1. Go Low-Carb for Glucose
Hypoglycemia (HG) affects the glucose levels of certain individuals, causing them to become ill from low blood sugar. Typically, low blood sugar is caused by choosing the wrong foods for hypoglycemia, or eating too infrequently. Carbohydrates play a crucial role in controlling the effects of hypoglycemia> The ingestion of "simple carbs" (such as white bread and baked goods) can make the person ill, whereas the ingestion of "complex carbs" (whole grains, vegetables, and brown rice) is encouraged for maintaining the right glucose levels. The Atkins Diet provides tremendous dietary benefits for hypoglycemia because it is built entirely around eating a diet free of carbohydrates. In order to combine the Atkins diet with a hypoglycemic diet, it s important to understand three crucial components of the plan: abide by the Atkins diet, choose the right carbohydrates, and watch your fat intake.
2. Atkins All the Way
The book "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution," by Robert C. Atkins, M.D., details the benefits of a low-carb diet on weight loss and lifestyle. The Atkins Diet introduces 4 phases in its plan: Phase 1 (Induction), Phase 2 (Ongoing Weight Loss), Phase 3 (Pre-Maintenance), and Phase 4 (Lifetime Maintenance). At the start of the Atkins diet, Dr. Atkins stresses eating as much as needed of acceptable low-carb foods, including almost all fish, fowl, shellfish, meat, and eggs. In addition, Atkins stresses salad greens, vegetables that are low in glycemic index, and small amounts of fine cheese. Phase 2 introduces additional nuts, seeds, and fruits, and further phases add starchy vegetables, legumes, and specific grains. All of these factors are important for hypoglycemics because eliminating simple carbohydrate sources (such as bread, pasta, and cereals) can prevent the triggering of negative symptoms. Furthermore, avoiding foods high in glycemic index is also recommended for hypoglycemia to maintain steady glucose levels.
3. Get Grains Safely
The great benefit of the Atkins Diet for hypoglycemic eating is that the carbohydrates eventually prescribed during "maintenance phases" are complex, grain-driven sources (such as quinoa, millet, and whole-wheat cereals), which are all safe for low blood sugar. In fact, the Atkins "food pyramid" for lifelong followers is similar to that recommend for hypoglycemia: a base of proteins as the most important, followed in descending order by vegetables, fruit, cheese, dairy, nuts, and whole-grain carbohydrates as the smallest percentage. The Atkins Diet also recommends strict avoidance of alcohol and caffeine, which is highly beneficial to hypoglycemia.
4. Watch Those Fats
If following the Atkins Diet for hypoglycemic eating, keep in mind that the Atkins plan recommends all forms of protein as the staple of the diet. However, this includes red meats, pork, and bacon, all of which are not recommended for low-fat eating (as suggested for hypoglycemia). Aim to keep the majority of protein sources lean white meats, such as poultry and fish, and substitute soft, fatty cheeses and full-fat dairy for skim or non-fat versions. In the end, the lifelong avoidance of sugary products, simple carbohydrates, and processed foods advised by Dr. Atkins is of great benefit to those with hypoglycemia, and the diet can be a boon to the newly diagnosed.
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