6 Common Breakfast Habits That Can Spike Insulin Levels And Lead To Blood Sugar Imbalances
Your breakfast choices can make or break your blood sugar levels. From skipping meals to overloading on refined carbs, certain habits may cause insulin spikes and energy crashes. Learn about six common breakfast mistakes that could be silently affecting your metabolism, and how to fix them for better blood sugar balance and long-term health.
Eating only refined carbohydrates
Eating refined carbohydrates making white bread (as well as other refined source foods) and sugary cereals can raise glucose levels quickly; this leads to a crash in energy and encourages hunger (due to rapid digestion and poorer amount of insulin released into your blood stream).
Drinking sweetened drinks/fruit juice
Sweetened drinks like sweetened tea or sugary fruit juices raise blood sugar quickly (they do not have the fiber that most foods, which slows the absorption of glucose) raise blood sugar quickly by causing a crawl in insulin when you drink them on an empty stomach.
Skipping breakfast or waiting too long between eating.
Eating breakfast later on promotes an increase in cortisol in your body and makes you likely to develop insulin resistance. Eating regularly helps to regulate blood sugars in your body and help to avoid having a major spike in insulin later on in the day.
Eating Low Protein Breakfast
Eating anything with little or no protein, such as toast and fruit, will do nothing to prevent rapid absorption of carbs like a higher protein breakfast would, causing blood sugar to spike, followed closely by another spike in insulin. Protein has the power to stabilize glucose and help sustain your energy.
Eating Processed, Refined Grains
Processed grains (bagels, instant oatmeal) do not contain any fiber. Paying attention to this, sugars are absorbed very quickly, leading to a hyper and spike in blood glucose and insulin levels after eating.
Eating Large Amounts of "Healthy" Sugars, Toppings, or Fruits
Even large amounts of honey or nut butters, dried fruit, etc., contribute additional sugars, which will cause excess insulin surges, if not balanced with a fat or protein to keep blood sugar low.
Disclaimer
This photo gallery is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about insulin resistance, diabetes, or blood sugar regulation, consult a qualified healthcare provider or registered dietitian.
