Is your blood sugar balanced? 6 tips to help if not

The Blood sugar rollercoaster 🎢

Ever feel like your energy's on a wild ride? One minute, you’re buzzing; the next, you’re crashing and craving carbs. That’s the blood sugar rollercoaster.

It usually starts with a high-carb or sugary meal (think pastry for breakfast!) Your blood sugar spikes, you feel great for an hour or two, and then boom: the crash. 

Cue tiredness, irritability, and a desperate hunt for snacks. Sound familiar?

What's the fix? 

Balance meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre to keep things steady. Swap the pastry for eggs and avocado on whole-grain toast. Add nuts or hummus to your afternoon snack. Small changes, big difference.

Your body (and your mood) will thank you.

Smart snack swaps 🍎

Got sugar cravings? Don’t panic - snack smarter! Here are some ideas to keep blood sugar stable, energy up, and cravings down.

• Swap chocolate for 70%+ dark chocolate
  You’ll still get the satisfaction but without the sugar crash.

• Trade crisps for nuts + seeds
  Crunchy, salty, and packed with healthy fats to keep you full.

• Choose plain Greek yoghurt with berries
  Less sugar, more protein, and antioxidants.

• Sip kombucha instead of fizzy drinks
  A little sweetness, lots of gut-friendly probiotics (make sure you read the label though)

And ALWAYS add protein and healthy fats to every snack for extra blood sugar support! Think apple with almond butter or boiled eggs with avocado.

Cravings aren’t about willpower. They’re your body asking for balance. So snack smarter and feel better!

Healthy blood sugar snacks

Need a snack that hits the spot without sending your blood sugar on a rollercoaster? Here are some go-to options that keep energy steady and cravings in check:

• Apple with Almond Butter: Fibre, healthy fats, and a little sweetness

• Boiled Eggs with Avocado: Protein + fats = staying power

• Greek Yogurt with Berries and Chia: Creamy, crunchy, and antioxidant-rich.

• Hummus with Veggie Sticks: Fibre-packed and satisfying.

• 70%+ Dark Chocolate and Nuts: Sweet, but blood sugar friendly.

The trick? Always pair carbs with protein or fats. It slows the sugar spike and keeps you fuller for longer. 

For more healthy snacks and inspiration, check out my website (link in bio)

Avoiding sugar cravings 🙅♀️

You know that 3 pm sugar craving? It’s not just "habit"; it’s your body crying out for fuel. Here’s how to stay one step ahead of your cravings:

• Eat Balanced Meals
  Protein, fats, and fibre at every meal keep glucose steady.
   

• Stay Hydrated
  Dehydration can feel like hunger.

• Prioritise Sleep
  Poor sleep = more sugar cravings. Fact.
   

• Move After Meals
  A 10-minute walk lowers post-meal blood sugar.
   

• Smart Snacking
  Apple with nut butter beats a biscuit every SINGLE time.

Cravings aren’t about willpower; they’re about balance. Support your body, and as if by magic, the cravings calm down.

Is your blood sugar a problem? 🚩

Blood sugar imbalance isn’t just about diabetes - it shows up in subtle ways. If this sounds like you, drop me a line because we should talk.

• Mid-morning or afternoon slumps - Energy crashes a couple of hours after eating? It’s often a sign of unstable blood sugar.

• Sugar cravings after meals - If you’re desperate for something sweet after lunch, your glucose probably spiked and dropped quickly.

• Feeling hangry between meals - That shaky, irritable feeling means your body’s crying out for stable energy.

• Weight gain around the middle - Insulin resistance can lead to stubborn belly fat, even without overeating.

If you see these signs, it’s worth exploring diet, lifestyle… and maybe a bit of testing. Blood sugar balance is about feeling good, not just about numbers on a lab report. 

Blood testing know-how

Are you thinking about testing for blood sugar issues? It’s not just for diabetics. Here’s what to look for:

• Fasting Glucose - Ideal is under 5.5 mmol/L. Higher? It might be time to investigate further.

• HbA1c - Reflects 2-3 months of blood sugar control. The goal is to reach below 42 mmol/mol.

• Fasting Insulin - Elevated levels can flag insulin resistance before glucose changes.

• HOMA-IR: A great way to assess insulin sensitivity.

Testing helps uncover patterns you might not notice day-to-day. It’s about getting the complete picture to support your health now and in the future.

If you are worried about your blood sugar, always reach out to your GP!

Want help with optimising your nutrition and lifestyle?

I'd love to help you start to optimise these, targeted at what you want to change. Check out my Essentials Power Hour and let's get started.