Perhaps the last movie that needed to be Nolanized was Total Recall. The goofiness is inherent to what made that film such a hit with audiences and critics. Turning it into a self-serious meditation on the refugee crisis proved a fatal decision, and viewers noticed immediately. The Total Recall remake didn't do very well at the box office, nor did it appeal to critics and audiences. It remains one of the least remembered big-budget Hollywood movies of the post-Nolan era, where every film had to be dark and grounded. Some, like Gareth Edwards' Godzilla, worked. Others — like Total Recall and Snow White and the Huntsman— not so much.
If you’ve ever wondered why you can eat a “healthy” breakfast and still feel starving by 10 AM—or why your energy tanks every afternoon like clockwork—there’s a good chance it comes down to what’s on your plate. Too many carbs (without enough protein and fat!), skipping meals, or relying on snacks are your blood sugar’s worst nightmare. As a nutrition consultant, this is one of the first things I work on with clients, because once you understand blood sugar (a.k.a. blood glucose), so many of those frustrating symptoms start to click into place.
In this guide, we’re covering the basics of blood sugar, why it matters for hormone balance and overall health (especially for women), and a full blood sugar balancing meal plan you can start this week.
Beginner’s Guide to Blood Sugar
Without knowing exactly what it means, you’ve probably heard of the term. Blood sugar plays a role in energy, emotions, cognitive function, hormonal health, sleep, and more. You may already be familiar with spikes and dips in blood sugar. Hello, hanger! That said, few recognize its effects daily. In essence, blood sugar is the amount of sugar (or glucose) in your blood at any given time. And it’s produced when we break down carbohydrates. Be it a slice of cake or a piece of toast, that carb is absorbed into our bloodstream. Immediately or eventually, it’s used as a source of energy.
How Does Blood Sugar Work?
Here’s the best way to visualize and think about blood sugar:
1. You eat food. Let’s assume you ate a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Your digestion breaks down your food. Carbs get broken down into glucose. This is your body and your brain’s primary source of preferred energy.
2. Blood sugar levels rise. Glucose enters your bloodstream, and blood sugar levels naturally increase. How much they increase is dependent largely on the macronutrient breakdown of the meal. More carbs = higher blood sugar. More protein + fat = lower blood sugar spike.
3. Insulin is released. As soon as your body senses the rise in blood sugar, your pancreas releases insulin. Insulin is an important hormone involved in managing blood sugar levels. We want not too much, but also not too little.
4. Blood sugar lowers. Insulin acts as the key that opens your cells and transports glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Glucose is either used immediately for energy or stored for later use. Insulin is what keeps blood sugar from getting too high.
The Goal: A Gradual Rise in Blood Sugar
The goal is to have a gradual rise in blood sugar levels after we eat, and a slow and steady decline in the hours after. We want to avoid large increases in our blood sugar. Why? Because they lead to a very drastic and significant decrease. In other words, it’s not just about high blood sugar levels. We want to minimize low blood sugar levels and crashes, too.
Finding a Happy Medium
Just like cortisol and inflammation aren’t inherently bad (in fact, they’re vital for keeping us alive!), the same goes for blood sugar. Glucose also isn’t the enemy, and neither is insulin. Ultimately, it’s a matter of eating in a way that keeps glucose and insulin at a happy medium. We’re not avoiding carbs and sugar altogether. Rather, it’s about maintaining a healthy balance and honoring the foods that make us feel our best.
How to Achieve Steady Blood Sugar
Large spikes lead to equally dramatic crashes, and those crashes are what trigger the cycle of cravings, fatigue, and overeating that so many women find themselves stuck in. Here’s where to start.
This is the single most impactful change you can make. Protein slows digestion and blunts glucose spikes, while fiber acts as a buffer—slowing the rate at which sugar enters your bloodstream. A breakfast of just toast and juice will spike blood sugar fast, but add eggs and a side of sautéed greens and the response looks completely different. Aim for at least 25-30 grams of protein and a solid serving of fiber-rich veggies or whole grains at each meal.
Take a 10-15 Minute Walk After Eating
This one is free, easy, and backed by a growing body of research. Walking after meals helps your muscles use glucose for energy, which lowers your post-meal blood sugar response. You don’t need to power walk or break a sweat; a casual stroll around the block or even pacing while you take a phone call works.
Prioritize 7-9 Hours of Sleep
Sleep and blood sugar have a bidirectional relationship: poor sleep worsens blood sugar regulation, and unstable blood sugar disrupts sleep. Even a single night of inadequate rest can decrease insulin sensitivity the following day, meaning your body needs more insulin to do the same job. If you’re doing everything right with food and movement but skimping on sleep, you’re undermining your own progress.
Manage Your Stress
This is the underrated one. Most people don’t realize that stress raises blood sugareven if you haven’t eaten anything. When cortisol is elevated, your liver releases stored glucose into your bloodstream to prepare for a perceived threat. Chronic stress means chronically elevated blood sugar—no food required. Everything from deep breathing to building buffers in your schedule isn’t just a nice-to-have. They’re a metabolic tool.
What Causes Blood Sugar Imbalance?
Along with the aforementioned habits, you also want to avoid inconsistent meal times. Not eating enough or not eating consistently (every 3-4 hours, ideally) can both be highly stressful to the body. For this reason, I don’t recommend intermittent fasting for most women! Interestingly, both an overly sedentary lifestyle and working out too much will impact blood sugar levels. Again, it’s stressful on the body. Last but not least, gut dysbiosis (think bloating, etc.) will also negatively impact glucose levels.
Foods That Help Balance Blood Sugar
While there are many foods that help lower and regulate blood sugar, these are some of the best! They cause minimal blood sugar spikes, support sustained energy, and aid in fullness:
Animal protein sources (eggs, chicken, turkey, salmon, sardines, grass-fed beef, shrimp, bone broth, etc.)
Plant-based protein sources (tempeh, tofu, edamame, hemp seeds, spirulina, etc.)
This is a flexible framework, not a rigid prescription. Feel free to repeat your favorite meals, swap proteins based on preference, and adjust portions to your hunger and activity level. The through-line: every meal and snack pairs protein + fat + fiber-rich carbs to keep blood sugar steady.
Day 1
Breakfast: Two-egg veggie scramble with sautéed spinach, bell peppers, and a quarter avocado. Serve with a slice of sprouted grain toast.
Snack: A handful of almonds + a few slices of green apple.
Lunch: Large mixed greens salad with grilled chicken (5-6 ounces), cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, and olive oil + lemon dressing. Side of quinoa.
Snack: Celery sticks with 2 tablespoons of almond butter.
Dinner:Baked salmon (5-6 ounces) with roasted broccoli and sweet potato wedges drizzled with olive oil.
Day 2
Breakfast: Overnight oats made with rolled oats, chia seeds, unsweetened almond milk, a scoop of protein powder, and topped with berries and a drizzle of almond butter.
Snack: Hard-boiled egg + a small handful of walnuts.
Lunch: Turkey and avocado lettuce wraps with shredded carrots, cucumber, and a side of hummus with sliced bell peppers.
Snack: Full-fat Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of ground flax and a few raspberries.
Dinner: Grass-fed beef stir-fry with broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, and cauliflower rice. Season with coconut aminos and ginger.
Day 3
Breakfast:Strawberry matcha smoothie with a scoop of vanilla protein powder (or collagen peptides) added in.
Snack: Sliced turkey rolled around a cheese stick.
Lunch:Lentil soup loaded with carrots, celery, and kale. Serve with a side salad dressed in olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
Snack: A handful of walnuts + blackberries.
Dinner:Grilled chicken thighs served alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and a small portion of brown rice.
Day 4
Breakfast: Two-egg omelet with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Side of sautéed greens.
Snack: A pear with a small handful of cashews.
Lunch:Grain bowl with quinoa, black beans, grilled chicken or tempeh, roasted sweet potato, pickled red onion, cilantro, and tahini dressing.
Dinner:Slow-roasted cod, baked sweet potatoes, and grilled asparagus.
Day 5
Breakfast:Chia pudding made with full-fat coconut milk, topped with hemp seeds, sliced almonds, and a handful of blueberries.
Snack: Cottage cheese with cucumber slices and everything bagel seasoning.
Lunch:Large salad with mixed greens, canned wild salmon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, sunflower seeds, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
Snack: An apple with a spoonful of no-sugar-added peanut butter.
Dinner: Turkey meatballs with marinara (no added sugar) over zucchini noodles, with a side of roasted cauliflower.
Tips to Make This Meal Plan Work for You
Eat within an hour of waking. Starting your day with a protein-forward breakfast sets the tone for stable blood sugar all day. Skipping breakfast means running on cortisol—and playing catch-up by lunch.
Pay attention to eating order. When you do eat carbs, try eating your veggies and protein first. This simple swap can blunt the blood sugar spike from the same exact meal.
Pair, don’t restrict. The goal isn’t to eliminate carbs; it’s to always pair them with protein, fat, or fiber. An apple by itself will spike blood sugar more than an apple with almond butter.
Meal prep is your friend. You don’t need to spend a whole Sunday in the kitchen. Even prepping a few basics (hard-boiled eggs, a batch of quinoa, washed and chopped veggies, etc.) makes it so much easier to throw together balanced meals during a busy week.
Move after meals. Even a 10-15 minute walk after eating can significantly reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. It doesn’t need to be intense, just get moving!
Hydrate. Dehydration can actually concentrate blood sugar levels. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily.
If you’re ready to go deeper—beyond just blood sugar and into the full picture of how to eat, train, and build a body that actually feels strong—my Strong(er) Body Blueprint covers everything from protein targets and progressive overload to the metabolic habits that keep blood sugar balanced for the long haul.
Edie Horstman
Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.
This post was last updated on May 11, 2026, to include new insights.
If you own a slow cooker, you know it’s probably the most convenient and versatile device ever created. (And it’s the perfect way to make great-tasting meals without being in the kitchen for hours!) Tonight, enjoy our slow-cooked chicken and lentil chili, a nutritious dish that’s hearty, healthy and full of budget-friendly veggies.
RD Tip: You’ll notice that we don’t add the tomato sauce until the beans have had some time to cook. This is because adding dried black beans to the slow cooker at the same time as an acidic ingredient (tomato sauce) can prevent the beans from ever fully softening.
Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 8 hours, 15 minutes
Coat slow cooker with cooking spray. Place onion, carrots and garlic in the bottom. Top with chicken, lentils and black beans. Stir in broth, chili powder, cumin and salt.
Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, adding the tomato sauce during the last hour or so of cooking. Stir before serving. Top each serving with 1 tbsp sour cream and 1 tbsp cheese. Garnish with a few fresh cilantro leaves per serving.
Omega-3-rich salmon is the perfect fish for grilling — its naturally high fat content keeps it moist and flavorful over high heat, making it far more forgiving than leaner fish that can dry out quickly on the grill (1). Bold and satisfying, salmon can stand up to big flavors, which is why it pairs so beautifully with this zesty Sriracha aioli. These sliders come together in just 20 minutes and are impressive enough to serve at your next cookout.
Prepare a charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat. Coat the grill rack with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cilantro, Sriracha, and soy sauce. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cut the salmon into 8 pieces, about 55g each. Grill for 3–5 minutes, turning once, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Thin tail pieces may be grilled on lightly greased foil and stacked after grilling if needed.
Spread about 1 tsp of the aioli on the cut side of each bottom bun. Top with the salmon and arugula then place the top bun in place. Secure with a pick if desired and serve immediately.
Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 sliders (each includes 2 oz. salmon + 1 tsp sauce)
Lemon and chicken marry with fragrant oregano in this recipe for slow-cooked chicken thighs. The chicken thighs are complemented by a refreshing Greek salad to make a delicious low-carb lunch. Make the chicken thighs and Greek salad ahead of time to pack for lunch or enjoy at any meal.
Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 3-4 hours, 15 minutes
Slow Cooker Lemon Greek Chicken
Ingredients
4 bone-in (4 oz. or 115 grams each) chicken thighs, skin removed
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp + 1 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup chicken broth
4 medium tomatoes, diced
2 large English cucumbers, sliced
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
6 tbsp crumbled feta cheese, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red wine vinegar
Directions
Season the chicken thighs all over with the salt, black pepper, garlic, and oregano. Arrange in a single layer in the slow cooker and pour the lemon juice and chicken broth over the top. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and 2 tbsp feta. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar, then drizzle over the vegetables and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
To serve, divide the salad evenly among four plates and place one chicken thigh alongside each portion. Top each chicken thigh with 1 tbsp feta. Serve immediately.
Instant oatmeal packets are a godsend for busy mornings, but have you considered crafting your own instant oatmeal jars? By purchasing oatmeal, dried fruit and nuts in bulk, you can make your own version of instant oatmeal, and save money at the same time. Use small mason jars to portion out your meal, or some bags will also do the trick.
Active time: 5 minutes | Total time: 5 minutes
Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Jars
Ingredients
1/2 cup (40 grams) uncooked quick oats
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp dried cranberries (or dried fruit of your choice)
1 tbsp slivered almonds (or nuts of your choice)
1 cup water
Directions
To make the oatmeal jar, layer the ingredients in the following order: oats, salt, cinnamon, cranberries, and almond slivers. Make as many jars as desired and store in a dry area. If you do not have mason jars, oatmeal packets can also be made using zip-lock bags. Label with the date to help track freshness.
To cook the oatmeal with boiling water, bring 1 cup water to a rolling boil. Pour the water into the oatmeal jar and stir. Let the oatmeal stand for 4–5 minutes to soften, then stir and enjoy.
To cook the oatmeal in the microwave, pour the oatmeal into a microwave-safe container large enough to allow bubbling without spilling, then add 1 cup water. Microwave on power level 7 for 2 minutes.
Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this vibrant, plant-based sweet potato curry. Tender sweet potatoes and hearty chickpeas cook down in a coconut milk and curry broth that fills your kitchen with incredible aroma. Come dinnertime, all that’s left to do is stir in fresh basil and lime, spoon it over rice, and serve.
Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry
Ingredients
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1 tbsp curry powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
1/2 tsp lime zest
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 15-oz. can low sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
4 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt
Directions
Combine the onion, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, garlic, and ginger in a 4-quart slow cooker.
In a small bowl, stir together the vegetable broth, coconut milk, curry powder, and salt, then pour over the vegetables. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in the basil, lime zest, lime juice and chickpeas.
Serve the curry over hot cooked rice. Top each serving with 1 tbsp yogurt and garnish with basil, if desired.
Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups curry with 3/4 cup rice + 1 tbsp yogurt
After such a long wait, the Bat Signal has finally gone up, and the cast is officially on its way back to Gotham. The Batman Part II has been one of the most anticipated projects in Hollywood for the last few years, after Matt Reeves' rain-soaked depiction of the Dark Knight left so much potential on the table. But now, after so many years and delays, the sequel is finally moving much closer to production. Naturally, that means it’s almost time for Colin Farrellto get back under all that Oz Cobb makeup.
Quickly transform leftover chicken into cheesy chicken quesadillas served with fresh homemade salsa. Our baked version is much easier to manage because the chicken quesadilla cooks on both sides at the same time — no flipping needed.
Active Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min
Baked Chicken Quesadilla
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 medium (120g) tomato, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup (40g) chopped onion
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 cup (140g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/2 cup (55g) shredded pepper jack cheese
2 (8-inch/20cm) whole-wheat, high-fiber tortillas
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a small bowl combine tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, cumin and salt; set aside.
Lightly coat one side of each tortilla with cooking spray. Place one tortilla, sprayed side down, on a baking sheet. Top with the chicken and cheese, then top with the remaining tortilla, sprayed side up.
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cut into quarters and serve with the salsa.
This low-sugar avocado smoothie is rich, filling and chocolatey thanks to avocado, protein powder and unsweetened cocoa. Adding little cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of cayenne pepper gives this unique shake a flavor reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate.
Active time: 5 minutes | Total time: 5 minutes
Mexican Chocolate Avocado Smoothie
Ingredients
1 medium ripe avocado
1 1/2 cup (366g) unsweetened plain soy milk
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 serving whey or plant-based protein powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch salt
1 cup ice cubes
Directions
Combine the avocado flesh, almond or rice milk, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, protein powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Add the ice cubes and blend again until creamy and smooth. Serve immediately.
Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 1/2 of the recipe, about 1 1/2 cups
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