Just remember when you are 'starving' or running late for lunch, a quick visit to a fast food outlet can easily offer a 1000 calorie punch from the refined carbohydrates and salad dressing.



You might not have a choice but to grab a fast food. Think while you order and choose the least damaging food. Watch portion size. For example a Taco Bell taco with salsa contains 52gsms of fat and 850 calories and a Taco Supreme with very similar ingredients contains 14 gsm fat and 210 calories. The supersize taco shell causes the problem with nearly half the calories. Also, restrain yourself with cheese and sour cream.

By remaining ignorant of the effects of fast foods on hypoglycemia you are denying yourself the opportunity of getting rid of the symptoms. Your body gets onto a rollercoaster ride of constant up and down blood sugar levels.

This over-stimulation of insulin leads to, among other things, adrenal problems. Then the familiar symptoms of hypoglycemia take hold - mood swings, dizziness and lack of concentration, which eventually lead to the more serious illnesses of diabetes, heart and kidney diseases.

Should you indulge in refined foods, always remember to eat good portions of fruit and vegetables throughout the rest of the day. This will keep your blood sugar levels from crashing.

Here are a few pointers for hypoglycemics when eating out at fast food joints.

At breakfast avoid the highly sugared doughnuts or chocolate chip muffins. Look for a plain bagel and fruit. Choose plain scrambled eggs and avoid high fat sausage, cheese and bacon. Especially avoid breakfast sandwiches consisting of sausage and bacon.

For lunch choose a grilled chicken sandwich or even a regular hamburger. Skip the deluxe, mayo and sauce. Definitely choose soups or salads instead of fries.

At the salad bar choose greens and vegetables while limiting potato and macaroni salad. Do not be tempted by bacon, cheese, crouton and high fat dressing.

It is important to always eat protein with refined food, since this allows a slow release of sugar. You cannot go a whole day ignoring your diet. You absolutely have to balance your low blood sugar levels so there is no point in being casual about dieting.

Even so, hypoglycemics find it difficult to remain on course over holiday periods, like New Year and Easter. Although, after a period of constant diet watching you could eat occasional treats but too much will set you back again.

A clear understanding of all the symptoms of hypoglycemia is needed. With a carefully laid out program based on your research, changes in your lifestyle and diet choices, you will go on to enjoy a carefree life and control your low blood sugar.