How to Diet when Hypoglycemic
People have heard about diabetes and diabetic diets, but very few are knowledgeable about hypoglycemia and how to maintain it. Hypoglycemia is the very opposite of diabetes, in that it is caused when the blood sugar dips too low. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include nervousness, chronic fatigue, sweating, intense hunger,trembling, weakness, palpitations, dizziness and problems with speech. When extreme forms, the symptoms can be exaggerated and quite debilitating. While diabetics can become hypoglycemic by using insulin products, some people develop hypoglycemia due to hormonal imbalances, enzyme deficiencies or a host of other medical causes. The major differences between diabetics and hypoglycemic, is that diabetics must stay away from sugar, whereas hypoglycemic need it. Many hypoglycemic individuals mistakenly turn to carbs and sugary foods to combat the problem, which only makes matters worse. Once the sugar is consumed, the hypoglycemic person faces a debilitating drop that can leave them weak and unable to function. Compounding the problem is that so much sugar consumption can cause weight gain. Is there a way for a hypoglycemic person to obtain the proper food intake they need and maintain a healthy weight. Why, yes there is!
Instructions
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How To Diet and Lose Weight With Hypoglycemica
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EAT BREAKFAST-- Eating a healthy breakfast not only gives you a great start, but may facilitate weight loss, in fact, breakfast consumers maintained a 30-pound (or more) weight loss for one to six year after successful dieting. This is because eating a healthy breakfast keeps us from "starvation eating" and can also jump-start our metabolism. Hypoglycemics should be careful to begin the day with foods that maintain energy and levels sugar production. Something that has whole grains, in it, like oatmeal and lean milk, may be just the ticket. Stay away from dry, box cereals or dried fruits. Certain fruits, like grapefruit, may be advisable as well, but check with your doctor, since hypoglycemics may not tolerate the levels of sucrose that exist in natural fruits. When you can, try to eat foods in their raw form as well. Peeling an apple for example, can take away valuable sources of fiber. When you want to lose weight, you have to take very special care to stay regular, as constipation and irregularity can cause bloating and water weight gain.
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SNACK BETWEEN MEALS--this may seem counterproductive to weight loss or diet maintenance, but it really isn't. Eating healthy foods more often throughout the day will keep a steady stream of nutrients in your system. Be sure to pick high-energy foods that contain good carbs and proteins, like meat, fish or nuts. Avoid starches, white rices, flour or gluten based products. Remember, eating snacks will maintain your sugar levels, ensuring that they stay up and out of the danger zones. This will also give you an abundance of energy, something most hypoglycemic find hard to come by. People who are energized throughout the day tend to lose weight because they move around more, burning more calories.
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BUY DEXTROSE TABS--Sometimes you get so busy you forget to eat a snack and find yourself dragging. This is of particular concern to hypoglycemics, who run the risk of losing optimum functionality for days after an intense sugar drop. The best way to avoid this scenario is to keep dextrose tablets in your car, desk or purse. They will give you a quick energy boost so you don't run blindly towards the company vending machine or nearby fast food restaurant.
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EXERCISE SMART--Hypoglycemic energy stores tend to become greatly depleted during exercise. Where most people might feel invigorated after a work out, a hypoglycemic may want to go and lie down. The best way to combat this is to eat thirty minutes prior and after exercise. It can and perhaps should be something small, like a handful of peanuts or a low fat yogurt, but this will keep you from feeling drug out after your exertions . I've heeded this advice myself and it has helped me tremendously. Believe me, it is far easier to stay motivated to work out when you feel great afterwards. Keep exercise in perspective and try not to go over the thirty minute mark--it may be tempting to do more, but I can tell you from my own experience, that it can be detrimental if you choose not to pace yourself. Besides, thirty minutes of excercsie is far more beneficial than simply working out for hours on end a few times a week.
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STAY AWAY FROM CANDY AND SWEETS--This may seem like a no brainer, but hypoglycemics are notorious for grabbing sugary food when they get a craving. Other well-meaning individuals may also contribute to this problem. I once had a drop and a well-intentioned friend bought me a candy bar, thinking to it would bring my sugar up. While, theoretically, it will, he would have done much better to bring me milk or peanuts. Beggars can't be choosers, and sometimes you don't have any other alternatives, but it always best to find an item that will give you a slow build up as opposed to a quick high and extreme crash and burn. The temptation will always be great to turn to refined sugars when you have an extreme hypoglycemic drop. Don't do this. Not only will it pack on the pounds, it will When you feel the urge for something sweet, try a fruit like an apple, and pair it with low fat yogurt or tiny piece of cheddar cheese
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Tips & Warnings
Hypoglycemics often suffer from chronic fatigue and do not wake up as refreshed or energized as other people do. To remedy this, put a pack of soda crackers and an 8 ounce bottle of water near your bed. Nibble upon a few crackers upon waking to get a pre-shower boost and to mitigate dizziness. If you have other concerns regarding controlling symptoms, be sure to visit hypoglycemic related health sites to obtain more information.
Hypoglycemia could be the precursor to Type II diabetes or indicative of something very serious. For me, it was a byproduct of hypothyroidism. If your hypoglycemia is not caused by insulin products, see a doctor immediately. Even if you can't find the source of your hypoglycemia, be sure to keep on top of it. People who aren't careful can experience physical complications, such as the loss of mental acuity and in some severe cases, coma and/or permanent brain damage or death.
Resources
- Photo Credit thanks to google images for all pic references, free range stock Chance Agrella,
