DJONES3423
Hi! I saw your comment on an article here about hypoglycemia. Your comment about potatoes and such putting you to sleep really struck a chord with me because I have been there before. You are likely having an issue with your blood sugar dropping very low in reaction to the carbohydrates.
If you eat something like potatoes or pasta, keep the portion relatively small, and try eating it with an equal-sized portion of lean (not necessarily fat-free) meat, a large serving of a vegetable (the fresher and less coated in stuff the better), and a serving of regular cheese (not low-fat) or 2% or whole (not skim) milk. The fats and protein help to balance the carbs, which should keep your body from reacting the way it has been. While the Atkins diet is a bit extreme, you might find that it works well for you because you won't be overloading your body with the carbs that it evidently can't handle. I have found that moderation when it comes to carbs is the best answer because it's easier to maintain.
Here is the comment that I wrote for that article before I read yours. You might find some tips here that work for you.
Donna
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I have had reactive hypoglycemia for probably 20 or more years now. The breakfast that SparkPeople recommend here:
1 medium banana 1 cup bran flakes with 1 cup skim milk 1 cup decaffeinated coffee
is guaranteed to give me a blood sugar plunge because it's almost all carbs, no fat, and little protein. Within an hour or so of eating it, I would have all of the typical signs of hypoglycemia, and my blood sugar would be low (under 70) when I took it. The only way that I could eat what you listed is by including a couple of eggs, maybe with some shredded cheese on top. Skim milk and low-fat cheeses are not my friend, causing more blood sugar issues than they fix. If I followed up your recommended snack and lunch after the recommended breakfast, I would be in bad shape by early afternoon, having one blood sugar incident after another.
For those with reactive hypoglycemia, like me, the best breakfast is high in protein, moderate in fats, and low in carbs (but not no-carb). I can usually eat more carbs later in the day, but not first thing in the morning. My research on this has shown me that I'm not alone in this.
Rather than following a high-bread, high-carb diet like the one recommended in this article, a dietician told me to envision my plate divided in half. Fill one half with vegetables. Then divide the empty half of the plate in two, and fill one part with a lean meat and the other with whatever high-carb side you might want (bread, pasta, potato, ...). Following that recommendation has worked wonders for my blood sugar.
The diet recommended here would pretty much have me with type 2 diabetes in a fairly short time. I would NOT recommend it to anyone in a situation similar to mine. 2030 days ago
RAGAMUFFINKEL on taking the first steps to a healthier you. A toast to a healthier and more enjoyable life! And prayerfully you will find that you can enjoy it more than you would ever imagine!!! Some thoughts and suggestions as I say to Spark People. This sight has so much to offer! One of the easiest ways to learn a lot about what it has to offer is to go to your "My SparkPoints" tracking Page. Next to each opportunity to earn Sparkpoints there is a link that will take you to the place on the site that helps you complete the task. Some are one time opportunities, others are daily tasks. Complete as many tasks as possible per day. don't to the temptation of making the journey all about the numbers. It is not about pounds taken off or inches trimmed, it is all about creating a healthier and more fit you. Be on the lookout for the many, many, many non-scale non-tape measure victories you will achieve. Feeling healthier, breathing easier, enjoying activities that were once a drudgery, trying something new and enjoying it, choosing a healthy snack versus an unhealthy option, choosing a less than healthy food option over a decadent food option! The possibilities for non-scale victories are ENDLESS. Some things to remember: drink plenty of water every day! sleep well, it is probably more important than you know. healthier every day. Don't go the way of total deprivation, it is apt to set you up for failure and a binge that will leave you feeling devastated. Look for opportunities to every day. when you need to --it is healthier than emotional eating! Find ways to exercise that you ENJOY. The right form of exercise is the one you can stick with regularly!!! Something else may burn more calories in a shorter time, but if it makes you give up you won't burn any calories! MAKE EVERY STEP COUNT. Even steps that seem to move you backwards or to the side have a purpose. Sometimes it is just to get another look at something you passed by without noticing. Perhaps most importantly from my perspective DON’T LOSE weight or inches…TAKE THEM OFF, KICK THEM TO THE CURB. You aren’t interested in FINDING them again. GET RID OF THEM through hard work, determination, accountability, whatever it takes!!! Finally, join teams, make friends, encourage others, be encouraged, take challenges, write out SMART goals and track! Track! TRACK!!! It will help with both accountability and motivation, and you will be glad you did!!! Feel free to stop by my page, let me know if there is anything I can do to help you in the journey! 2149 days ago