How to Escape the Spike.
The food we eat every day determines whether our blood sugar swings from high to low and back again all day long. To keep a normal blood sugar level we need to be conscious of the types of foods we eat every day. The food choices we make each day are composed of fat, protein and carbohydrates. How much we eat and when we eat also factors in to the rise and fall of our blood sugar.
Fats slow down how quickly our stomachs empty. This slower emptying of the stomach helps control how quickly food is changed in to glucose and moved into the bloodstream. It will help dampen the rise in blood sugar and the slow emptying helps lessen the lowering of blood sugar. Good fats are the best choice. Omega 3 rich foods contain healthy fats. Olive oil is another substitute to use.
Protein is full of amino acids necessary to keep your body functioning properly. It usually has very little effect on your blood sugar level and is found in meat, nuts, some dairy products and beans.
Carbohydrates have the most effect on your blood sugar levels. They are most easily changed into glucose and are found in starchy foods such as grains, potatoes, rice and pasta. Vegetables are also a good source of carbohydrates. Excess carbohydrates in your diet are a concern as they cause the greatest increase in blood sugar and will be stored as fat when there is too much of them. Vegetables are a good source of a complex, fiber rich carbohydrates and cause a smaller, slower rise in blood sugar than sugary products like cookies, cakes, or anything else made with sugar. Reading the label is always a good idea as high-fructose corn syrup, a form of sugar, is an ingredient in many processed foods. These hidden sugars may throw your whole eating plan off without your knowing it.
Portion size is the next part of keeping a normal blood sugar level. Smaller portions eaten more frequently help even out blood sugar swings. For an estimate, your clenched fist is roughly one cup in size. One half cup is about the same as your palm, minus the fingers.
With a little education and some common sense eating better can help you on the way to feeling better and avoiding blood sugar spikes and valleys.
Related posts:
- Shirataki Noodles are Beneficial to Your Health
- Health Benefits of Vinegar
- 6 foods that burn fat: myth or reality?
- Reducing Cellulite Without Spending A Lot Of Money