How Blood Sugar Levels Impact Energy Levels
Hey Angels and Alphas,
Have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to get out of bed in the morning? Energy levels are probably the biggest factor that impacts how you start your day. If you wake up feeling tired and without motivation, it can make your whole day seem bleak and unproductive, even if other parts of the day go well.
Low energy levels at the beginning of your day cause you to feel like there are no good options available to you, which can lead to feelings of regret or sadness.
In this article, we’re going to explore the connection between your blood sugar and your energy levels so you can optimize your mornings for more productivity throughout the day.
What is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar levels are measured by something called a glucose test. Glucose, simply put, is the form of sugar in our blood. In order to have enough energy during the day, blood sugar needs to be maintained at a steady level. If not, we experience fatigue. A sudden drop in glucose will cause tiredness and hunger at different rates depending on whether you have diabetes or not. The condition is often referred to as hypoglycemia if it has been diagnosed but there are many other terms that can be used interchangeably.
What Causes Low and High Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar is a measurement of how much glucose is in our blood. When we eat carbohydrates or consume anything with sugars, they are broken down into glucose molecules that are absorbed into our bloodstream.
The hormone insulin plays an important role in maintaining the balance between how much glucose is in the blood stream and how it’s used by different parts of the body. Insulin tells cells to absorb more glucose and store it as glycogen, which is a natural storage form for carbohydrate energy.
Glucose that isn’t being used right away by cells or stored as glycogen will eventually end up being converted to fat deposits which are stored throughout our bodies.
How Does Blood Sugar Relate to Energy?
Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). In order to be healthy, it should remain at or below 120mg/dL. When blood sugar levels are low, it leaves you feeling tired and lacking in focus. Having a sufficient level, around 160-180mg/dL is needed for energy. This ensures that your body has enough glucose to properly function.
How to Optimize your Blood Sugar for More Energy throughout the Day
* Avoid processed foods and refined sugars as they quickly break down into glucose, which can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels.
* Try eating some protein for breakfast, like eggs or a hard-boiled egg if you are not used to protein first thing in the morning.
* Pack snacks such as almonds or almond butter or raw veggies like carrots and celery sticks in a lunch bag, so that if you get hungry during the day you have a healthy choice ready to go.
* Be sure to have your afternoon snack at least 2-3 hours before going to bed. Eating something before bed will give your body extra calories for fuel, but it may cause indigestion that interrupts sleep.
The Bottom Line
When you have low blood sugar, your brain may not be able to maintain an efficient flow of thoughts and ideas. That’s why we usually experience moments of low energy right before or after a meal or snack.
But if your blood sugar remains consistently too low over time, it can become increasingly difficult to concentrate and focus on tasks at hand, leading to decreased productivity at work, in school, or at home.
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