Finding it hard to concentrate at work in the afternoon? Do you crave a coffee and cake to keep you awake?
Sounds like you have an imbalance in your blood sugar. A few simple steps can increase your energy and reduce sugar cravings
That sweet snack will only boost your energy for a very short time. Your blood sugar will shoot up and lots of insulin will be produced sending your blood sugar crashing down again making you feel tired, irritable and not at your best so you reach for more sugar, coffee or a glass of wine sending your blood sugar way up again.
How do you stop this yo-yoing and stabilise your blood sugar?
1 Eat regularly and don’t forget about breakfast. That first meal of the day is important to prevent your body’s stress hormones releasing sugar from storage. Regular meals and healthy snacks take the strain off the adrenal glands and pancreas
2 Eat some protein with each meal and snack. Good quality protein and soluble fibre from wholegrains, fruit and vegetables provide slow releasing sugars that stop blood sugar spikes. Include foods that contain the amino acid tryptophan, needed to make the feel good hormone serotonin - turkey, cottage cheese, pumpkin seeds, almonds and 70% dark chocolate. This will prevent cravings for quick releasing sugary snacks and stimulants.
3 Reduce processed and sugary food and caffeinated drinks. These cause your blood sugar to surge. If you drink lots of tea and coffee during the day, try replacing some with water or herbal teas. Green tea is especially good for blood sugar control – it contains some caffeine but also helps blood sugar control
Work out where your weak points are and start there. If you always grab a chocolate bar or a bun mid-afternoon at work, try taking something with you, for example a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts, some oatcakes with cottage cheese or rice cakes with hummus. If you want some recipes ideas for some healthy option sweet snacks then contact me at heather@improvenutrition.co.uk or call on 07748533369