A Balancing Act: Avoiding Blood Sugar Highs and Woes

This week's guest blog post is brought to you by Amy Longard, Registered Holistic Nutritionist.  

Have you ever noticed that your mood takes a turn for the worse if you skip a meal? Do you ever feel tired, lethargic or just plain cranky in the afternoon? If you've experienced this, you'll know that it's not enjoyable for you or for those around you. A good way to avoid these unpleasant situations is to fuel up on foods that keep your blood sugar balanced. Making smart choices will not only improve your health, but also your mood, energy levels, creativity, and memory. Below I’ll tell you about how our food choices can impact our blood sugar balance and how to avoid the dreaded highs and lows. 

Our brains require glucose to function properly. When blood sugar (blood glucose) drops too low you'll notice changes in cognition and mood. You may experience impaired memory, irritability, slowed thinking, or even feelings of depression. For example, if you consume a lot sugary foods your blood sugar levels will spike. When this happens, your pancreas pumps out insulin to help regulate and store any excess glucose found in your blood. In this situation, the body often produces more insulin than needed and, all of a sudden, you've gone from very high blood sugar to very low blood sugar. What happens next? Lethargy, fatigue and cravings for sugary, sweet foods. At this point, you’ll reach for something sugary and sweet, and the cycle continues on. 

To prevent this emotional, psychological, and physiological roller coaster, focus your diet on healthy, whole proteins, carboh ydrates, and fats. Your meals should include lots of fresh produce (particularly vegetables; extra points for leafy greens), whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and good quality oils (like extra virgin olive oil and unrefined coconut oil). Why? Because these foods will nourish and satiate you by providing a balanced mix of vital micro and macronutrients. You'll feel full longer, you’ll be more energetic, and you’ll keep your blood sugar stable. 

Healthy snacks also are a great tool to help balance blood sugar. Having a little bite to eat both mid-morning and mid-afternoon will provide that little top up of glucose your brain needs to continue functioning at full capacity until your next meal. Some healthy snack options include a handful of trail mix, an apple, rice cakes with almond or peanut butter, granola and yogurt, or hummus with veggies. I’ve included one of my favorite snack recipes below. 

You’ll want to limit sugar, alcohol, and processed foods. In moderation, most of these things are okay, but be aware that they can trigger blood sugar irregularities. These products are very low in nutrients and high in calories, offering little to no health benefit, and leading to an instant spike in blood sugar. It’s okay to indulge from time to time, but balance is key. If you consume mostly healthy, whole foods your diet will contain m ore mood-boosting nutrients. You’ll also be healthier and happier, with balanced blood sugar to boot. 

Amy Longard, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) www.amylongard.com

Raw Zuccini Almond Dip

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add zucchini, almonds, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, spices, & olive oil to a high powered blender or food processor. Blend for a bit until the ingredients start to form an even consistency. If using a high powered blender, you’ll want to use a tamper to ensure that it blends evenly. For a food processor, you will have to stop regularly and scrape the sides. 

2. Stream in water & continue blending until you’ve reached a smooth consistency. Add more or less water (some like a smoother dip, others like it chunky) 

3. Serve with a splash of olive oil and a dash of paprika. Enjoy w/ cut-up vegetables, crackers, rice cakes or use as sandwich spread.
 

INGREDIENTS

 1 cup of zucchini, rough chopped. 
 1 cup of raw almonds w/ skin, soaked over night and rinsed. 
 1/4 cup tahini 
 1/4 cup lemon juice 
 1 tsp sea salt 
 1 tbsp cumin 
 1tsp whole black pepper corns 
 1 garlic clove 
 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
 1/4 cup water (or more depending on the desired consistency)