A Whole-Person Approach to Healthy Blood Sugar
When someone tells me they have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, I know it can feel overwhelming. You might be thinking: “Do I have to give up all the foods I love? I want you to know—you don’t have to go down the path of restriction or stress. Managing blood sugar is absolutely doable, and it can fit into your life in a way that feels natural.
Small Lifestyle Shifts, Big Results
Over the years, I’ve seen how the simplest changes often make the biggest difference:
Build balanced plates → Pairing carbs with protein, fiber, and healthy fats keeps energy steady and helps avoid the highs and lows that leave you fatigued, hungry, and irritable.
Move a little after meals → Even a short walk after dinner can make a noticeable difference in blood sugar. I often tell my clients about my experiment with carrot cake. Be sure to ask me about it.
Pay attention to sleep and stress → Your blood sugar responds to more than just food. When you’re tired or stressed, even a perfectly balanced meal can cause spikes.
Supplements: Helpful but Not Magic
Some supplements—like magnesium, vitamin D, berberine, and omega-3s—have evidence supporting blood sugar support. But they’re not magic bullets. I always evaluate what makes sense based on your labs, your lifestyle, and your health history. The right supplement for one person might not even be necessary for another.
Busting Common Myths
I hear a lot of myths that make people anxious:
“Carbs are the enemy.” Not true! It’s about the quality and amount. Whole grains, beans, fruit, and vegetables can—and should—fit into your plan.
“Keto cures diabetes.” Super low-carb diets can help some people in the short term, but they aren’t the only solution and can be tough to stick with. While I take a lower carb, higher protein approach, I have found that some people need more (or less) carbs than others.
“Sugar-free means safe.” Many “sugar-free” foods still affect blood sugar or digestion. A blog on all things sugar will follow.
I always tell clients: understanding your body’s responses matters more than following a trend.
A Real-Life Example
Here’s a meal and snack combo I often suggest:
Meal: Grilled salmon, roasted sweet potato, broccoli, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Snack: Apple slices with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter.
It’s simple, satisfying, and gives you a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. And the best part? You can enjoy it without feeling deprived.
Why a Whole-Person Approach Matters
For me, blood sugar management isn’t just about food—it’s about looking at the whole person. Your daily routines, sleep, stress, and relationship with food all matter. Everyone responds differently, so the most effective plan is one that fits your life, not the other way around.
That’s why I take a whole-person, individualized approach. Together, we look at your goals, your lifestyle, your medical history, and your food preferences to create a plan that’s realistic, sustainable, and still enjoyable.
If you’re ready to take a personalized approach to blood sugar management, I’d love to support you. Feel free to book a free discovery call, and we’ll talk about your goals, your challenges, and how we can create a plan that works for you.
