The amount of energy we have largely depends on our blood sugar levels. Having steady blood sugar levels means being able to maintain a steady mood, steady energy and a steady focus throughout the day.
The problem begins when a person’s blood sugar levels crash making them feel lethargic, forgetful and irritable.
To avoid this, it is important to only eat a healthy diet, providing the body with fiber, protein, healthy fats and most of all slow-burning, complex carbohydrates instead of simple carbs.
With these types of foods fueling the body, a person can expect a steady and regular rate of digestion as well as a steady supply of nutrients into the bloodstream for sustained energy for at least the next two or three hours.
Sugar Consumption Leads to a Sugar Crash
It is simplistic to assume that eating sugary foods will stop a sugar crash, however, they are the type of foods that set up the cycle that will cause a “sugar crash”, after the initial “sugar rush”.
A steady supply of energy cannot be achieved if a person is of the habit of eating fast-burning carbohydrates. High-GI, fast carbs are in found in foods such as candies, soft drinks, muffins, pancakes, bagels, cakes, crackers and cookies. These foods are called fast carbs because they are deficient in fiber, fat or protein that will help slow down the process of digestion.
Once ingested, these foods are quickly converted into sugar resulting in a spike of blood sugar levels. This spike in blood sugar levels is perceived by the body’s autonomous systems to be a metabolic emergency. Insulin is released to reduce the excess amount of sugar in the bloodstream as fast as possible.
This immediate reaction of the body causes blood sugar levels to drop to very low levels. This drop in blood sugar levels is what is referred to as the “sugar crash”.
This sugar crash leads to more cravings for simple carbohydrates and other sugary foods. If an individual keeps on yielding to their sugar cravings the vicious cycle of the sugar rush and then the sugar crash continues over and over again.
The person begins to suffer from a roller coaster ride of high energy and then none. This constant “spike and crash” routine of blood sugar levels also causes fatigue, weight gain and mood swings. Long-term, it is also a precursor for prediabetes, and ultimately type 2 diabetes.
How to Stop Blood Sugar Spikes
Putting an end to sugar cravings and sugar spikes not means firstly eliminating fast carbs. It also means shifting to eating the right foods at the right time.
Your body needs a steady supply of nutrients for sustained production of energy.
Eating foods high in fiber, protein, healthy fats and complex carbs, provides your body with the energy it needs. Instead of sugar snacking throughout the day, eat healthier meals that take longer to digest.
If you still need to snack, eat five smaller meals a day, rather than the regular three a day. Removing fast carbs and other sugary foods from your diet doesn’t mean you won’t have energy. By eating healthy, you will actually have more energy than ever before! Energy, moods and all-over health will improve.
