Anyone Hyploglycemic?

[gshoemate]

I have low blood sugar and need to lose weight but have no idea where to start since I have to eat 6-8 times a day. I know diet is only part of it, I joined the YMCA but have been sick so I haven't made it there to start working out yet. But the whole eating thing confuses me.

 

[KathyTX]

You really shouldn't have a problem...

You can combine frequent small meals with whatever eating plan you choose.

You'll metabolize proteins slower, carbs faster. Setting up a relatively low-carb plan will make it easier to keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day.

Mostly, I find it helpful to:
* go easy on the sugars and other carbs
* fit in a small mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack
* keep something like a small bag of nuts or packaged cheese crackers on hand for those occasions you feel yourself starting to become weak and shaky.
* Learn to recognize the difference between "weak and shaky" and "hungry"
* be really careful with alcohol

I rarely have problems with my hypoglycemia, except when I skip meals.

The good news is that hypoglycemia is not medically dangerous (except in some extreme instances) and is very easy to control by just eating sensibly.

 

[KarenNY]

That's good advice, Kathy. Thanks.

 

[lulu201]

When I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia, I found it helpful to see a registered dietician. Also, like Kathy says, it's important to learn the difference between "weak and shaky" and "hungry." I'd go so far as to say that it's helpful to know the differences between "nervous/stressed" and "weak/shaky," too!

Good luck with everything.
Erin

 

[mommyflower]

I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia in May of this year, although I am sure I have had it for about five to seven years. Between my low blood sugar and my pregnancy in 2000 I put on a lot of weight. I was so confused about what to eat and what not to eat at first, but now I am doing much better. Since I changed my way of eating at the end of July to low carb I have lost a total of 15.5 pounds, 6.5 here on WISH. At first I tried to do atkins, but it was a little too strict for me when trying to eat 6 or 7 times a day. I'm not a big meat person. So I eat low carb, meaning staying between 75 to 100 carbs a day. It means slower weight loss than those who do atkins, but it works for me. I don't do fruit because it has a nasty effect on my blood sugar. I drink Atkins shakes for breakfast and sometimes eat atkins bars (I carry them with me incase I need to eat). I am a stay at home mom so it is easy for me to stop and grab a bite when I feel I need to. I have found that with hypoglycemia it is all about how your body reacts to what you eat. It is basically trial and error to see what you can eat and what you can't. For example, I have been drinking only water and Iced tea made with splenda as beverages. I went to a birthday party a couple of weeks ago and they had the punch with soad and ice cream. I have always loved that stuff so I had maybe 4 sips. Never again! It made me feel terrible.
Low carb is definitely the way to go. Get a carb counter book and keep track of how may carbs you eat . Maybe try Atkins if you think it is good for you. I am no expert but I would be glad to try to help in anyway I can. I know how frustrating it can be. If you have questions just ask away and I and everyone else here at WISH will give you as much help as we can.
Good luck with whatever plan you decide to go with!