A Rollercoaster of Feelings…
If you’ve ever experienced a sudden burst of energy and feel good feels, followed by a crash or feelings of irritability and stress after eating something sugary, you’re not alone. The connection between blood sugar and mood is real, and understanding it can help you improve your health and overall well-being.
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our bodies, and they are essential for proper functioning of our brain and organs. When we eat a meal, our body digests the food and releases glucose (from carbohydrates) into the bloodstream. In response, the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by moving excess glucose from the bloodstream into our cells.
High sugar foods can cause our blood sugar levels to spike and then drop rapidly. This drop in blood sugar can cause a range of symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, and fatigue. Drops in blood sugar can also result when we do not eat enough throughout the day.
What can you do to regulate your blood sugar and improve your mood?
Here are some tips to get started:
1. Eat balanced meals and snacks. When we include fiber, protein, and fat with meals, we improve our blood sugar regulation. Balanced meals also help with experiencing satiety and satisfaction after eating. The nutrients we get from balanced meals provide sustained energy throughout the day. If you need ideas for balanced meals and snacks, sign up for our newsletter (sign up at the bottom of this page)!
2. Eat enough throughout the day. Blood sugar levels can drop if we have not eaten enough throughout the day. There are many ways our bodies signal to us that we need food. Fatigue, irritability, and even headaches can be a signal we need to eat something! Waiting too long to eat can cause larger swings in blood sugar. Be sure to tune in to your hunger cues throughout the day.
3. Engage in physical activity regularly. Regular movement can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve your mood. Consider for a moment the types of movement you enjoy. Dancing, gardening, bike riding, cleaning, cooking, running, yoga, and hiking are all forms of movement. A high-intensity exercise class is not your only option for physical activity. There are many forms of movement, and variety keeps things interesting!
4. Stay hydrated. Hydration status can impact blood sugar levels and mood. Making sure to drink enough water throughout the day can result in increased alertness and energy.
In conclusion, the connection between blood sugar and mood is real, and understanding it can help you make sense of what you might be experiencing. By incorporating more balance and paying attention to how you feel, you can better regulate your blood sugar levels and improve your mood.
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