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South Indian actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently opened up about her journey with blood sugar monitoring and how a simple change in her eating habits helped her manage “unusual spikes” on her glucose monitor. Despite maintaining a healthy and nutrient-rich diet, Samantha noticed unexpected rises in her blood sugar levels, prompting her to investigate further.
In a candid interview, Samantha revealed, “I was wearing a glucose monitor just to check my spikes, and I realized that even though my meal was extremely healthy, there were some unusual spikes, which shouldn’t really happen with the kind of food I was eating. So I realized that just by changing the food on my plate and switching it around—eating my vegetables first, eating my protein second, and then the carbs—kind of reduced the straight-up spikes.”
Experts in nutrition and diabetes management have weighed in on this phenomenon, known as food sequencing. Nutritionist Lovneet Batra explained that beginning a meal with vegetables, followed by proteins and fats, and ending with carbohydrates is not only beneficial for digestion but also helps manage blood sugar levels more effectively. “This is because protein slows down the release of sugar from carbohydrates into the bloodstream, preventing a sugar ‘high’ and then crash—and hunger pangs,” Batra said.
Dr. Pooja Pillai, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, emphasized the importance of this strategy for those monitoring their blood sugar, especially diabetics. “Having a bowl of salad before eating carbohydrates isn’t just a healthy habit but a smart blood sugar management strategy,” she noted. Raw salads rich in fiber—such as cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and leafy greens—help slow down glucose absorption, reducing the risk of sudden sugar spikes after meals.
Dr. Pillai also highlighted that high and prolonged glucose spikes can have lasting negative effects on hormones and proteins, potentially triggering inflammation linked to diabetes and heart disease. Including protein sources like boiled sprouts or paneer, along with a squeeze of lemon and seeds like flax or pumpkin, can further stabilize blood sugar and enhance the nutritional value of the meal.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Individual dietary needs and health conditions vary, and readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any significant changes to their diet or lifestyle. The experiences and recommendations of public figures like Samantha Ruth Prabhu may not be universally applicable. Always seek professional guidance for personalized health management.
