Get ready to load up your cart with these filling foods.
Some foods can cause your blood sugar level to spike.
And when blood sugar levels get too high, they tend to crash afterward.
PHOTOGRAPHER: MORGAN HUNT GLAZE, FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN, PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY
That can leave you feeling tired and a little hangry.
This signals the pancreas to release insulin, which helps move sugar into the body’s cells for energy.
That’s called insulin resistance and it can be problematic, according to theNational Library of Medicine.
Insulin resistance is sneaky and can happen without causing any symptoms.
Eating foods with quality protein can help you keep your blood sugars balanced and avoid developing insulin resistance.
Here are seven protein-rich foods you might add to your shopping list to help with balanced blood sugar levels.
Eggs
Eggs are nature’s multivitamin.
Eggsare a great addition to your breakfast if you’re concerned about insulin resistance.
Salmon has zero carbohydrates and more than22 grams of proteinin a 3-ounce cooked fillet.
No wonder theAmerican Diabetes Associationlists salmon as a superstar food.
It’s also a great source of phosphorus, niacin, magnesium, folate … the list goes on.
Protein is broken down into amino acids in our bodies.
Peanut Butter
Whether you like it creamy or crunchy, peanut butter is always satisfying.
Some brands ofpeanut butterhave added sugar, so pick a brand with simple ingredients: just peanuts and salt.
A snack of carrots and celery dipped in peanut butter never disappoints.
Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken breasts might feel a little bland and boring, so give chicken drumsticks a try instead.
Chicken also contains all the essential amino acidsthe ones our bodies need and can’t make on their own.
Chicken is a rich source of many different nutrients, particularly choline.
It’s also necessary for brain health.
While our livers make a little choline, most of it needs to come from the food we eat.
Chicken has more than 70 milligrams of choline per drumstick.
They’re also full of fiber, folate, beta carotene and many other vitamins and minerals.
