We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fitness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Hypoglycemic Diet?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,290
Share

The hypoglycemic diet aims to extend the amount of time it takes for food to be absorbed, as this can help keep blood sugar at normal levels. It is often referred to as the natural diet, since it focuses on eliminating many manmade foods in favor of natural products. Thus, while it is meant for those with hypoglycemia, many people trying to lose weight or just improve their diet may try out this food plan. In general, the hypoglycemic diet encourages that followers of the diet decrease the consumption of simple carbohydrates and increase both complex carbohydrates and high fiber foods. Caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks are to be avoided, and substituting several small meals for three larger meals is promoted.

One of the main tenets of the hypoglycemic diet is that simple carbohydrates should be avoided when possible, since they are digested and absorbed quickly. This leads to a fast increase in glucose in the blood, followed by a sharp drop in those who have trouble regulating their insulin due to hypoglycemia. Cookies, cake, pastries, honey, candy, sugar, jelly, and soda are some popular types of simple carbohydrates, which are often the main culprits of glucose spikes. Complex carbohydrates, such as pasta, vegetables, cereal, whole grain rice, bread, and beans, are all considered good to eat on this diet. Foods that are high in fiber, such as bran, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, strawberries, apples, and citrus, are also encouraged when following the hypoglycemic diet.

In most cases, fruit juice is considered sugary, and is not promoted on this diet since it is thought to be better to get fruit servings straight from the source, as fresh fruit contains only natural sugar, as well as fiber. Additionally, caffeine consumption can typically result in the same reaction that the ingestion of candy, cookies, and other simple carbohydrates often does, which is why coffee and soda are not permitted on this diet. Alcohol can cause a similar drop in blood sugar, so it is frowned upon, as well.

To keep blood sugar normal, followers of the hypoglycemic diet are encouraged to eat about six small meals per day rather than three large ones. This can help keep blood sugar levels balanced all day. It is also suggested that prohibited items, particularly caffeine and alcohol, be eliminated from the diet slowly since suddenly cessation of them can result in withdrawal symptoms. Reaching and maintaining ideal weight can help keep blood sugar levels the same at all times, and many people use this diet to do just that. Finally, it should be noted that the hypoglycemic diet works best when tailored to each individual using the general rules.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon320382 — On Feb 17, 2013

I will begin a hypoglycemic diet to reverse insulin resistance. Will it be counter-productive to juice during this diet? What if I keep it 80 percent vegetable, 20 percent fruit. Won't that lower the effect on my blood sugar??

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-hypoglycemic-diet.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.