Lately, I’ve been focusing more on my blood sugar levels — especially that postprandial blood sugar spike (aka the rise in glucose after eating). I didn’t realize how important it is to keep those levels in check, whether you have diabetes or not. The goal for most people without diabetes is to stay under 140 mg/dL about two hours after a meal, but if you do have diabetes, your target range might be different — always something to talk about with your doctor.
What’s actually been helping me manage those spikes? A few small but effective habits:
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Balancing carbs with protein and healthy fats — instead of just grabbing a snack full of simple carbs, I add something like eggs, avocado, or nuts. It slows down how quickly glucose hits my bloodstream.
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Eating more fiber — I’ve started adding veggies or chia seeds to my meals. Fiber not only keeps me full but also helps blunt those blood sugar spikes.
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Post-meal walks — even a 10-15 minute walk right after eating has made a noticeable difference. It helps move glucose into my muscles for energy instead of letting it build up in my blood.
I’ve also been keeping a simple blood sugar log — just jotting down what I eat, when I check my levels, and how I feel (because sometimes those dips and spikes show up as mood swings or brain fog). It’s not about perfection, just patterns.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on your blood sugar too, I totally get how overwhelming it can feel at first. But little habits add up. Sharing this in case anyone else is on the same journey — we’re all figuring this out one meal at a time.