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SOCIAL MEDIA

Dealin' with Hypoglycemia

Thursday, May 19, 2016

A few months ago I started noticing that my hunger really changed. It would come on instantly, and instead of a normal rumbly stomach, my face would flush with heat, I felt dizzy, nauseous and start shaking. Instinct would take over and I'd just start reaching for anything to eat. I'm not pregnant, this isn't just being hangry, and it's not just a metabolism change-this was something really different. 

After I talked to my mom about it (moms know everything) she mentioned that hypoglycemia and diabetes run in my family on both sides. I was actually kind of offended by that suggestion, because I eat well and I exercise a ton-no way could I have that kind of problem. That's when my education began! You can be the fittest person in the world, but your genetics can still play a huge part in your health.

The internet is a crazy place full of conflicting information, so I did what research I could and met with a nutritionist. After a few weeks of experimenting I wanted to share what I've learned about my body and how my relationship with food has changed. 


one// Plan Ahead
To begin with, I have had to change how I think about food. My meals used to be an afterthought. I'd eat when I got a chance. I never ate horribly, but now I'm thinking about what my meals consist of and I'm watching the clock to make sure I don't even have a chance to get hungry. My biggest drops usually happen in the morning-so now instead of eating breakfast last, it's now my first to-do in the morning. 

two// Each Day is Different
Many suggest having 6 small meals a day, instead of 3. This just doesn't work for my lifestyle! Instead I'm having 3 well thought out meals and carrying a small snack in case I get hungry. Each day will be different because our bodies are always fluctuating and our activity levels change. 

three// Carbs/Fiber/Protein
The main tip my nutritionist gave me is when I eat carbs (whether simple or complex) eat them along with protein and fiber. Simple carbs especially will lead to a drop in sugar, so we need to eat them along with something substantial that will keep you full longer. 

four// Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Both alcohol and caffeine can cause drops in sugar, so if you do consume them do so with something else. I don't drink a lot of alcohol, but I do love a cup of hot tea everyday-so now I make sure to have my cup along with breakfast instead of by itself.

five// Track and Monitor
Each person is different, so we all have to experiment with what works for us. The best way to do that is to track what your eating and notice how it affects you. https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/ is an awesome tool for tracking. 

I've been experimenting a ton in the last few weeks, and I wanted to share one of my meal plans on a day that I never felt a single symptom:

Breakfast: Avocado Toast topped with 2 over-medium eggs with a side of watermelon. (so yummy and this kept me full all morning!)
Lunch: Mediterranean Hummus Wrap that included hummus, mashed avocado, red pepper, cucumber, shredded carrots, feta topped with oregano, basil, salt/pepper and oil/vinegar.(this is a vegetarian option, but you could easily add chicken for more protein)   
Snack before Workout: 2 sliced bananas and a tablespoon of natural peanut butter (peanut butter is my lifesaver!)
Dinner: Rice Bowls that included brown rice, black beans, grilled chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo and shredded cheese. (this is a favorite dinner anyway, but now I love that it has a lot of protein and I can add lots of veggies. Rice is a carb, but you're eating it along with something else)

I've had such a learning curve. One day I had such a good breakfast and took a detour into a store before lunch and got so sick in the store-I should have just gone right into the restaurant to pick up my lunch. I am working on not giving myself a chance to get hungry, but also not over eating. It takes a lot of balance and thinking ahead! 

Leave me a comment: Have you ever had to deal with hypoglycemia? What works for you? Have you ever been frustrated when your body rebels against you? 


**Obligatory Disclaimer! I'm not a doctor! Everyone needs to make their own health decisions and meet with professionals for diagnosis and treatment**

3 comments

  1. As a child, if I didn't eat right when I woke up I would be soooo sick. Sleeping all night was too long for me to go without food. Lol. It got better after I had kids but recently has gotten bad again. But I rarely leave the house without snacks so usually I'm covered. Everyone in our family deals with hypoglycemia to a certain extent. My aunt jokes that there is never any danger of starving when we are around. We either have food or are looking for food. Always.

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  2. I love these tips! I definitely struggle with this as well. It got worse during my pregnancies and that taught me to have a high protein snack on hand always! I always keep bananas or granola bars around for mornings I have to run out the door because if I don't eat I feel like I'm going to die. For snacks I usually have a yogurt or a cheese stick. We always keep snacks on hand anyway because, well kids. Diabetes is not something to mess around with, I've cut out caffeine and most sugars to prevent catching that genetic curse!

    hashtagsummertimeblog.com

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  3. I've been dealing with this since I was 11. I agree with you, you have to be Balanced when it comes to food. when I was young and had lows I would eat a lot whenever and gained a lot of weight doing that...but then 7 years ago i went to a personal trainer/nutritist who helped retrain my brain so to speak lost 30lbs and now I know what to eat...I still have bouts of lows but knowing how to control your eating is key...always have protein on you...peanut butter is a life saver lol...

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Hi friends! I'm Kristen, and this is the Life and Style of an early 30's Floridian living the Best Life Ever, with her husband and three pugs. Runner | Avid Reader | Small Shop Owner

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