Lasting Lifestyle Change
 
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 I don't know about you but I can sure tell when my blood sugar starts to fall.  First I notice a little bit of hunger, or maybe I don't notice until suddenly that feeling of hunger is overwhelming.  Then one of two things happens next:  I eat anything that's not nailed down or I become an irritable bundle of Grouch! Even if I can get past that and eventually eat an appropriate meal, my energy is shot for the rest of the day.  This is one trigger to avoid if you are serious about your weight loss!

 Hypoglycemia  – a fancy name for low blood sugar level. Hypoglycemia occurs  when:
     
  • Your body's sugar (glucose) is used up too quickly

  • Glucose is released into the bloodstream too slowly

  • Too much insulin is released into the bloodstream

Although it is most common in people with diabetes, it can happen for healthy people from  time to time as well, especially when there is big fluctuation in blood sugar  level, or if a person hasn’t eating for a long period of time.
 
Skipping  meals, not eating enough during meal, genetic tendency for low blood sugar and  not compensating by adding extra meals or snacks can all contribute to hypoglycemia.  High sugar foods or high glycemic foods can trigger an excessive insulin release, suddenly bottoming out blood sugar levels.
 
There are a few ways to alleviate mood issues caused by hypoglycemia:

Eat meals that are low in glycemic load: substitute refined grains with whole
grains, include a generous amount of vegetables, and a moderate amount of
protein and good fats which can slow down the absorption of carbs.

To keep blood sugar level even, experiment with having 5 – 6 small meals or snacks
a day, instead of 3 big meals.  Add protein to every meal or snack. 

 Avoid ,as much as possible, all processed foods, and anything that contains sugar and
refined carbohydrates.

You can avoid this trigger by taking charge of your food plan and your health!  Weight loss and maintaining your ideal weight comes down to the choices you make to fuel your healthy, active, and slender body!
 


 
 
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Did summer mean a few added pounds and a little less attention to your weight loss plan?  Summer is nearly over. Did it bring all of the potential weight gain slips that vacations, busy schedules, and changes in your routine can bring?  Not to mention the summer parties and neighborhood barbeques!



Take a few moments to think about your busy lifestyle and stay in charge of your food choices.  After all, you want more energy for your all of your activites, right?

Avoiding refined sugar is one of the best ways to minimize blood sugar spikes and crashes, which cause a drastic change in energy level. The most effective way to get off sugar is to get to the root cause of your sugar cravings. Here are a few strategies:

1. Eat sweet vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, corn, winter squash, sweet potatoes and onion to satisfy our body’s need for sweet taste (which is normal)

2. Eat meals with low glycemic load to avoid fluctuation in energy and blood sugar level. When we crash, we reach for sugar for quick fixes. Combine whole grains and vegetables (high fiber foods) with a moderate amount of good fats and lean protein.

3. Stay hydrated – thirst is sometimes mistaken as hunger, which leads to cravings.

4. Investigate sugar cravings as a result of nutrient deficiency – e.g. chromium and tryptophan.

5. Nourish your soul – some people crave sweets out of boredom or loneliness.


Just released:  Hypnotic Fat BanTM puts you in charge of your weight loss success! Want help to diminish your cravings and gain control of your food choices?  Use the power of your own mind through hypnosis and take charge of your health! Ask for more information now!

 
 
Are you grumpy early in the morning?  Do you crash after lunch?  Do you have all the energy you need to get things done in your day?
I find I am very sensitive to those blood sugar crashes.  You know, the ones that come when you push past your usual lunch break to meet a deadline or squeeze in one more task, or in my case, one more client?  I can run on the adrenaline of the session, but when it's over, so am I.  I hate that stopped in your tracks feeling.  I always have more I want to get done and when I let my blood sugar crash, I know I won't accomplish more in that day.  It feels like someone turned my brain off.

To minimize spikes and crashes in energy level, you want to make sure your nutritional intake supports a sustained flow of energy by limiting fluctuation in blood sugar level. An even blood sugar level can also help you improve your focus and concentration, and help you prevent mood swings caused by hypoglycemia.

Here are 5 tips to use nutrition to support a sustained flow of energy:

1. Eat meals with a low glycemic load – combine whole grains and vegetables (high fiber foods) with a moderate amount of good fats and lean protein.

2. Eat foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains and nutritional yeast.

3. Eat just the right amount and type of protein for your body – keep a food journal to see how much protein works best for you.

4. Stay hydrated – dehydration often causes fatigue and headache. How much is enough?  Divide your body weight in half.  That's the number of ounces to aim for in a day. (If you weigh 150 lbs, you should drink 75 ounces of water each day!)

5. Avoid caffeine, which worsen blood sugar fluctuation.  A little natural caffeine is good for the brain; just don't run on caffeine as a source of energy!

Can't figure out how to incorportate these tips into your lifestyle?  Check out our group coaching offer for practical help.  Sometimes you just need a weight loss coach to make it all fit!