Healthy Eating

Maintaining blood glucose levels

The body works more efficiently when it has a regular supply of fuel from foods and drinks, to keep blood glucose levels steady throughout the day. Both the amount and types of food that are eaten can impact on blood glucose levels, so that’s why small meals and snacks are recommended rather than eating large quantities of food all at once. Foods that are digested slower by the body, such as high protein or high fibre foods, can also improve blood glucose control. Another aspect of a food that slows the rate of digestion is its glycemic index (GI) value.

GI is a measure of how quickly carbohydrate-rich foods raise blood glucose levels after they are eaten. Foods are categorised as having a low, moderate or high glycemic index:

• Carbohydrate-rich foods that are digested slowly have a low glycemic index. This means blood glucose levels rise and fall gradually after eating, providing a longer lasting source of energy.
• Carbohydrate-rich foods that are digested quickly have a high glycemic index and the blood glucose response to these foods is fast and high.

Including some lower GI choices at each meal of the day, like grainy breads, oats, dairy products, some fruits, sweet potato, corn and pasta, can help keep your body functioning at its best.  It’s also important to eat regularly and include healthy snacks as part of a balanced eating plan.

For the highest fibre muffins in the Muffin Break range, try our Soy and Linseed and Bran Muffin varieties – they’re delicious to eat and contain over one third of your daily fibre needs in each muffin!