Effective ways to cut down on sugar intake

A generous helping of dessert is considered the perfect conclusion to a sumptuous meal. But the next time you head toward the dessert counter after a meal, think about the perils of excessive sugar intake. A whopping 11.3% of the population in the country suffers from diabetes, reflecting the predominance of unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle patterns. On the bright side, some basic tips and tricks can help you maintain your sugar levels effectively:
Cut down on carbs
The body converts carbohydrates to glucose, which is stored and utilized with the help of insulin. Consequently, excessive consumption of carbohydrates can cause a spike in sugar levels. Regulating your carb intake can help you lower blood sugar and increase metabolic rate. However, it is not advisable to eliminate carbohydrates, as they contain many essential nutrients. Small portions of carbohydrates and more proportions of protein and other nutrients in your meal plan can help regulate blood sugar.
Exercise portion control
Overeating is one of the leading causes of autoimmune diseases like type-2 diabetes, cholesterol, and heart problems. It is a good idea to measure your portion size and practice portion-control strategies like using smaller plates, avoiding leftover foods, and reading food labels carefully.
Consume foods rich in micronutrients
Research has demonstrated that micronutrients play a crucial role in controlling blood sugar and managing diabetes. For instance, chromium – found in foods like grapes, egg yolks, and whole grains – is one of the micronutrients contributing significantly to blood-sugar regulation. Moreover, individuals with diabetes experience acute loss of zinc through urination; consequently, the body must be replenished with adequate levels of zinc derived from foods like oysters, almonds, cashews, mushrooms, and leafy greens. Other micronutrients that can help with controlling blood sugar include magnesium, calcium, and selenium.
Up the fiber intake
Having a fiber-rich meal is often recommended to control diabetes. However, the type of fiber being consumed also plays an integral role in determining your metabolic rate. It helps to consume fibrous foods like oats, beans, barley, Brussel sprouts, avocados, whole grains, and bananas to control your blood sugar levels and other lifestyle conditions like cholesterol. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, recommends an intake of 22-34 grams of fiber per day.
Regulate your sleep cycle
Less sleep can increase insulin resistance and cause hunger pangs, increasing one’s appetite and contributing to lifestyle diseases. Even partial sleep deprivation is associated with blood sugar imbalance, as the body’s cortisol levels shoot up, leading to an increase in glucose levels. Lack of sleep also contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased C-reactive protein concentrations, all leading to a spike in blood sugar. Making certain basic lifestyle changes like avoiding late-night work, staying away from gadgets at night, and sleeping in a dark, comfortable room can help improve sleep quality and duration. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 7-9 hours of sleep is ideal for an average adult.
Stay hydrated
According to studies, consumption of less than half a liter of water per day is linked with increased susceptibility to high blood-sugar levels. Moreover, replacing other beverages with plain drinking water can help reduce insulin resistance and manage diabetes effectively. It can also help eliminate excess glucose through urination.
Have a protein-rich breakfast
A protein-rich breakfast is a perfect start to your day and a definitive strategy to prevent blood-sugar spikes. Research suggests that breakfasts containing approximately 39 grams of protein are associated with lower blood sugar levels. Eggs in some form, such as poached, scrambled, or boiled eggs, dairy and dairy products, sausages, bacon, soy and tofu, and boiled chickpeas, are high-protein healthy breakfasts you can explore.
Identify and eliminate stressors
Although stress does not directly cause diabetes, it can significantly contribute to increased blood sugar and accompanying health conditions like cholesterol and blood pressure. It is imperative to identify factors that lead to high-stress levels, including work hours, family responsibilities, and household chores, and find ways to eliminate or control these elements. For instance, individuals with long work hours must change jobs or switch to part-time employment, whereas those burdened with household chores must employ staff members to perform these tasks.
Stay physically active
The American Diabetes Association recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of regular moderate-intensity aerobics daily for a healthy lifestyle. Some of the best moderate-intensity exercises include walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, dancing, aerobics, and resistance training. Moreover, a 2016 review suggests that yoga contributes to the management of blood-sugar levels among individuals with type-2 diabetes.
Avoid fast food
Fast foods contain high levels of saturated fats, sugar, and salt, which can promote insulin resistance and increase your blood sugar levels. Consuming fast food is one of the primary causes of type-2 diabetes. It helps to swap your late-night restaurant order with a simple, home-cooked meal to ensure a balanced and wholesome meal.
Be attuned to any intolerances
Individuals with diabetes and other autoimmune diseases may have intolerances, such as gluten or lactose intolerance. In such cases, having foods containing these proteins can increase blood sugar levels and cause problems with the metabolic rate. It helps to stay attuned to intolerances and eliminate such foods from your meals. You can also find interesting and healthy substitutes for these foods; for example, individuals with gluten intolerance may switch to gluten-free breads, whereas those who are lactose intolerant may replace regular milk with soy or almond milk. It is important to ensure that the substitute for these foods also provides you with adequate nutrients.
Following a balanced meal plan rich in essential nutrients and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is half the battle won for patients with diabetes. Controlling your blood sugar is an everyday effort, and basic lifestyle changes can pave the way for a healthy life.