People with diabetes understand the importance of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. But even if you don’t have diabetes, it’s critical that you take steps each day to prevent dips and spikes, as they can make a profound impact on your everyday life. If you want to feel your best, accomplish your goals, and lead a happier overall life, then consider these easy tips from Real Food Bar for managing your blood sugar:
Understand the Impact
If you allow highs and lows in your blood sugar levels too frequently, it not only can make you feel lousy but also increase your risk of chronic disease and other severe health issues. Your body needs to use a certain amount of sugar (glucose) each day in order for you to maintain proper energy levels. But if your blood sugar is too high, it can put you at risk for stroke and heart disease. And if you leave your high blood sugar unaddressed, it can eventually lead to kidney failure, blindness, and an array of other problems.
Common symptoms of blood sugar inconsistencies include excessive thirst, exhaustion, and frequent urination. You may even notice that your vision is impaired. And allowing your blood sugar to drop too low can also cause problems, including weakness, dizziness, mood changes, clumsiness.
Establish an Exercise Routine
One of the most practical ways you can ensure that your blood sugar remains at a healthy level is to create an exercise routine that you can stick to for the long haul. And these days, there is no shortage of physical activities that you can engage in without spending a lot of money. For instance, you could run in your neighborhood or at a local park. If you enjoy weightlifting, you could join a fitness center for only a few dollars a month.
More and more people are realizing the benefits of exercising at home. There are many online resources that you can access for free or for a nominal fee, including workout programs, streamed classes, yoga videos, and more. And you can work out no matter how small your home is. For example, if you live in a small apartment, you could carve out a spot in your living room for yoga, weightlifting, or HIIT movements. You might also see if your apartment offers a swimming pool, gym, or other facility that encourages physical activity.
Eat More Veggies and Fruits
This should come as no surprise because vegetables and fruits are generally some of the healthiest foods you can eat. But when it comes to your blood sugar, fiber-rich, non-starchy veggies like carrots, broccoli, and cucumber are particularly helpful in maintaining consistent levels. And if you want a sweet treat, opt for fruit in lieu of processed or fatty carbs.
Choose Whole Grains
While all carbohydrates can be dangerous for your blood sugar levels if not eaten in moderation, it is best to go with whole grains when you do eat them. Foods like rye, oat bran, and barley are rich in fiber and also have beta-glucans. It takes your stomach longer to empty after eating foods with this type of fiber, which also helps to moderate your blood sugar levels.
Keep Healthy Snacks Around
Finally, you don’t want to skip meals, as that is one of the fastest ways to experience a dip or spike in your blood sugar. Instead, always have healthy snacks nearby so that you can munch anytime you are hungry.
Nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.) are excellent snacks because of the healthy fats they contain, though you should only eat them in moderation. And of course, it’s always a good idea to have a Real Food Bar around—from chocolate sea salt to peanut butter to cherry cashew, we have a variety of delicious health bars that can help you maintain your blood sugar!
You don’t have to have diabetes to suffer the consequences of fluctuating blood sugar levels. Consider the tips above to keep your blood sugar consistent, and keep looking for other ways that you can create a steady exercise routine and diet. You will feel much better and ready to crush your goals and lead a happy-around life!
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