Feel Good Energy Series - Part 1: Bye-Bye Blood Sugar Rollercoaster
What is Blood Sugar Balance? (And Why You Actually Need to Care)
Let's cut to the chase: blood sugar balance is probably the most underrated health strategy that actually delivers results. As a functional nutritionist, I prioritize this with my clients because it impacts everything – your energy, mood, hormones, and long-term health. Think of it as the background system that either drains or optimizes your entire day.
Here's what you need to know: If your numbers hit these targets:
HbA1c: 5.2 or below
Fasting insulin: Less than 10
Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio: 1 or less
Triglycerides: Under 100
You're already ahead of the game. These aren't just random numbers – they're concrete indicators that your nutrition strategy is working. Meeting these markers typically means you've already figured out how to eat real food, move your body, and manage your schedule like the boss you are.
What Does "Balanced Blood Sugar" Actually Mean?
Think of your blood sugar like your email inbox – you want a steady flow, not a flood of messages followed by complete silence. Balanced blood sugar means your levels stay within a reasonable range after meals and return to baseline within 90 minutes. Unless you're using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), you might not see the real-time data, but your body is sending you clear signals.
Red flags that your blood sugar needs attention:
You get inexplicably irritable when hungry (yes, "hangry" is real)
That 3 PM energy crash hits like clockwork
Stress or anxiety spikes when you're hungry
You can't leave for a meeting without emergency snacks
If you're nodding right now, you're probably dealing with blood sugar ups and downs that are affecting your performance.
Carbs: Let's Clear Up the Confusion
When your Instagram feed explodes with anti-carb rhetoric, remember this: not all carbs are created equal. As a functional nutritionist, I break them down into two types that make a real difference in how you feel and perform:
Fast Carbs: These hit your system like a caffeine crash waiting to happen - quick energy followed by an inevitable slump. These include:
Pasta
Bread
Processed snacks
Sugary drinks
Slow Carbs: These are your steady performers - giving you consistent energy without the drama. Examples include:
Sweet potatoes
Squash
Beans
Quinoa
Buckwheat
Your Action Plan (Because You Need Results, Not Just Information)
Know Your Numbers: Let's look at your key metabolic markers. These numbers tell us exactly where to focus our efforts.
Track Your Energy: Notice when your energy, mood, or focus dips – these aren't character flaws, they're clues your body is giving you.
Upgrade Your Fuel: Start swapping in slow carbs and notice how your energy and performance change.
Coming up in Part 2: We'll break down exactly how many carbs your body needs (because yes, it's different for everyone) and how to determine your optimal intake. No generic advice, just practical nutrition strategies that work with your schedule.
Ready to take control of your health with nutrition strategies that actually fit your life? Let's talk.
