Want to Make Sure you Stick with Low Carb and Low Sugar Foods? Tip: Write it all down.

Every once in awhile I have a moment of clarity where I realize that, even with best intentions, I have strayed from my low carb, low sugar meal intentions. It can be hard! When this happens, the only way for me to get back on track is to start a food journal.

DISCOVERING THE LINK

The first time I became truly aware of the link between the high carb meals I was eating and my health was when I was pregnant with my first child. My doctor was concerned with the amount of weight I had gained, and he had me monitor my blood sugar at regular intervals during the day – as frequently as every hour!

Before doing this, I had absolutely no idea about the direct relationship between the carbs I was eating and the subsequent spikes in blood sugar. It was shocking, and I witnessed first-hand how dangerous carbs could be for my health, and how my continuing to consume simple sugars could even be seen as a precursor for diabetes.

MAKING SMART MEAL DECISIONS

Sticking with a low carb and low sugar meals, and diabetic foods requires quite a bit of discipline, particularly if there are others in the house who don’t feel inclined to eat this way. Let others in your household know that you are trying to reduce carbs and sugar from your diet, and share the reasons why this is important for you.

One way to make it easier for yourself is to have low carb, low sugar, diabetic meals that you and your family enjoy on-hand at all times. It helps to stock up on low carb baking mixes so that your pantry is full of things you should be eating as opposed to things that you shouldn’t.

Psychologists say that changing a habit, or starting a new habit, takes approximately two weeks. Give yourself the time to make the transition, and think of it as a long-term lifestyle change.

KEEP A FOOD JOURNAL

It’s a simple but effective way to eat low carb, diabetic, and sugar free meals. Write down what you eat, and how much of it. Seeing this in writing allows you to reflect on healthier low carb and sugar free alternatives that you could have.

If you keep your food journal somewhere were your whole family can see it, they can get on board, and even provide you with emotional support to make smart food choices at mealtimes.