Blood Sugar

Question
Hi there. I am wheat intolerant but follow what I consider to be a very balanced diet. This is usually breakfast of plain yogurt, oat bran, fruit, seeds. A snack of ryvita with peanut butter, some fruit or seeds, nuts, turkey etc. For lunch I have rice and salads. Dinner is fish/meat and lots of vegetables (mostly green). I have a healthy appetite and eat whenever I'm hungry. I exercise 6 -7 times a week for 45 min - 90 min jogging/cycling/weight training and yoga or dance. My problem is is that immediately after lunch I feels exhausted and have to nap otherwise I can't concentrate. I also crave sugar at this time. Does this mean I have a problem with my blood sugar? Should I be doing something differently like exercising in the evenings and not the morning?  

Answer
This does sound like a sugar issue. Hypoglycemia- a strong insulin reaction-  could cause a quick drop in blood sugar and the feeling of tiredness. My suggestion would be to put more protein and complex carbs into your day time meals- Switch your lunch of rice and salads to brown rice and beans or a turkey sandwich on true whole wheat bread and a salad. Also try switching your peanut butter to a natural type that doesn't have as much sugar added (if you haven't already) and trying hummus and veggies for a snack.

A lot of people think that the answer to hypoglycemia is more sugar, but that just sets you up for roller coaster reactions- Lots of Highs when you have the sugar- but just as many low when your body over reacts and takes that sugar away.

If you are craving sugar the best time to eat it is right after (within 20 minutes) working out. Also, I wouldn't recommend more that an hour of cardio, this will really lower your blood sugar to troublesome levels.   

Hope this helps!

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