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Fatigue is one of the most challenging symptoms of living with MS. It can feel like no amount of rest ever fills your tank. You may wake up tired, push through the day in survival mode, and still end the night wondering what went wrong. If this is you, you’re not alone.

While most of us are focused on what to eat, there is another piece of the puzzle that often gets missed. It’s not just what you eat, but how you eat that can make the difference between crashing and coasting through your day with more energy.

Let’s dive into one of the most overlooked strategies for reducing MS fatigue so you can not only be more productive but actually enjoy your life again.

The Challenge of MS Fatigue

MS fatigue is more than tiredness. It’s draining, unpredictable, and emotionally frustrating. You may get plenty of sleep, eat all the right foods, and still feel like you are running on low battery.

This type of fatigue can make even small tasks feel overwhelming. As someone who likes to be productive and get things done, it can feel defeating to be constantly sidelined by low energy.

If that sounds familiar, it might be time to shift your focus from only what you eat to also how you eat.

The Power of Balanced Blood Sugar

One key factor in stabilizing energy levels is blood sugar. For a long time, I thought blood sugar only mattered for people with diabetes. But as I started digging deeper into MS fatigue and inflammation, I discovered that blood sugar plays a major role for all of us.

When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is used as energy. But if you eat meals high in sugar or fast-burning carbs without the right balance, you get a short burst of energy followed by a crash.

This crash not only leaves you more fatigued but can increase inflammation too, which is something we all want to avoid while managing MS.

Why Balanced Meals Matter

To avoid this rollercoaster effect, your meals need to include healthy fats and protein. These nutrients digest more slowly and help stabilize your blood sugar. That means fewer crashes and more steady energy throughout the day.

Here are some examples of how to apply this:

• Instead of just a banana, pair it with almond butter.
• If you’re having GF pasta, add a protein like ground turkey and olive oil for healthy fat.
• For your smoothie, swap water for coconut milk and add collagen or nut butter for protein and fat.
• With your veggies, cook them in avocado or coconut oil or drizzle olive oil on top.

These small tweaks can make a big difference.

Signs Your Blood Sugar Might Be Out of Balance

You do not need a glucose monitor to know your blood sugar might be off. Your body will often give you clues:

• Energy crashes after meals
• Intense cravings for sweets or carbs
• Feeling hangry
• Irritability or mood swings
• Trouble focusing
• Headaches
• Constant hunger

These are classic signs that your blood sugar levels may be fluctuating more than they should.

If you’re experiencing these and also struggling with fatigue, it’s worth experimenting with more balanced meals to see how your body responds.

How to Eat for Better Energy

If you want to eat for better energy, here are a few simple steps to get started:

1. Always include protein and healthy fats with your meals and snacks.
2. Avoid eating carbs alone. Pair fruit with nut butter or meals with a healthy fat source.
3. Watch how your body feels. Pay attention to your energy, mood, and focus after meals.
4. Choose low-sugar fruits like berries and combine them with fats or proteins.
5. Cook veggies in healthy fats or add oils afterward to slow digestion and support energy levels.

Balanced meals not only help with fatigue but also keep you full longer, reduce cravings, and support better concentration.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been doing everything “right” but still feel tired, don’t give up. It may not be about trying harder or eating stricter. It might just be a matter of how you’re putting your meals together.

Start experimenting by balancing your meals with fats and proteins and see how you feel. More often than not, these small adjustments create the biggest impact.

Want More Encouragement Like This? Tune into this week’s special episode of My MS Podcast: How to Eat for Better Energy and Listen now to My MS Podcast