10 Daily Habits That Spike Blood Sugar and Cravings

Keeping your blood sugar levels stable is important for your health and energy levels. Avoiding spikes and dips can also help reduce food cravings that lead to overeating and may ultimately lead to diabetes if unchecked. 

Here are 10 daily habits to watch out for that can cause blood sugar spikes and increase cravings and weight gain:

1. Skipping Breakfast

Skipping breakfast causes your body to go into starvation mode, leading to low blood sugar and intense cravings later in the day. Make time for a balanced breakfast with protein, healthy fats, and fiber to start the day off right.

2. Not Enough Protein at Meals

Make sure to include a good source of protein in every meal. Protein provides steady energy to keep blood sugar stable. Low protein, high carb meals can cause spikes and crashes.

3. Drinking Sugary Coffee Drinks

Fancy coffee shop drinks are often packed with sugar and empty calories. Opt for plain coffee or tea, or create healthy homemade versions with low/no sugar options.

4. Eating Refined Carbs and Sweets

Refined flour products like white bread and white pasta as well as packaged snacks and sweets cause rapid rises in blood sugar. Focus on whole, unprocessed carbs instead.

5. Skipping Meals

Going too long without eating leads to drops in blood sugar, causing you to overeat when you finally do eat. Plan meals and snacks to fuel your body consistently. If you practice intermittent fasting, make sure the food you eat during your eating window is nutritionally dense. 

6. Not Enough Fiber

Fiber helps control blood sugar spikes by slowing digestion. Aim for 35+ grams of fiber daily from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Most Americans consume fewer than 10 grams of fiber daily.

7. Sedentary Lifestyle

Physical activity helps stabilize blood sugar. Be sure to incorporate movement like walking, strength training and stretching throughout your day. Find creative ways to move while doing your daily activity. Get a standing desk to avoid sitting all day. Use stairs instead of elevators or escalators.  

8. Poor Sleep Habits

Lack of sleep can throw off important hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. You can become insulin resistant and your body doesn’t recognize the hunger and satiety hormones. Stick to a regular sleep-wake schedule every day, including weekends, and wind down before bed.

9. Excess Stress

Chronic stress causes cortisol levels to spike, which can lead to unstable blood sugar levels and development of belly fat. Include stress management like meditation, yoga, or just taking breaks.

10. Dehydration

Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining normal blood sugar. Dehydration can cause spikes. Drink water throughout the day. Try for half your body weight in ounces of water per day.

Be mindful of these daily habits that can inadvertently spike your blood sugar levels and increase cravings. Focus on whole, fiber-rich foods, managing stress, staying active, and getting enough sleep and water. Your blood sugar levels and waistline will thank you!

Need help changing those habits? Let’s chat.

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