Did you know that blood sugar imbalances can affect your mood? Riding steep rises and falls of your blood sugar can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and even anxiety and depression. Hop off the blood sugar roller coaster with these 3 tips to balance your blood sugar and support your mental health.
#1 Eat Balanced Meals & Snacks
Aim to include a mix of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein in each meal and snack. This combination of nutrients helps slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes. In my nutrition practice, I have found that my clients have had the hardest time integrating enough protein. Make sure you find protein sources that you enjoy and feel easy to integrate, whether it is animal or plant based.
#2 Move Your Booty!
Regular exercise can help balance blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. Insulin is the hormone that helps transport glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells for energy. By increasing insulin sensitivity, exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall mental health.
Another blood sugar & movement tip: go for a brief walk (15 min) after a carbohydrate heavy meal. This is a great way for your muscles to use excess glucose and inhibit a steep glucose spike.
#3 Find Ways to Destress
Many people are surprised to learn that blood sugar spikes can be caused by factors other than food. Stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise by increasing the release of the stress hormone cortisol. Find stress management practices that work for you, such as gardening, making art, or yoga. Doing something that gets you into a meditative state doesn’t necessarily have to be sit down meditation!
Mental Health Awareness Month is around the corner. Check out my featured mental health workshops designed to help your corporate team connect and improve their mental health all while enjoying tasty treats.
