Living with hypoglycemia can be very challenging when it comes to knowing what foods to eat, when to eat them and how to control portions. Whenever food is consumed, your body jumps into action breaking down and distributing the nutrients needed to keep you going. With hypoglycemia, your food affects your blood glucose level at a much faster pace than normal and can alter your weight, energy level and your body's ability to function properly.
Starting off your day
When attempting to control your hypoglycemia, selecting foods that do not affect your blood glucose level by causing it to rise quickly and then fall to unsafe levels is vital. Nutrient-rich foods that fall into this category at breakfast time consist of whole grain oatmeal and cereals; fruits high in fiber like apples and strawberries; lean protein found in eggs; and skim milk. Whole grains and lean protein are needed because they take more effort to break down, thus sustaining you longer. Fiber helps regulate your digestive system. Breakfast seems to be the meal that many people neglect but for someone with hypoglycemia, skipping it is not an option. Fueling your body early after a night of fasting helps stave off feelings of weakness, headaches, unclear thinking and potential weight gain.
High noon
Many seemingly harmless foods can aggravate your hypoglycemic condition. Some foods to steer clear of include simple sugars, such as items made with white or bleached flour; dried fruit; and food containing high fructose corn syrup. Consuming these foods can send your body into overdrive, producing an unnecessary amount of insulin and causing your blood glucose level to plummet. This can be a challenge around lunchtime when you may be eating out. Select items such as baked or grilled chicken breast for your low-fat lean protein, brown rice or whole wheat pasta as your healthy carbohydrate, and a steamed green vegetable for added fiber. Alcohol and caffeine also have a negative effect on your blood sugar level, so limit or eliminate them from your diet, recommends Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, specialists in the health and diseases of the digestive system.
Your evening meal
Like most people, you probably eat your biggest meal at dinner. Be mindful of portion size because eating large amounts of food in one sitting can result in a negative effect on your blood sugar. When planning your evening meal, choose foods like pan-seared or broiled fish, mixed greens salad and a baked potato. Keep an eye on your condiments; salad dressing can contain hidden sugar content, so choose one with a vinaigrette base and add only a small amount of seasoning to your potato. Beverages are subject to hidden sugar as well so drink water whenever possible.
Snack time
Planned snacks are typically needed to keep you going in between meals and prevent overeating or unhealthy food choices. Examples include an apple and nuts; peanut butter on whole wheat toast; hummus on ezekiel bread; or Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
Member Comments