I mentioned last week that I’m really focusing on doing a better job of balancing my blood sugar levels. I have a history of hypoglycemia. It used to be worse. There would be times if I went 4-5 hours between meals I’d get seriously sick feeling. I can remember a specific time (maybe 5 years ago?) when I was hunched over in the car with a massive headache and about to pass out. I remember David thinking I was exaggerating. I was not.
It’s been forever since I’ve felt like that. Since focusing on real, whole foods, I’ve been feeling great. But recently I met with my doctor and after talking to him I’ve realized I could take some steps to better stabilize my blood sugars. Here is how I’m doing it.
I’m eating within an hour of waking up. I used to be great at this, but lately I’ve been heading straight to the computer and not eating breakfast until Hailey is up, 2 hours later. Now I’m grabbing a bowl of mixed macronutrients (protein and fat from nuts and seeds and carbs from the gluten-free oats), usually in the form of granola.
Recently Klara from Mix My Own Granola reached out to me and offered to let me try their granola. After checking out their awesome mix in options (gluten-free, organic, a plethora of nuts, fruits and seeds) I accepted.
***You can mix your own granola using the code HEALTHYBREAKFAST and get 20% off through the end of September.
The granola is so fresh tasting and I liked being able to add in what I wanted, like organic ground cinnamon. Cinnamon can, among other health benefits, help stabilize blood sugars (source). I like that I’m getting some in every morning.
I consider the granola my morning snack, and I still eat breakfast with Hailey 2 hours later.
I’m mostly staying away from fruit. If I do eat it, like above, I make sure I eat it with plenty of fat and protein, since food combining (carbohydrates with protein and fat) can help blood sugars to not rise as quickly.
I’m sticking with exercise, which among many health benefits also lowers blood sugar levels, so I am making sure I eat after exercise to make sure my sugar levels don’t drop too low.
One of the first things people will tell you is to not go more than 3-4 hours between meals. I’m following this recommendation which means I’m eating 3 meals and 3 snacks a day. I feel like I’m eating constantly and it’s taking some planning ahead, but I am feeling energetic.
Romaine, quinoa, black beans, goat cheese, Greek yogurt, tomatoes and sriracha.
This was a great lunch since I’m focusing on getting plenty of protein. Protein does not raise blood sugar levels and therefore is important when managing them (source).
Some people may think this sounds Paleo-esque, but I assure you, I couldn’t go paleo. Though paleo will certainly balance your blood sugars and works wonderfully for some people, personally I would miss my beans and dairy too much.
Greek yogurt, drizzle of honey (I had to!), Mix My Own and Love Grown Granola mix
I am also taking things one step further and eliminating all flours from my diet for the short term. Ugh, I hate this one because it sounds extreme, but my doc and I are on the same page. This means I’m avoiding bread and crackers (even if they are gluten-free) and will be taking a step back from pizza dough and quinoa pasta, too. I’m focusing on getting my carbs from all whole-food sources.
Shrimp-fried quinoa over sauteed bok choy
I should probably mention there was a glass of wine involved, too, which I ate with a handful of almonds. See, blood sugar control even during happy hour 
Thank you Jenn for hosting WIAW, as always!
Lauren K says
I really liked this post and appreciate the little tips or ideas! I don’t think I struggle with blood sugar problems, but it’s amazing how much better I feel when I eat clean (and often) throughout the day. It’s incredibly challenging when traveling almost every weekend and working 50-55 hours during the week but I am trying. The goal right now is just less crap and gluten, because I feel so much better without it!
Lindsay Bradford says
I love reading your posts! They are so informative and your meals are always beautiful! Great combos of fresh foods that are just so pretty. Yum. great job controling your levels through food. 🙂
char eats greens says
This is very interesting!! Seriously power to you on the bread-front. I know it’s all about adjustments, but when I envision myself not having some form of bread in a day, I have a mini-panick attack. That sounds so first world, I know. Maybe I need to challenge myself ;).
It sounds like your eats are awesome for stabilizing blood sugar. I know that you could feed me any day!
Erica says
I’ve been avoiding gluten as much as possible for the last few weeks because of my thyroid condition and I haven’t missed it at all! I don’t buy any of the GF bread/pasta or anything either. I think the trick is finding other carb sources you really love to fill you up – I’m *killing* some sweet potatoes in my house this week!
Brittany Dixon says
What are your favorite ways to top a sweet potato? I’m looking for more options!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
If I’m trying not to add to many calories to it I love seasoning it with a bit of cinnamon and cardamom (and also use this is a ‘dessert’ some days!) This week I chopped up a few, steamed them in the microwave, and have been reheating a cup to add to kale as a salad for dinner. I haven’t found a way to make them more of a complete meal. I’ve seen others add black beans and sour cream to them. I just can’t imagine making them more savory than sweet!
Emily says
I love sweet potatoes! I’ve topped them with various combinations of cinnamon, butter, coconut butter, unsweetened shredded coconut, nuts, and almond butter/other nut butters. I suppose this is for more of a ‘sweet’ snack as opposed to a savory option, though-but none of these have added sugar so I’m good with it!
Lindsay says
I make “loaded sweet potatoes” and love adding sauteed spinach or kale, cheese, and mixing a heaping tbsp of plain greek yogurt with chipotle sauce SO GOOD
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
I have really bad hypoglycemia too and it took several years for me to get it under control via diet. My first symptom is my hands shake and get COLD and then I get dizzy and then I head to pass-out land. Including fat and protein in snacks throughout the day definitely helps! Awesome post lady!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
This is a great post! I also snack every 3-4 hours and it’s been helping me feel more energetic too. I definitely try to combine all three macros in each meal/snack to keep the energy levels up!
Laura says
Awesome tips! I’m proactively doing the same thing (without my doc’s input) to see if it helps with my cycle regularity (and maybe clear up my skin even more too!). At the very least, I feel better! What spurred your renewed interest in balancing blood sugars?
Brittany Dixon says
I talked with my doctor and he believes I have some insulin-resistance issues. I might go into more details at a later time, but for now I’m trying to get it under control with diet so I don’t have to look into other options 🙂
Maria says
Confession: I usually skip over most WIAW, but yours are hands down my favorite. They aren’t all just “look what I ate”, they are informative and make an impression on me. In fact, I read this and decided on scrambled eggs with spinach for breakfast instead of the usual Luna bar or sugary greek yogurt (must start buying plain and using agave or honey). Honestly, and I know I’ve said this before, sometimes, I think “What Would Brittany Do/Eat”. 😉
Brittany Dixon says
You never fail to make me smile 🙂 I try to stick to plain yogurts, but sometimes I end up squeezing so much honey in, I wonder what the better choice truly is! ha!
Maria says
I want to try mixing in some all natural, low sugar jam that I pick up at Trader Joe’s and some “prinkles”. That way I can control the amount and make sure my breakfast isn’t a sugar bomb. My husband eats plain greek yogurt straight up though because he’s a freak of nature.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Very interesting! I’m thankful that I don’t currently have to deal with food issues such as hypoglycemia, but I realize that I may not always be so fortunate!
Amy @ The Little Honey Bee says
Sounds like you are focusing on some really great things! Everything looks delicious.
Chantal says
I have/had hypoglycemia and really noticed a difference when I changed my diet.
Amanda @ Sistas of Strength says
Great job! It’s so important to find what works for you health-wise and sanity-wise. 🙂
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Going to make my own granola now 🙂
Susanna says
Thanks for writing this!! I have struggled with hypoglycemia for a years, and definitely find I feel MUCH better when I eat more proteins & fats. My sweet tooth makes it hard 🙂
Danica @ It's Progression says
I’m aiming to eat less wheat lately, just to see how my body (and skin) does with the change.
I can absolutely relate to that feeling you described of getting over hungry and therefore sick. It’s an awful state. I’ve learned how to manage (aka avoid) that feeling though over the past 2 or so years. Occasionally it still happens, but now I’m able to pinpoint why.
Great post!