[ Why Blood Sugar Goes Up and Down.]

Upswing: Caffeine.

There are many different ways blood sugar (glucose levels in the blood) can be affected and cause problems with sugar control in people with diabetes. Each person reacts differently to various items that influence blood sugars. There are some compounds individuals with diabetes may want to examine to see how they influence their own blood sugar levels. For example, blood sugar levels can rise after drinking coffee, black tea, and some energy drinks due to the presence of caffeine. There are other compounds that may alter blood glucose levels and methods people with diabetes can use to see what compounds and actions influence their own blood sugar levels.

Upswing: Sugar-Free Foods.

A number of foods claim to be "sugar-free," but these foods raise blood sugar levels because many of them contain carbohydrates in starches, fats, and even fiber. Sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and xylitol add sweetness to foods but still may have enough associated carbohydrates to raise blood sugar levels. Foods with high levels of carbohydrates are likely to raise blood sugar levels very high, and eventually may cause organ damage over time in people with diabetes.

Upswing: Chinese Food

Foods high in fat can cause blood sugar to stay higher for longer periods of time. Pizza, French fries, and most fried foods are high in carbohydrates and fat. It’s a good idea to check your blood sugar about two hours after you eat such foods to see how your blood sugar levels are affected.

Upswing: A Bad Cold.

Dehydration can elevate your blood sugar so it is wise to stay well hydrated. If you are sick, diarrhea and vomiting for more than two hours, or illness longer than a few days may alter your blood sugar. Moreover, blood sugar rises as your body tries to fight any type of illness. Medications such as antibiotics and decongestants may alter your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels during these intermittent special situations so you can help determine how your body will react to these illnesses and treatments.

[ Color of Vegitebles.]

What explains the color of Vegetables?.

They mean thus.

Mom knew best when she demanded that we eat our vegetables. Vegetables are powerhouses when it comes to maintaining optimal health. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients – all of which help fight disease, obesity, and aging. Vegetables are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C, among others. Fibrous vegetables (E.g., peppers, carrots, leafy greens) are especially helpful in weight management: they are high in water, and extremely low in calories and fat, so they fill you up with very few calories. They are high in fiber too, which helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels, lowers the risk for heart disease and aids in proper digestion. The colors found in vegetables are a result of some of the phytonutrients they contain. Phytonutrients are plant compounds that are thought to have health-protecting qualities. Although vegetables contain a lot of nutrients beyond their attributed colored phytonutrient, eating all of the colors of the rainbow helps to ensure that you’re getting a broad spectrum of health-protecting nutrients in your diet. Refer to Every Color of the Rainbow – Vegetables to get a breakdown of typical vegetables, their colors and the associated phytonutrients and their benefits:

Color -  Phytonutrient - Vegetables -  What it Does

Red  Anthocyanins
Lycopene           Beets                  
Radicchio
Radishes                      Keeps urinary tracts healthy
Red Pepper                           Maintains a healthy heart
                                     Boosts memory Lowers risk of cancer.

Rhubarb Tomatoes Keeps urinary tracts healthy Maintains a healthy heart 
Boosts memory Lowers risk of cancer.

Yellow / Orange      Bioflavonoids
Carotenoids
Vitamin C      Butternut Squash
                     Carrots
                     Pumpkin
                     Summer squash
                     Sweet Corn 
                     Sweet Potatoes     
Yellow Beets
Yellow Peppers
Yellow Squash                           < Keep immune system strong
                                        Supports eye function and health
                                        Lowers risk of cancer
                                        Lowers risk of heart disease
                                        Yellow Tomatoes 
                                        Keep immune system strong
                                        Supports eye function and health
                                        Lowers risk of cancer
                                        Lowers risk of heart disease.>

Green 

Calcium
Indoles
Iron
Lutein
Magnesium          Artichokes
                   Arugula
                   Asparagus
                   Broccoli
                   Broccoli Rabe Brussels Sprouts
                   Celery
                   Chinese Cabbage Cucumbers
                   Endive
                   Green Beans
                   Green Cabbage 
                   Green Peppers
                   Leafy Greens
                   Leeks
                   Green Onions
                   Okra 
                   Peas
                   Snow Peas
                   Sugar Snap Peas
                   Spinach
                   Watercress
                   Zucchini.

                   (Supports eye function and health
                   Lowers risk of cancer.
                   Maintains strong bones and teeth)
Blue / Purple Anthocyanins
Phenolics Eggplant
                Purple Cabbage
                Purple Belgian Endive 
                Purple Peppers
                Purple Potatoes
                Red Cabbage
                Red Onion.
                [Lower risk of cancers
                Good for urinary tract health
                Improves memory function
                Helps to fight effects of aging.]
White/Tan/Brown Allicin Cauliflower
                Jerusalem Artichokes
                Jicama
                Mushrooms
                Onions 
                Parsnips
                Potatoes
                Shallots
                Turnips
                White Corn
                {Promotes heart health & Lowers risk for cancer}

Are you well-rounded in the veggies you eat?

[ Simple Truth. ]

[Suryanamaskar]

[Craving Unhealthy Foods? You Could Be Low on Nutrients ]

There are instances when our cravings can come on pretty strong - such as when you cannot wait to launch into a packet of crisps or sink your teeth into a soft, sugar coated donut. There may be times when you overwhelmingly desire a slab of cheese or a piece of toast.

Whatever your cravings may be, they can be pretty hard to control when they come into play . However, while there are many theories behind why our cravings occur (from what your mother ate while you were in her womb, to the demand of your second 'gut brain,' or even pregnancy cravings) one other, possibly more plausible theory is that our cravings occur due to a lack of a specific nutrient.

Food cravings correspond to a request from our body. This theory maintains that if you replace foods containing the same nutrients you are actually craving, they might help curb the urge to eat unhealthy snacks. In theory, therefore, it should be possible to eat your way out of a packet of crisps, by replacing your desire with a handful of olives. Of course, there are instances when the food you are craving will have to do - after all, a spinach and seafood salad at the movies instead of a box of buttered popcorn isn't going to cut it.

Nevertheless, as with most things, extremes are hard to sustain. Keep in mind that there is a time and a place for everything. But, when your body is calling for more calcium and fatty acids, you should try opt for a dish of eggplant or some crispy kale over a portion of cheese.

Here are some other solutions to curb your food cravings.

To view a larger version of the chart click on the images.