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The Physiology of Willpower: Linking Blood Glucose to Self-Control

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Re: The Physiology of Willpower: Linking Blood Glucose to Self-Control

#2
I haven't read the entire paper yet, but the summary has me downloading the PDF.

I've definitely noticed a relationship like this in my own behavior, and desired ways to manage it effectively. It will be interesting to see if the complete text sheds light on this and provides tools to do so.

Re: The Physiology of Willpower: Linking Blood Glucose to Self-Control

#4

I haven't read the entire paper yet, but the summary has me downloading the PDF. I've definitely noticed a relationship like this in my own behavior, and desired ways to manage it effectively. It will be interesting to see if the complete text sheds light on this and provides tools to do so.

I can hardly believe it, but it's free to download! A pleasant surprise.

Re: The Physiology of Willpower: Linking Blood Glucose to Self-Control

#6

Professor Martin Wiseman, Medical and Scientific Advisor for World Cancer Research Fund, gives his top five tips on How To Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/67006.php

1. Lift. Muscle suck up glucose, improve (long term) sensitivity.

2. Eat fat/protein with sugary foods. Helps blunt the effect. [1]

3. Don't eat too many carbs. Even the AHA recommends below 60% because of other negatives. [2]

4. Eat the right carb sources. Starchy tubers are best: potatoes, yam/sweet potatoes, cassava and rice. And fruits like bananas, plantains and grapefruit.

5. Eat high GI foods unless your blood sugar is chronically elevated. The body likes glucose, particularly the brain. If your active and sensitive, you'll quickly use it for energy. When you're insensitive you need to cut back.

[1] Protein/Fat/Fiber and Glucose Sensitivity: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16988118?dopt=Abstract

[2] AHA Recommneds Less that 60% carbs a day: Search "carbs": http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=180

Re: The Physiology of Willpower: Linking Blood Glucose to Self-Control

#9

Professor Martin Wiseman, Medical and Scientific Advisor for World Cancer Research Fund, gives his top five tips on How To Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/67006.php

1. Lift. Muscle suck up glucose, improve (long term) sensitivity. 2. Eat fat/protein with sugary foods. Helps blunt the effect. [1] 3. Don't eat too many carbs. Even the AHA recommends below 60% because of other negatives. [2] 4. Eat the right carb sources. Starchy tubers are best: potatoes, yam/sweet potatoes, cassava and rice. And fruits like bananas, plantains and grapefruit. 5. Eat high GI foods unless your blood…

Isn't the claim of the parent article that _lower_ blood glucose and insulin levels decrease self control? So wouldn't all of those work in the wrong direction?

Re: The Physiology of Willpower: Linking Blood Glucose to Self-Control

#10
post #7

What's kind of a catch 22 is when you are too tired (glucose levels are low) to prepare a healthy meal and end up eating out.

Of course, that depends on what you eat when you eat out. If you eat a bunch of noodles, rice, or potatoes, the starches will give you a solid boost of blood glucose over a number of hours.
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