We’ve all been there – it’s 3pm and that urge to curl up and go to sleep creeps in. You might think it’s because you’ve had a long day, but too often it’s actually down to a blood-sugar crash after an ultra-processed meal. Here are a few simple ways to prevent that slump.

A sugar crash occurs when your blood sugar levels spike rapidly and then plummet after consuming a large amount of sugar or simple carbohydrates. This can leave you feeling fatigued, irritable, and craving more sugar.  The signs and symptoms of a blood sugar crash can vary in severity, but common signs to look out for include: 

• Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially when it's not due to physical activity or hot weather, can be a sign of low blood sugar.
• Shakiness or Trembling: You may experience tremors or shakiness in your hands or other parts of your body.
• Paleness: Your skin may become pale, and you might feel unusually cold.
• Rapid Heartbeat: Hypoglycemia can lead to an increased heart rate or palpitations.
• Anxiety or Nervousness: You may suddenly feel anxious, nervous, or irritable.
• Hunger: Intense hunger, even if you've recently eaten, can be a sign of low blood sugar.
• Weakness or Fatigue: You may feel weak, tired, or exhausted, making it difficult to carry out daily activities.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Hypoglycemia can cause dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness, sometimes leading to fainting in severe cases.
• Difficulty Concentrating: It may be challenging to focus, and you might have difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions.
• Blurry Vision: You may experience blurred or double vision.
• Headache: Some individuals experience headaches as a symptom of low blood sugar. 

To combat a sugar crash and stabilise your blood sugar levels, here are three effective strategies: 

Choose Complex Carbohydrates and Fibre

Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes rather than simple sugars found in candies, sodas, and sugary snacks. Complex carbs release glucose into your bloodstream more gradually, providing a steady source of energy and preventing sharp spikes and crashes.

Include fibre-rich foods in your meals, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fibre slows down the absorption of sugar, helping to maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Pair Carbohydrates with Protein and Healthy Fats

Combining carbohydrates with sources of protein and healthy fats can help mitigate blood sugar spikes and crashes. Protein and fats slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, providing sustained energy.

Examples of balanced snacks include apple slices with almond butter, whole-grain crackers with hummus, or Greek yogurt with berries.

Eat Regular, Balanced Meals

Skipping meals can lead to blood sugar fluctuations and make you more susceptible to sugar crashes. It's essential to eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day.

Aim for a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats in each meal to provide sustained energy and stabilise blood sugar levels. Incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods to support overall health and well-being.

In addition to these three strategies, here are some bonus tips to help prevent sugar crashes and maintain stable energy levels: 

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of a sugar crash. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay well-hydrated.
• Limit Refined Sugars: Reduce your intake of foods and beverages high in refined sugars, such as sugary drinks and pastries. Opt for healthier, naturally sweet options when cravings strike.
• Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eating mindfully can help you avoid overeating.

Need a little help getting your health back on track? Join us for the 8-Week Program and we’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
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3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!