Do you want to feel more in control of your emotions and what you eat?
Do you feel like you are on a roller coaster of emotions and energy each day? Sugar cravings? Hangry? Low energy and jittery?
Let me help…
Today I’m here to help you guys understand and manage a body process that probably has the biggest impact on the way you feel and the foods you crave.
That process is blood sugar regulation.
In your body you have a small amount of sugar in your blood all the time and maintaining a stable blood sugar level is one of the body’s most essential tasks. It is essential because blood sugar is the primary energy source for your cells. Accordingly, a blood sugar level too high or too low can be life-threatening.
Blood sugar is especially important for your brain as it is its main energy source. This is also why changes in blood sugar levels can play havoc with your emotions and energy - too much and you are hyper, too little and you are tired, faint and irritable…
So what blood sugar level should we aim for?
Well, would it surprise you if I told you that the amount of sugar in your blood is one teaspoon? Yup, ONE teaspoon in 5 litres of blood!
This is why nutrition can be such a powerful tool to control your mood and emotions. If you can make food choices to help the body maintain a stable blood sugar, then you can avoid the cravings, irritability, lethargy and jitters that blood sugar swings can cause.
To demonstrate how your choices can affect your blood sugar, let’s look at two typical British breakfasts:
1. Scrambled egg on toast with a cup of tea 2. A bowl of cereal with a glass of orange juice
The scrambled egg on toast with tea contains around ONE teaspoon of sugar.
The cereal and orange juice contains up to a whopping THIRTEEN teaspoons of sugar! (So many that I ran out of teaspoons when filming and had to borrow some from a neighbour!)
Imagine the different effects these two breakfasts might have on you. The egg on toast is primed to keep you stable and energised, whilst the juice and cereal could cause big swings in blood sugar and do the same for your energy and mood.
So how do you stabilise your blood sugar level and have consistent energy and moods?
Here’s 3 things you can start with...
First of all, just start by being mindful of the amount of sugar in the foods you eat and choose alternatives lower in sugar. You can do this by reading the nutritional label or asking Dr Google.
Secondly, check that you are eating at regular intervals (roughly every 4 hours) as leaving too long between eating can also destabilise blood sugar, affecting your emotions and energy.
Finally, aim to get a serving of protein in each of your main meals that is roughly the size of your palm - around 25g+ of protein. This is important because, protein is broken down slowly in the body; keeping you fuller for longer and helping to stabilise your blood sugar.
So banish the hangry beast and feel focussed and energised by: * Reducing your sugar intake * Eating regularly * Building meals around a healthy amount of protein
If you need help to get started, check out the recipes on my blog or my facebook page. https://www.nickcroxford.com/resources
Alternatively, you can book an appointment with me for personalised help and advice. https://www.nickcroxford.com/work-with-me-2
If you have any questions on this article, please leave them in the comments below and I'll answer you. If this video was helpful, please give me a thumbs up and a share.
Until next time stay healthy folks.
DISCLAIMER This does not constitute medical advice or dietary recommendations specific to you and your situation. If you have a medical condition, consult a healthcare practitioner before making dietary changes.
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