Top 5 Holiday Hacks
Between Christmas and New Year, life is about balance! Don’t stress over the treats—follow these 5 simple hacks to stay on track and enjoy guilt-free days.
5 Strategies to Help Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels can be key to avoiding energy crashes and managing cravings. Here’s a look at five strategies to consider for supporting blood sugar balance naturally.
Over the Christmas period, it is normal to snack and eat more than usual. To avoid starting the new year from scratch, it's a good idea not to throw all your routines off the board.
Get to know on how to keep your blood sugar steady before a big meal to prevent cravings and energy lows and survive the holidays!
Disclaimer :
Not every hack works for everyone, so testing different strategies and monitoring your blood glucose levels is essential and can help to get a better overview.
1. The Perfect Order: Proteins and Vegetables First
The sequence of eating matters. Starting with proteins and vegetables before consuming carbohydrates may:
• Slow sugar and carbohydrate absorption into the bloodstream.
• Reduce the likelihood of blood sugar spikes and subsequent energy crashes.
• Help control portions of high-carb and high-fat foods that typically follow in a meal.
How It Works:
Proteins and vegetables form a “protective layer” in the gut lining, which may delay sugar absorption and contribute to steadier blood sugar levels.
2. One Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
Incorporating 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or other fruit vinegar) before meals containing carbs could have potential benefits, including:
• Slowing the stomach’s emptying process, which may lead to a steadier absorption of glucose.
• Inhibiting enzymes that break down carbs into simple sugars, potentially reducing sugar spikes.
How to Use:
Dilute 1 tablespoon of vinegar in water and drink it before meals with carbs.
3. Stay Active After Eating
Physical activity after meals may help lower blood sugar levels by encouraging muscles to use glucose from the bloodstream for energy.
Why It May Help:
• Activity may reduce the amount of excess glucose stored as fat.
• It can temporarily boost metabolism, supporting calorie burning.
Practical Ideas:
• Take a brisk walk after a big meal.
• Fit in a quick home workout or light yoga session.
• Play active games with family or friends.
Keep it simple:
Take a walk after a big meal.
Fit in a short home workout—even 15 minutes makes a difference!
Enjoy active outdoors games with your family and friends.
4. Snack Wisely Before a Meal
Eating a small snack before a large meal may help reduce the risk of overeating.
Snack Ideas:
• Handful of nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts).
• A few blueberries, carrots, or other low-calorie options.
Additional Tip:
Foods like grapefruit, cinnamon, green tea, dark chocolate, turmeric, and lemon juice may have properties that support blood sugar stability.
5. Try Herbal Teas
Certain teas, such as green tea, chamomile tea, or cinnamon tea, are often associated with blood sugar support.
How They May Help:
• Contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
• May improve insulin sensitivity.
Suggestions:
Enjoy a warm cup of green tea or cinnamon tea as part of your daily routine, especially after meals.
A Thoughtful Approach to Blood Sugar Management
These ideas are based on the understanding of how food choices, movement, and small adjustments might contribute to more stable blood sugar levels. While these strategies may not work for everyone, they are simple steps that can be explored as part of a balanced lifestyle.