Eating for your emotional & physical wellbeing: Andi's Tips

Quite often when we think about food and eating well, the first thing we consider is eating for our physical wellbeing. Today, Andi (a T1D personal trainer and nutritionist who is also managing T1D herself) wants to challenge us on how we can have a more holistic relationship with the foods that we put into our body. Andi wants us to consider also eating for our emotional health. This way, we aren't just eating for the moment but also for the future.

How we can do this is by asking ourselves:

Am I just enjoying this food in this moment or will I also enjoy it after I've eaten too? 

This is a great question that can contribute to how you manage diabetes, your sleep, your energy and your mood. 

Andi shares that when you start thinking about how you'll feel after you eat certain foods, it will make your health goals (weight gain or loss, muscle building etc.) be achieved a lot quicker. Overall, it can help you manage your blood sugars better as you'll feel good and you've got the energy to look after yourself!

Prioritize Balanced Meals: Focus on creating balanced meals using the Diabetes Plate Method to ensure you're getting the right mix of nutrients that support both your body and mind.

Choose Whole Foods: Opt for whole, unprocessed foods like non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, which can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and improve overall well-being.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support both physical and emotional health, as proper hydration is key to feeling your best.

Monitor Portion Sizes: Keep portion sizes in check to help stabilize blood glucose levels and prevent overeating, which can affect both physical and emotional wellness.

Enjoy Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite and paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, which can enhance your relationship with food and contribute to better emotional health.

Starting an exercise routine with these tips can help you build a sustainable and enjoyable fitness habit.

Interested in how exercise impacts diabetes management? Check out these popular articles on our blog:

- How to Safely Exercise with Diabetes
- The Best Workouts for Blood Sugar Control
- Managing Blood Sugar Levels During and After Exercise
- Exercise Tips for People with Type 1 Diabetes

Explore our blog for more tips and resources on diabetes and exercise.