Hypoglycemia symptoms include feelings of dizziness, sleepiness, weakness or confusion resulting from below-normal blood glucose levels. As a hypoglycemic adolescent, you need to be aware of diets that prevent you from experiencing these negative effects. Taking special precautions in diet planning is necessary so that your blood glucose levels stay balanced. Including healthy food options, planning meals in advance and snacking frequently is helpful when living with this condition.
Frequency of Meals
In order to prevent dangerous decreases in blood glucose levels, you need to constantly fuel your body. Consuming five to six small meals throughout your day assists in keeping your blood glucose levels steady. Planning these meals in advance decreases the likelihood that you will skip a meal, which may result in a blood glucose crash. Eating every few hours keeps your levels elevated and your energy levels high. Incorporating well-balanced diet options contributes to maintaining these levels and benefiting your overall health.
Complex Carbohydrate Diet
Carbohydrate foods include both simple and complex sources. Simple carbohydrates, such as candy, soft drinks and white bread, are composed of sugars that raise blood sugar levels rapidly, followed by a sugar crash. Complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, multi-grain bread and whole-wheat pasta, contain larger amounts of fiber that keep blood sugar levels steady, helping to reduce cravings. Consistency in blood glucose levels is beneficial for concentration in school, energy in activities and overall well being.
High-Fiber Diet
Fiber is found in most complex carbohydrate foods, including fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, multi-grain cereals and legumes. Fiber slows glucose absorption in your body, balancing your blood glucose levels. It also slows digestion, helping you stay fuller for longer amounts of time. Gradually introduce fiber into your diet by making your sandwiches with whole-wheat bread instead of white bread, cooking whole-wheat pasta instead of white pasta and adding beans to salads and soups.
Reduced-Sugar Diet
Sugars are classified as simple carbohydrate foods which break down quickly into glucose, supplying trace amounts of nutrients. They are found in refined products, such as baked goods, candy and desserts, and also in sodas and beverages. Consuming simple carbohydrate foods is dangerous to your body and causes an imbalance in your blood glucose levels. Healthy alternatives include whole-grain cereal, vegetables and hummus, air-popped popcorn, trail mix and yogurt.
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