How to manage your blood sugars (and why managing them is a good thing!)

by Allison Tallman on

Managing your blood sugars is important for many reasons. One of the main reasons for the everyday individual is that it gives us the energy that we need each day. On a more serious note, regulating our blood sugar is important to prevent long term health concerns. Today, we’ll talk about what your blood sugars are, the basics behind managing then, and how Pure Plates healthy meal prep options can have a role in optimizing your health and daily blood sugar levels. 

Blood sugar basics

Blood sugar is also known as glucose. We won’t get too scientific today, but know that glucose is the body’s main energy source. We get it from sugar and in carbs, such as sweets, breads, fruit, and grains. When we consume foods with sugar, the sugar goes into our bloodstream. This is where insulin comes into play. Insulin regulates the sugar in our cells to be used as fuel.

When we eat too much sugar or certain sugar sources that spike our blood sugar more rapidly, our blood sugar goes out of control. Certain foods, such as cookies or candy, cause a dramatic spike followed by a crash. This can leave us feeling exhausted and craving more sugar than before. 

How to check blood sugar or know if blood sugar is high

For those with diabetes, using a blood sugar meter (glucometer) or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is used for blood sugar levels. For those without diabetes, seeing your provider and getting annual lab work done is recommended to monitor overall health.

 

High blood sugar can be recognized by inconsistent energy levels, excessive thirst or hunger, and frequent urination.

Why high blood sugar is a bad thing

A diet high in sugar can lead to insulin resistance. This means that our body responds poorly to the effects of insulin, and we’re unable to make energy. Insulin resistance can lead to pre-diabetes, diabetes, weight gain, inflammation, and more. Slightly high sugar is referred to as prediabetes (don’t self-diagnosis this though, go see your provider!). According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 80% of people with pre-diabetes don’t even know that they have it.

When your blood sugar levels keep getting worse, diabetes becomes a concern. Common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, blurry vision, or extreme thirst or hunger. Another thing to not self-diagnosis, see your provider if you have any of these symptoms. 

High blood sugar is a negative thing for the everyday individual because of the energy fluctuations it gives us. Instead of having a constant stream of energy, blood sugar spikes cause us to feel energized and then crash. This can impact our ability to work or our sleeping levels.

How to keep your blood sugar under control

Fortunately, sticking to healthy eating can keep blood sugar under control! First, starting your day with a healthy, nourishing breakfast can help to energize and fuel your day properly. Pure Plates offers a full breakfast menu to start your day off strong. Some of our favorites are the Cage Free Breakfast, the Meat Lovers Scramble, or the Rise and Shine Bowl. 

Choosing real, whole food instead of highly processed foods can also be beneficial for blood sugar control. Whole foods means consuming foods that are minimally processed and are packed with nutrients. Pure Plates provides these options to you by providing healthy prepared meals delivered straight to your door.

A little more about what’s in some of the healthy meals at Pure Plates: 

  • Fresh and organically sourced produce
  • Low allergens
  • Clean meats
  • Gluten-free foods
  • Diet friendly
  • Non-GMO grains
  • No butters or processed oils
  • No added sugars or sweeteners

When eating with Pure Plates, you’ll feel less stressed about healthy eating – and your blood sugars will thank you!

 

Choosing foods with fiber can be another way to manage blood sugar levels. Foods such a whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and seeds are foods high in fiber. Fibrous foods slow down how we utilize sugar, therefore keeping our levels more stable. These foods also keep us full so we’re less likely to rely on sugary foods. Pure Plates can help you to consume more fiber in your diet by providing you a plan for your health with our meal plans. These meal plans are easy to follow and there are also personalized plans available. Learn more about our meal plans here.

Regardless of your long-term health goals, managing blood sugar levels should be a top priority for your overall health. Inconsistent blood sugar levels may lead to weight gain, inflammation, or diabetes. Choosing real, whole foods with Pure Plates is a great starting place for blood sugar regulation. Learn more about our newest menu items here.