Here are some of the ways you can stabilize blood sugar levels and optimize your long term health naturally.
1) Regularly Drink Water - Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to avoid dehydration and help liberate fat stores to be burned as energy.
2) Eat 5 to 6 Small Meals Daily - Spreading food intake improves nutrient absorption, minimizes blood sugar fluctuations, and decreases fat-storing hormones and enzymes.
3) Carbohydrates - Consume low to moderate GI (Glycemic Index) carbohydrates at all times. All low GI diets are based on the same principle of balancing blood sugar. The foods which are restricted on low GI diets are those which cause your blood sugar and insulin levels to rise fast and high such as desserts and refined sugars. This results in more food being converted to fat. Some foods commonly believed to be healthy actually have a high GI index: dried dates, watermelon, banana, raisins, brown rice pasta, white rice, cornmeal, couscous, instant rice, white bread, whole meal bread, dark rye, and popular cereals (Raisin Bran, Special K, Grape Nuts, Cornflakes, Rice Krispies, Cheerios, Puffed Wheat).
4) Protein - Consume lean, complete protein regularly with meals to raise your metabolic and anabolic hormones and prevent lean tissue loss. Good protein sources are skinless chicken, salmon, tuna, sardines, low fat cottage cheese, egg whites, and turkey breast. Avoid luncheon meats, whole milk, ground beef, cheese, bacon, pork chops, and yogurt.
5) Increase Fiber Intake - Fibrous vegetables like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Peppers, and Carrots, and other raw vegetables and brown rice and whole grains increase transit time of food, improve digestion, and enhance weight loss. They also add bulk to the diet which reduces appetite.
6) Reduce Saturated Fats and Replace with Polyunsaturated Fats (PUFAs) - Limit butter, red meat, cheese, mayonnaise, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, and sunflower seeds. Avoid margarine, foods with "partially hydrogenated" on labeling, processed vegetable oils, and fried foods. Regularly consume flax oil, non-processed vegetable oils, salmon, olive oil, hazelnuts, peanut oil, hemp, avocado, almonds, and fish oil.
7) Aerobics - 40 to 60 minutes of aerobics (jogging, fast walking, swimming, cycling) on alternating days from weight training will help to burn fat and calories, increase physical endurance, strengthen heart and lungs, help control blood lipid levels and blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity, and enhance energy and ability to cope with stress. Since aerobics on an empty stomach rely on fat for energy, morning time is ideal for aerobics. The level of intensity should be within your target heart range. This means 60% to 85% of your maximum heart rate (you feel the workout is somewhat hard where you feel tired but can continue for the entire 40 to 60 minute period).
8) Weight Training - More muscle mass means a higher resting metabolic rate and more calories burned. Weight training 3 to 4 days per week (less than 1 hour per session with 30 to 60 second rest periods in between sets) will foster high levels of muscle building (anabolic) hormones and minimize muscle wasting (catabolic) hormones. Work each body part once a week (chest and back on day 1, legs on day 3, shoulders and arms on day 5).
9) Multivitamins - A good quality multivitamin / mineral supplement is always advisable for maximizing metabolism, fat loss, and health.
10) Consuming Alcohol in Moderation - Drinking too much alcohol can raise triglyceride levels in your blood and also lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, and increase calorie intake (which can lead to obesity and diabetes).
11) Relaxation - When you are stressed, you are more likely to break away from good habits such as eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. Maintain a relaxed outlook by prioritizing tasks, setting limits, getting enough sleep, and calming your mind through meditation, hobbies, and time spent with loved ones.
India Herbs - Ancient Remedies for Modern Times
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