Ask Away Wednesday: Why Is Blood Sugar Important?
By admin
Happy Wednesday! Does this week feel as if it’s just flying by? I think it’s because I have been so productive already.
I love that feeling… the feeling of accomplishment. Dan and I have so many projects going on right now, that being organized and on top of our stuff is pretty crucial.
Speaking of projects, I’ve been working insanely hard with Dan on a project that we’ll be opening up for members soon. I am so excited about this because it’s the result of my boot campers and my Fit Women’s Weekly members together (they are all the most amazing women!
It takes the status quo and flips it on it’s head… the way it should be… I’ll explain more at the end of this post.
But first you have questions. I have answers.
Ask Away Wednesday!
You ask, I answer. This week’s 3 questions are awesome and I could resist choose them to share. And remember, if you have a question, just post it in the comments below for next week’s Ask Away!
Q: Any suggestions on how to maintain your level of blood sugar and why is it important to maintain your blood sugar level?
A: Do I have suggestions! First off talk with your doctor if you feel that you are having issues with your blood sugar: symptoms could be frequent light headedness, dizziness or sluggish.
Personally, I keep my blood sugar levels in an ideal zone by eating small meals, frequently. Every 2-4 hours. Each meal should include a healthy dose of carbohydrates. This can include: fruit, quinoa, nuts, beans, oatmeal, and other whole grains.
Keeping blood sugar in check is important for several reasons.
First, its the easiest fuel source for your body, like gas in a car. In fact, the brain only can live off sugar. So if you don’t have enough in your body, then not only will you feel tired, but your brain will literally starve as well.
On top of that, sugar levels have crazy affects on the hormones: insulin and glucagon. If your blood sugar gets too low, your hormones will surge asking for sugar that is stored in the muscles to be released. If you eat a big bowl of ice cream and the sugar levels get too high, insulin is pumped out and tells your body to store the excess and therefore promotes fat storage.
Here’s a diagram to show what I mean:
I don’t really believe or follow the 5 to 6 meals a day anymore. I am more about 4 (maybe 5 depending on training) and the right foods.
Keep in mind that I am not a dietician. This is what I have found works best for me and my body. I did find this website that breaks it all down in a way that is easy to understand: The Importance Of Controlling Blood Sugar
Q: Is it true that you burn more calories by working out in the morning?
A: Great question! Calorie wise, you’ll burn roughly the same no matter what time of day you workout. However, recent research shows that the body does burn more body fat first thing in the morning, if done before a big breakfast.
Now before jumping out of bed and heading straight to the gym there are a few things to keep in mind:
Do morning workouts fit with your schedule? Because who cares if you aren’t able to make it happen. The best time to workout is still the time that you can workout!
How hard can you push in the morning? If you are slow to wake in the morning that the intensity of the workout will suffer. If you workout better at let’s say 3pm then you will work out harder and in turn but more fat and calories.
How do you feel? Some people can workout on an empty stomach, others can not. I personally can not. I feel slow, weak and starving. Again, it’s not worth it if you aren’t going to be able to fully workout. If you have this issue, eat a piece of toast with a dollop of all natural jam before working out and then have a full breakfast after.
To answer your question, yes, morning workouts rock. But any workout rocks! So do what works best for you.
What time do I workout?
Not first thing… right after or right before lunch time.
Q: Hey Taylor, I was just wandering how many times you workout each week? What dose your workout schedule look like? I want to workout more, but don’t want to over do it.
A: I actually addressed this on Monday too, because it seems like a lot of you want to up your workout programs! It’s important to not over do it so that you progress safely but also give yourself time to recover from workout to workout.
My personal training schedule depends what my goals are focused on. Right now, that includes a lot of races and keeping my strength up.
Here’s what a typical week looks like for me:
Sunday: Weight training with Dan ~ 12 pm
Monday: Sprint work ~ 6:15 pm
Tuesday: Weight training ~ 12 pm
Wednesday: Steady, easy run ~ 6:15 pm
Thursday: Film workout for FitWomensWeekly and Partner run with Jeanette
Friday: Off COMPLETELY
Saturday: Depends what mood I am in
It’s important to give yourself at least 1 complete rest day. If you’re new to fitness I suggest 2-3 complete rest days to allow your body to safely adjust.
And that my friends, wraps up another week of Ask Away Wednesday!
Now I have to ask ONE favor from you: my grandmother is going to the hospital today to have a biopsy performed on a mass in her lungs. I don’t intend to talk about this much on LiftingRevolution, however if you could keep her and my family in your thoughts today that would mean the world to me.
Thank you!
Finally… The New Project In My Fitness Business!
After several months of research, writing, video making, and website designing (by Dan of course), we are putting the finishing touches on:
Calorie Revolution!
What is Calorie Revolution?
Great question! It’s an 8-week nutrition plan to help not just lose weight but to learn the healthy eating habits that will keep you insanely healthy for the long run. All of it based on two of the most important things…
- Real life training experience both online and through my boot camp.
- And scientific studies and research that’s conclusive.
I know what you’re thinking…
Taylor, There are tons of meal plans out there.
And yes, yes there are.
But CR isn’t JUST a meal plan. It breaks the status quo big time. It goes against what most nutritionist’s think is a benefit, but when used in real life, is actually a hinderance. An obstacle.
It’s more than meal plans too. I share with you how to live post meal plan. How to shop, meal plan for yourself, save money buying healthy groceries, the truth about soy, sugar, salt…. and do much more.
And it’s not boring. This is one reason why it’s taken a bit longer because I wanted to make sure to provide not only useful info, but information that you enjoy! And in a way you prefer. You can read the reports, you can listen to them on your ipod, and you can watch me on video.
I have to say, Dan and I are VERY proud of this and I can’t wait to share it with you when it goes live. Which will be soon!
I know I didn’t share much yet, but I will after upcoming blog posts. And another thing you’ll notice is a big blog redesign coming too. So lots of things are changing all geared to help you live an amazing healthy life you LOVE!
Thanks for being an amazing reader.
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