If you find yourself frequently reaching for the candy bowl mid day, it may be a sign your blood sugar is out of whack. Your blood sugar level is the amount of glucose that’s circulating in your bloodstream. Glucose comes from the foods you eat and is used throughout the body as a source of energy for your cells. In fact, the brain depends on glucose to function.
Well-balanced blood sugar levels are crucial for regulating hormones, burning fat, and increasing metabolism to lose weight. If you get too much glucose, perhaps in the form of baked goods or sugary cereals, your body stores it as fat. Not getting enough can also cause you to put on pounds since low levels can force the body into starvation mode. If you find yourself craving sugar or reaching for that second cup of coffee just to make it through the day, it may be a sign your blood sugar is out of balance. Luckily there’s a lot you can do, starting with your diet.
Munch on these 5 foods throughout the day to maintain healthy glucose levels.
Greens. Spinach, kale, chard, broccoli–these foods are loaded with fiber which is integral for balancing blood sugar. Incorporate something green into every meal. When sugar cravings hit, try noshing on something green before giving in. As blood sugar begins to level, you’re more likely to make healthful decisions.
Protein.
Wild caught fish, free-range beef, and eggs are excellent sources of blood stabilizing protein. Try to eat at least 4 to 6 ounces twice a day for blood sugar balance.
Whole Grains.
Ditch the processed carbohydrates which are known to spike blood sugar. Essentially, this is any food that uses flour. Instead opt for protein-rich whole grains like quinoa and amaranth which sustain energy without the subsequent sugar crash.
Nuts
. Keep a jar of nuts on your desk which are a great source of fiber, healthy fat and protein.
Beans.
Beans are high in fiber, low in fat and a good source of protein. If you’re not a fan, try mashing and eating with veggies in a dip. Soaking beans overnight will shorten cooking time and make them easier for your body to digest.
