6 Ways Balancing your Blood Sugar Helps with Fat Loss

By Haley Garelli, RD, CDCES Posted 7/9/2022

How Balancing your Blood Sugar Helps with Fat Loss 

When most people think about blood sugar, they think about diabetes. But blood sugar balance is important for everyone, not just people with diabetes. 

Now only is it important to a long and healthy life, but blood sugar balance is key to weight loss. Another thing many people don't know is that dietitians can help you balance your blood sugar and lose weight in the process! 

Here are six ways that blood sugar balance can help with weight loss: 

1. Blood sugar balance helps to stabilize your mood

This can help you reach your goals for many reasons. Less likely to fall into an emotional eating trap, you’ll feel more confident in your progress and you’ll be more likely to show up consistently. I could go on and on, but I mean who wouldn’t want to have more stable moods? 

2. Blood sugar balance helps to reduce cravings for sugary foods. 

This means that you're less likely to overeat or indulge in unhealthy snacks. You know that feeling of “oh my gosh, I NEED chocolate now” (or chips or ice cream) well your imbalanced blood sugar could be why you feel that! Because when our blood sugar spikes too high, drops too low or even just drips quickly that sends a signal to you’re brain that it needs energy now! Hence the cravings for sugar and carbs. But when you balance your blood sugar, that is much less likely to happen. And even when cravings do hit you’ll feel much more in control. 

3. A balanced blood sugar helps to keep your energy levels consistent

This means you'll be less likely to feel exhausted and give up on your weight loss goals. You’ll finally have the energy to show up fully at work, get that awesome workout in AND still have energy to keep up with your kids. So if you're looking to lose weight, be sure to talk to a dietitian about how to balance your blood sugar. It could be the key to success! 

4. Balancing your blood sugar helps to support your hormone health

This means that your will feel safer and able to burn fat more efficiently. Therefore you will see results from your diet and exercise routine more quickly. Yes please! This is because your body will not be consistently pumping out insulin (fat storing hormone) and be able to tap into your stored energy sources (aka your body fat) and use that for energy. 

If you're looking to balance your blood sugar and support your hormone health, it's important to make sure your diet is on point. That means plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein sources. It's also a good idea to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. Working with a dietician can help you create a personalized plan that will work best for you. Following a balanced diet can help you lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, and feel your best.

5. Balancing your blood sugar can reduce inflammation

When it comes to reducing inflammation, balancing your blood sugar is key. Too much sugar in the bloodstream can cause inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to all sorts of health problems, including weight gain and diabetes. Inflammation is something I see often in my practice that is holding women back from seeing weight loss no matter how little they’re eating or how hard they’re working out.  A dietitian can help you create a plan to balance your blood sugar and reduce inflammation.

6. Balanced blood sugar can help to prevent and even reverse insulin resistance

Did you know that if you have insulin resistance, you're at risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes? If you're like most people, you probably didn't. That's because most people don't even know they have insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is a condition in which your body doesn't use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose (sugar) for energy. When you have insulin resistance, your body makes more insulin than it needs. Over time, this can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance can also be a root driver of PCOS and hypothyroid symptoms.

Balancing your blood sugar can help to  prevent insulin resistance from developing. What's more, it can also help improve your blood sugar control if you already have insulin resistance.

So how can you balance your blood sugar? 

By following a healthy diet. A healthy diet is one that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, and high in fiber. It is also important to include plenty of healthy protein and healthy fats in your diet.

A registered dietitian can help you create a healthy diet that is right for you. He or she can also help you lose weight if you need to lose weight. Losing weight can help improve your insulin resistance and  reduce inflammation.