10 Tips to Control Blood Sugar Naturally

When you have diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar levels becomes a regular part of your life. With a combination of medication, good food, and healthy lifestyle habits, you can keep your blood sugar level under control. Here are some things you can do:

1. Eat healthy meals regularly.
   Forget about skipping breakfast or going hours without food until you have time for a late lunch or dinner. Eating regular meals and healthy snacks throughout the day helps prevent spikes in blood sugar. If you need a few ideas, check out the selection of MagicKitchen.com meals made for diabetics.

2. Eat healthy carbs
   Not all carbs are created equal. Refined carbohydrates (white rice, white bread, cereal and pasta made from refined grain) can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. But you still need carbohydrates. Include some healthy carbs in your diet found in fruits and vegetables and whole grain bread and pasta .

3. Measure serving sizes
   Using the old eye-ball test isn’t the best way to measure serving size. Most of us have a tendency to eat more than we should. If you’re cooking at home, measure serving sizes to make sure you don’t overeat. Eating too much can lead to weight gain and cause a rise in blood sugar. If tracking serving size seems like too much of a chore, we can help. Just pick your favorite foods from the list of diabetic-friendly meals at MagicKitchen.com.

4. Keep Bars and Shakes on Hand
   It’s tough to follow an eating plan to control blood sugar levels perfectly. Stuff happens. You’re on vacation, haven’t gone to the store to stock your pantry and refrigerator, or you’re out and about and need a bite to eat. Anticipate this and keep a diabetic-friendly bar or meal-replacement shake in your car or handbag. You’ll be able to eat at regular intervals without reaching for less-than-healthy snacks that can increase blood sugar. MagicKitchen.com’s Protein bars are perfect for this purpose.

5. Use Cinnamon to Season Food
   In a study published in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers found that cinnamon helps lower blood sugar levels. It also had a positive effect on triglycerides and cholesterol for people with diabetes. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to tomatoes, lean meats, oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit. You’ll enjoy the sweet taste, along with better blood sugar levels.

6. Avoid or Limit Alcohol
   Even though alcohol can lower blood sugar, it’s better to avoid or limit drinking. Alcohol prevents the liver from raising blood sugar levels when your body needs it. It could lead to extreme low-blood sugar levels. If you are going to drink, women should have no more than one drink per day and men should have no more than two drinks per day. If you’re not sure how alcohol may affect your diabetes, talk to your doctor.

7. Drink Green Tea
   Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, energy drinks, and coffee drinks loaded with sugar can cause a serious rise in blood sugar levels. But if you’re craving a sweet drink, what can you have? Drink more water or try a flavored sugar-free drink. Some studies also show green tea is a good alternative to sugary drinks that won’t elevate blood sugar levels.

8. Add a Little Vinegar to Meals
   If you want to enjoy a salad or steamed vegetables as part of your dinner, season them with a splash of vinegar. In a study at Arizona State University, researchers found that vinegar can help slow digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. One to two tablespoons is enough. Just keep in mind it’s not a free pass to overindulge.

9. Get Your Zzzs
   You need your sleep. Health professionals recommend 7 to 8 hours a night for best health. And it’s important if you have diabetes. Lack of sleep causes an increase in hormones that can make you hungry and lead to weight gain, which can have a negative impact on blood sugar. Create a regular bedtime routine to help get your Zzzs. Take a nap during the day if you have to. And if you’re still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor.

10. Be More Active
    You don’t have to run a marathon, but regular exercise has a positive effect on blood sugar levels. After enjoying your favorite MagicKitchen.com meal, go for a walk. Regular exercise will help you sleep better, control your weight, and keep your blood pressure under control.