Strategic Snacking for Balancing Blood Sugar

Is this your idea of a quick snack? 

Sugar is fuel 

And for all intents and purposes, carbohydrates are sugar! When the body is fed glucose through food, it signals for insulin to be released which helps cells in the uptake and absorption of glucose; this glucose is then used to power your cells and contributes to a noticeable boost in energy and performance. But here’s the catch: it’s a balancing act. 

• Low blood sugar: when blood sugar levels dip below normal, symptoms such as shakiness and light-headedness set it. This is that “hangry” feeling that most of us are familiar with. 
• A “sugar crash:” on the opposite end of the spectrum, consuming an excessive amount of carbs spikes blood sugar levels and causes a rapid release of insulin and rapid uptake of glucose. The end result: an extreme feeling of fatigue; the dreaded sugar crash. 

Energy levels are primarily determined by food

We can see that we need sugar in the right amount so how do we stay balanced? We want to focus on consuming the carbs your body needs for fuel, along with protein and healthy fats to keep us sustained. If we can do it naturally, then all the better. 

• Avoid refined sugars and saturated fats
• Create a healthy blend of carbohydrate, protein and fat. 
• 150-200 calories 

Snacks are a useful way to keep blood sugar from dipping low in between meals. Here are some wholesome snack ideas:

• Peanut butter and banana
• Quinoa
• Trail mix
• Yogurt and granola 

Food is medicine and it can be made portable! At Holmes Chiropractic, we want to help you redefine, “simple eating,” to move away from processed snacks and into something more wholesome. We think it will change the way you feel throughout the day. 

Dr. Randall Holmes, D.C.