According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 37.3 million Americans have diabetes.

Sometimes, keeping your blood sugar normal seems like an impossible task. You might have a long day at work or school ahead of you, meaning you have to get up early and haven’t eaten the right foods to regulate your blood sugar.

In these situations, anything you can do to keep your blood sugar on track can seem like a godsend.

If you’d like to learn how to maintain blood sugar, just keep reading. 

Eat Balanced Meals

In order to maintain a healthy blood sugar level during a hectic day, try to eat balanced meals. Taking the time to prepare larger portions at dinner or choosing to eat from a more balanced plate with a good mix of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and some healthy fats is a great way to keep the balance during the day.

Aim for whole grain foods such as oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat bread, as opposed to processed foods like pastries or candy. Not only will this help maintain blood sugar levels, but it also helps to increase productivity and energy.

Avoid Skipping Meals

Skipping meals in order to fit more activities into the day can cause low blood sugar, leading to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Planning meals and snacks ahead of time will ensure that healthy snacks are within reach throughout the day. Eating slowly and mindfully, instead of quickly consuming foods, will also help to stabilize blood sugar levels.

If you find yourself short on time, cut up and store fruits and vegetables beforehand so that they can be quickly added to meals or eaten as snacks. Following these tips can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels, even during a busy day.

Stay Hydrated

Water helps to flush toxins out of the blood and stabilize blood glucose levels. It can also help regulate diabetes in people who have the condition. Drinking enough water (8-10 glasses a day) is important to keep the body hydrated and healthy. In addition to drinking water, natural fruit juices, energy drinks, and sports drinks can also help keep the body hydrated.

One way to keep your blood sugar stable during a busy day is to have a glucose shake. This shake is made by combining a low-fat, high-carbohydrate food like oatmeal with fruit to give you an instant hit of energy.

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is also important, as both can cause dehydration. 

Control Portion Sizes

To maintain blood sugar, it is important to stick to portion-controlled meals that have a healthy mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber. Aim for three small meals and two healthy snacks throughout the day. When picking snacks, opt for low-glycemic items such as nuts and seeds, berries, or yogurt rather than high-sugar snacks like candy or sugary drinks.

If you are eating out or getting takeout, try to stay away from deep-fried and large portion sizes and opt for something grilled or steamed. With portion control, planning ahead, a balanced diet, and hydration, you can easily maintain your blood sugar levels throughout a busy day.

Learning How to Maintain Blood Sugar

Staying on top of your blood sugar levels during a busy day requires mindful effort and planning on how to maintain blood sugar. Keeping snacks prepared and staying hydrated will help to avoid major drops or spikes in your blood sugar. 

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