Why Teachers Should Consider Going Low Carb for Better Energy and Health
Last week I had the privilege of attending the HCANZA Health Coaching Conference. It was an inspiring event, bringing together some of the brightest voices in health, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and coaching.
What really struck me was the common theme shared by all the speakers:
- Lifestyle matters.
- Prevention is key.
- Empowerment and giving people the tools to thrive, not just survive—should be at the heart of healthcare.
As educators, these ideas are especially relevant. We give so much of ourselves to our students, our schools, and our communities, but often at the expense of our own well-being. It’s no surprise that many teachers feel drained by mid-afternoon, struggling with focus and energy.
So, where does nutrition and specifically carbohydrates, fit into this picture?
The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster
Here’s the truth: High-carb meals and ultra processed foods send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster. When we eat a carb-heavy meal, our blood glucose spikes. This triggers a surge in insulin, the hormone that helps shuttle glucose into our cells. Not long after, blood sugar drops, and we’re left feeling:
Foggy in the head
Hungry (even if we just ate)
Drained of energy by 3pm
Sound familiar after a day in the classroom?
Why Go Low Carb?
The exciting news is that research consistently shows the benefits of a low carb, real food approach:
- Steady energy: no more afternoon slumps
- Improved focus: better clarity in the classroom
- Better sleep and mood: helping you recover from the demands of teaching
- Lower risk of lifestyle-driven chronic diseases: including type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Simple Swaps That Make a Big Difference
Going low carb doesn’t mean giving up everything you love. As a health coach, I focus on helping teachers make small, sustainable swaps that fit into their busy lives. For example:
Swap ‘full of sugar’ cereals for eggs in the morning
Choose nuts or berries over biscuits at break time
Build colourful salads or protein-rich lunches instead of relying on processed food
It’s not about restriction; it’s about regaining control of your energy, health, and classroom presence.
Lessons From the Conference
One of the key takeaways from the HCANZA conference was that knowledge is power. Lifestyle is medicine. And small, consistent changes add up to big results over time.
Teachers, you deserve to feel just as energised at the end of the day as you do when the morning bell rings. Low carb living can be one powerful way to help make that happen.
Ready to explore how low carb strategies could work for you?
As a health coach, I can help you find the tools and support you need to make changes that last. Get in touch.
