Trying to beat hypoglycemia

bikinggirl14
bikinggirl14 Posts: 16
edited September 2024 in Introduce Yourself
I have recently found this website in hopes I can get control of myself. I am 22, 20 lbs over weight and have been diagnosed as having hypoglycemia--which I seem to be a slave to. I can't help but crave carbs and sugars ALL the time and after I fulfill the want, I am left feeling bad that I chose food VERY high in processed sugars and fat.

I don't mind my weight, I carry it well (lol). But I am fairly active, I bike to school, am currently enrolled in a weight training course and hike/camp often. But the weight drags me down, I find myself to be less motivated than others around me, especially when I know I will get "hungry" along the way due to my blood sugar and getting tired sooner than most. And I feel that my weight is a definite factor in that.

I don't know why I am writing this, I suppose it is to find some support in this endeavor. I have tried numerous times by myself and found it never worked.

Replies

  • stormieweather
    stormieweather Posts: 2,549 Member
    Good luck! My guy and I both have blood sugar issues, so I know the feeling.

    One of the best suggstions I can offer is to eat 6 small, evenly spaced meals a day instead of 3 big ones. It really helps keep your blood sugar stablized. Don't do what I used to do a lot - skip meals. Really bad for the old sugar levels as well as weight loss.:frown:

    Another thing to remember is that if the carb is accompanied by fiber, it won't affect your sugar levels nearly as much or nearly as soon. Carry a carb(y) something with fiber to snack on if your blood sugar should get too low, ie: granola or whole grain crackers.
  • 1Corinthians13
    1Corinthians13 Posts: 5,296 Member
    My bf has hypoglycemia really badly. He tends to skip meals b/c of his job - he's a contractor, and it's not always easy to grab a bite, but he tries. I'm trying to not nag him, but get him to pack chicken and apples and other good, healthy things. He's actually been doing really well lately, too, without many carbs at night. But one carb-filled meal or too much...too much of anything really...and he could pass out in his plate.

    He's not overweight though - he's actually really in shape b/c of his job. But I am trying to not try to try to get him to eat right...if that makes sense.

    so bumping to hear suggestions. I think the 6 small meals a day is his best bet, and he knows that...and he's working on that...so we'll see.
  • mjkon
    mjkon Posts: 17 Member
    It can be very frustrating to try and lose weight while fighting those cravings. Here are a couple of additional suggestions. First, try to limit your low quality carbs over a week or two. Don't try to cut carbs out altogether--otherwise you'll feel tired and hungry all the time, and the cravings will be too hard to resist. Your tastes will change with time if you go slowly and you will get to the point where you don't want the really processed stuff. Replace refined flour where ever possible with whole grains, oatmeal, and the like--these won't give you that spike then rapid blood sugar drop. Also, a little bit of fat in every meal will help.

    You also may need to plan ahead a bit more than you non-hypoglycemic friends. Make sure you have a snack with you, and in addition keep nuts or a protein bar will in your backpack or purse, so you'll have them in an emergency. You should also eat more if you are going to be active. Exercise naturally lowers your blood sugar, so up your calories a bit when you are going on a long bike ride or some other very physical activity. Tracking your calories and exercise on this site will help you anticipate how much fuel you'll need to get through your activity. You will still be able to lose weight but may want to eat all or most of the extra calories you get through exercise.

    Finally, there are probably some foods that you should try hard to avoid as they will always make your blood sugar drop. Everyone is different, but I've learned to avoid things like pancakes, donuts, non-diet soda, and candy as they always cause that blood sugar drop. For some reason, eggs can also be a problem for me, even though they are a great protein.

    I hope this helps you get to the point where you feel like you are back in control--best of luck!
  • MOMOFTWO29
    MOMOFTWO29 Posts: 8,276 Member
    Hello and welcome to MFP, the best website ever!!!! You will love it here if you don't already. I love it here. This site is so supportive, motivational, helpful, easy to use, and everyone here is so nice and friendly. I just wanted to wish you much success on your weight loss journey. You can do this!!!!!!! :smile: :flowerforyou: :smile: :flowerforyou: :smile:
  • bikinggirl14
    bikinggirl14 Posts: 16
    Thanks all for your suggestions and support. A lot of them are extraordinarily helpful and make me feel that this is definitely feasible. Thank you Thank you.
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