My theory is that, as we get older, our cells aren't as efficient at properly removing the high levels of sugar from the bloodstream. Simply put, the older we get, the more obvious the consequences from a sugar overload. I'm not ready to give up all sugar just yet, so I asked myself if there's anything I can do to minimize the negative impacts of sugar on the body.
I came up with a few strategies that can really help word off some of the worst side effects of too much sugar.
When we overindulge on sweets, we raise our blood sugar level. Typically, our body begins the slow process of trying to eliminate some of the sugar in our blood by moving it to muscles, liver and storing it as fat. Problems arise when our diet consist of meal after meal of refined carbs and sugary snacks. This causes our bodies to constantly release high levels of insulin (the hormone that causes our bodies to store fat). If you have any extra fat on your body (especially in the midsection), that's probably a sign that your insulin levels haven't been optimal.
The antidote to this problem is to reduce/eliminate sweets and processed carbs from our diet.
If you aren't ready to give up your sweets just yet, you can try these alternatives that help lower our post-meal blood sugar.
Go for a walk
Once upon a time, I would consume a large meal and immediately want to head for the couch. Sometimes I would grab something sweet to avoid for a quick afternoon pick me up and fall victim to the post-sugar crash. Wanting to lay down might be my first instinct but I've since learned that the best thing to do is to stay active. Simple activity like going for a walk after eating dessert will force your body to move some of the sugar away from the bloodstream into your muscles to provide energy for the walk. Light to moderate physical activity can really help to neutralize some of the negative effects of a high blood sugar. I try to do some light housework or bounce for a few minutes on the trampoline to engage my muscles. There's also evidence to suggest that walking/moving immediately after a meal could promote more weight loss than if you performed physical activity hours after eating. So after your next big meal, try staying active to avoid the insane sugar spike.
Drink ACV
If you don't have time to walk after eating, the other option you have is to sip on some ACV water prior to eating your high carb meal. I've discussed how a friend of mine easily lost weight by following this method. There have also been studies that further support how powerful apple cider vinegar is at lowering the potential blood sugar spike of food. Lower blood sugar means less insulin secretion which means less fat stored and more fat burned. Who wouldn't want that? Lately, I've been filling up my little 8 oz juice bottles with ACV and water. Before I eat something indulgent, I drink one in hopes of managing my blood sugar levels. I've only been doing this for a couple of days and so far I notice an improvement in digestion and increased energy. Can't wait to experience the long-term impact of a flatter tummy.
Drink Water
I heard someone say "when you pollute, dilute!" That was her way of encouraging us to drink water to counteract the effects of too much salt or sugar intake. Water may not be as powerful for lowering blood sugar as walking but it certainly helps if you can't get active or if you don't have ACV nearby. When we consume enough water, our kidneys will help bring down blood sugar levels by excreting excess sugar through urine. Basically, water helps to dilute the amount of sugar in our blood.
Now that you have three different options for managing your post-meal blood sugar levels, you have no excuse. It doesn't make sense to allow our blood sugar levels to run rampant when we have options to manage it. Give it a try, your waistline will thank you.
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