Tip 1: Check in on your mood

It sounds simpler than it is, but try to be more mindful about how what you eat makes you feel. We’re not just talking about bloating or immediate satisfaction; this is about happiness and energy. “When people have high spikes and then dips, they’re more likely to experience low mood and a decrease in energy, which can directly impact their ability to concentrate and stay focused,” says Dr Spector.

When it comes to monitoring blood glucose, the fancy gadgets are optional. “If you feel rubbish three hours after breakfast, even without a glucose monitor you know there might be something wrong with your breakfast,” says Dr Spector. It might mean adding nut butter to your porridge to slow down the release of energy, or switching from a smoothie to a savoury dish that keeps you fuller and more satisfied for longer.

Tip 2: Your ‘glucose rollercoaster’ foods could surprise you

When the mid-morning or post-lunch lethargy kicks in, the obvious response is to reach for a quick tasty pick-me-up. But that snack could be making the situation worse. Be open to the fact that the foods impacting your blood glucose might not be the ones you expected.

“Something surprising like a vegetable pizza might not spike your blood sugar as much as you’d expect, while something seemingly healthy like porridge could cause a significant spike,” says Dr Spector. In other words, there are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods, and what may seem like the better option might not work as effectively for you. The only way to find out is to experiment and avoid casting any foods aside.

4 ways to better manage your blood sugar (that don’t involve avoiding any foods), according to Dr Tim Spector