains like oats and barley, non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, nuts and seeds, and high-fiber fruits like apples and pears. Additionally, try replacing sugary snacks with protein-rich snacks like Greek yogurt with berries, celery sticks with peanut butter or my turkey patties, as these will provide sustained energy throughout the day without sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. 

Get Enough Sleep 

Research has shown that adequate sleep is essential for managing diabetes since it improves your body's ability to process glucose naturally. Poor sleep quality is associated with higher fasting morning glucose concentrations which can cause fluctuations in blood sugar during the day if left unchecked. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night and stick to a consistent sleep schedule to maintain healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day. 

Extra reading: 7 ways to improve your sleep during times of stress

Exercise Regularly 

Regular exercise can help regulate and balance your blood sugar levels. It allows your body to use glucose more effectively by increasing the sensitivity of your cells to insulin. Additionally, aerobic exercise can decrease the amount of glucose entering your bloodstream after meals. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. 

Eat at Regular Intervals 

If you're skipping meals or eating erratically throughout the day, chances are you need to give your body more time to properly process nutrients from food and regulate its natural balance of sugars in the bloodstream. Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day than fewer large meals—this will provide steady energy rather than spikes followed by dips which can lead to unhealthy cravings later in the day. Need some recipe ideas? Get my free hormone-loving recipes e-book

Wellness starts with adequately managing our bodies' natural balance, including blood-sugar levels. Following these tips can help everyone maintain healthy glucose levels to feel energized throughout the day without spikes or energy drops due to imbalances caused by an insufficient diet or lifestyle habits. 

If you need further guidance with balancing your blood sugar levels for more energy and improving your overall help, consider working with me