Calories Often Innocent in Weight Gain

Those unwanted pounds not always the result of piling on the calories.

Nutrition specialist Dr. John Briffa says problems with blood sugar levels can also help add the avoirdupois, and balancing those levels can be an effective strategy for weight loss and improved vitality.

Individuals experiencing hypoglycemia, for instance, should concentrate on food that releases sugar slowly into the bloodstream, such as whole grains, beans, peas and vegetables, but sidestep potatoes, white bread and sugared cereals.

Another help to stabilizing blood sugar levels is protein in the form of natural yogurt, eggs, meat, fish and tofu. "Supplements of nutrients such as chromium, vitamin B3 and magnesium can help improve blood sugar stability," Briffa says.

He advises that eating something before your blood sugar level drops into your boots can help stop it in its tracks." Hypoglycemics in particular should try to eat something before going to bed, "to maintain blood sugar levels overnight."

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