W30 and hypoglycemia

[buildingmytemple]

I am about to start my W30 soon but have a question that needs answering.  I know the program tries to steer clear of snacking in between meals but what about my blood sugar levels?  I currently have to have a snack in between meals to keep my sugar levels from bottoming out...although I will admit I don't make the best food choices now.  Will eating according to the plan (palm size protein and sides of veggies/fruit) tied me over ok?  Educated suggestions requested pretty please

[Bet]

Short answer yes. I was a chronic hypoglycemic sufferer. It was one of the reasons I went on W30. It will take time for you to adapt, but I've had success going 6 hours between meals during the day and up to 12 at night without any low blood sugar issues. The key is to eat the full meal and have plenty of fat and protein along with the carbs from veggies. You may not be able to eat the full meals yet. That's ok. Just try to eat what you can and instead of a snack, save the rest for later. As long as you keep the 'snacks' to the fat/protein/carb ration you should be fine.

[Ivorwen]

My cousin (and one of my closes friends) has had great success with her hypoglycemia through switching to a Paleo lifestyle. I'm actually trying to get her to come over and comment. 


http://www.marksdailyapple.com/i-wish-i-could-shout-it-from-the-rooftops-2/#axzz2yW23P2x2

[puppypower]

Hi buildingmytemple I was one of those people who had to eat every 2-3 hours to stabilize my blood sugar. I have a tendency to be hypoglycemic and diabetes run on my mom's side of the family, so it's one of the two main reasons for me doing a Whole30.

 

When I first started my Whole30, just eating 3 times a day was not working. Really. Not. Working. I started with 4 meals a day, and then slowly transitioned to 3 meals a day. Also - super important - make sure you get enough fat and starchy veggies at each meal. My meals always followed the template but I found I was super hungry when I didn't have starchy veggies at the meal. Also the amount of fat to be included at each meal as per the template is a minimum. When I started, each meal had the minimum amount of fat. (Fat is what keeps you satiated until the next meal). I found I had to up the amount of fat to keep from getting hungry too soon. As your hormones start to normalize, you'll find that you won't get as hungry as often (and less low blood sugar). I'm at the point now where I have to force myself to finish at least one of my 3 daily meals! When I started my Whole30, I was skeptical that I could get by with "only" 3 meals a day, but it has actually worked!

 

One more thing: if you don't already use a glucometer, it might be useful to start. It will help you keep track of how different foods and a different way of eating affects you. This is very much a learning process!

[praxisproject]

My blood sugar was a lot more stable after my first Whole30 (my resting blood sugar beforehand was all over the place).

 

The template is crucial. If it takes time to get down to 3 meals a day, that's okay, but always always, stick to the template

[LisaLulu]

I had a lot of issues with hypoglycemia pre whole 30 and they have almost completely cleared up! It only happens if I go a really REALLY long time without eating and try to push past my hunger for too long, but even then it's not nearly as bad. But... if I don't eat enough starchy carbs and fruit I have the same issues, I need a certain amount of whole food carbs to feel my best.

 

i was having shockingly bad dizzy spells/nausea from blood sugar so it's been quite a relief to be free of all that, it's also way more convenient not to have to worry about eating all the time or getting caught being out with no food and getting dizzy.