Your blood sugar levels naturally rise in the morning, but eating certain foods can make this spike even higher. This can be especially dangerous for people with diabetes or prediabetes. Even if you don’t have diabetes, it is very important to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
With that in mind, this article considers a few foods whose intake has been found to cause a spike in blood sugar levels. The foods are briefly examined below:
1. White bread
White bread is made from refined flour, which has been stripped of its fibre and nutrients. This means that white bread is quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
If you are looking for a healthier breakfast option, choose whole-wheat bread instead. Whole-wheat bread is made from whole grains, which contain more fibre and nutrients than refined flour. This means that whole-wheat bread is digested more slowly, which helps to prevent a blood sugar spike.
2. Sugary cereals
Sugary cereals are another common breakfast food that can spike your blood sugar levels. Many sugary cereals are high in processed carbohydrates and added sugar. These ingredients are quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
if you are looking for a healthier breakfast option, choose a cereal that is low in sugar and high in fibre. You can also add fresh fruit and nuts to your cereal for a boost of nutrients.
3. Pastries
Pastries, such as doughnuts, muffins, and croissants, are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats. These ingredients can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and also contribute to weight gain.
If you are looking for a healthier breakfast option, avoid pastries altogether. Instead, choose a breakfast that is high in protein and fibre. This will help to keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime.
4. Yoghurt with added sugar
Yoghurt is a healthy breakfast food, but it is important to choose yoghurt that is low in sugar. Many yoghurt brands add sugar and other artificial sweeteners to their products. These ingredients can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
If you are looking for a healthier yoghurt option, choose plain yoghurt and add your own fruit and honey for sweetness. You can also look for yoghurt brands that use natural sweeteners.
5. Fruit juice
Fruit juice is another common breakfast food that can spike your blood sugar levels. Fruit juice is high in natural sugar and calories, and it does not contain the fibre that is found in whole fruit. This means that fruit juice is quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
If you are looking for a healthier beverage option, choose water or unsweetened tea instead. Alternatively, you can dilute fruit juice with water to reduce its sugar content.