I often write about blood sugar levels and weight management programs. As a hypnotherapist, I have found that maintaining a consistent and healthy blood sugar level is important for both physical and emotional health.  When a client comes to me for weight management issues, part of my job is to educate him or her in how different food choices influence not just their physical, but also their mental well-being.

In our fast paced culture, many people rely on fast foods or convenience foods for a good part of their meals.  Although there may be some healthful choices in the fast food category, the vast majority of fast foods and convenience foods are high calorie, high fat and high sodium, and low in vitamins and minerals.   We must recognize that food is fuel for our bodies, and the quality of that fuel makes a difference in how our bodies run.

High quality, nutritious foods contribute to our overall health and well being.  Low quality, poor foods deteriorate our bodies.  Makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?    So just what are high quality, nutritious foods?     Generally these foods are non-processed, naturally low calorie foods.     As would be expected, the list of low calorie foods  is heavy on vegetables, beans and legumes.  Also fish, oats, eggs, and many others fall into this category.   The less processing and added ingredients the better.   These healthful, low calorie foods should be the cornerstone of most diets.

One tip I give my clients is this – shop around the edges of the supermarket, and avoid the inside aisles where the processed foods are found.    The next thing to remember is that you may start out with a highly nutritious, low calorie  food such as a piece of fish or broccoli, but if you fry it up in a heavy batter and serve it with creamy buttery sauce, you are doing yourself a disservice.  The method of food preparation is as important as the particular choices.  Adding oils, butters and creams, breading and frying foods is discouraged.  Steaming, broiling and wok-searing are must healthier cooking methods.

Making the right food choices may not be easy, especially if this is a new way of eating.  But it is possible to do, and to make it your everyday eating style.  Choosing highly nutritious, low calorie foods on a regular basis will help keep your weight down, your blood sugar levels consistent and your overall health good.

Tags: blood sugar levels, emotional health, healthy blood sugar level, low calorie foods, naturally low calorie foods, Weight management
Filed under: General Health, Weight Loss