The Blood Sugar and Food Freedom Podcast with Naina Varma

In this episode, we cover: Habits run on a loop your brain controls, not your willpower. Every habit follows cue → craving → response → reward — and since blood sugar habits (like a post-meal walk) don't give an instant dopamine hit, they're inherently harder to stick to than habits with fast payoffs. Sustainable habits share four traits: they're stacked onto an existing routine, small enough to s...

In this episode, we cover: Naina welcomes her first podcast guest, holistic wellness practitioner Sarah Dower, for a conversation on how strength training supports blood sugar stability. They unpack the science behind skeletal muscle and glucose clearance, and why increasing your one rep max is linked to lower fasting blood glucose. Sarah tackles the common fear that lifting weights makes women bu...

In this episode, we cover: Food noise isn't one thing, it can come from under-eating, blood sugar swings, or psychological patterns, and GLP-1s only address some of those root causes When food noise goes quiet quickly through medication, it can bring up identity disruption, grief, or old coping mechanisms resurfacing in new forms Appetite suppression can quietly reinforce disordered eating pattern...

In this episode, we cover: GLP-1 medications and PMOS are closely linked through insulin resistance, but they work differently (or not at all) depending on your unique PMOS type Endometriosis and GLP-1s: why the research is still emerging, and why your gynaecologist should lead this conversation, not social media The nutrients most likely to run low on a GLP-1 (iron, vitamin D, B12, magnesium) and...

In this episode, we cover: Muscle loss is a normal part of weight change on GLP-1 medications, but the amount lost can be influenced by protein, movement, and pace, it's not out of your control Why muscle matters more than the scale for blood sugar management, especially if you're living with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance The truth about strength training on GLP-1s: what it actually does,...

In this episode, we cover: Why a reduced appetite on GLP-1 medications can quietly lead to under eating, not just less snacking The key nutrients to watch (protein, fibre, iron, B12, calcium, vitamin D and fluids) and easy ways to cover them Seven practical strategies for eating enough when appetite has dropped, from protein-first plates to nutrient-dense small meals Why protecting muscle and stay...

In this episode we cover: A brief history of GLP-1 medications, from their origins in diabetes care in the 2000s to their more recent rise in the weight management space How GLP-1 actually works in the body, explained in plain English, and why it affects both blood sugar and appetite Why this class of medication has become such a significant (and sometimes polarising) part of the conversation arou...

In this episode we cover: Low carb and ketogenic diets are not the same thing, breaking down exactly what each approach involves nutritionally, including what you're eating, what you're missing, and why the quality of your food within any pattern still matters enormously. The science on low carb and blood sugar is real but incomplete — yes, research shows it can lower blood glucose and HbA1c in th...

In this episode, we cover Insulin resistance is one of the most common and underexplained metabolic conditions affecting women today, yet many women are living with it without knowing, experiencing symptoms like fatigue, afternoon energy crashes, brain fog, irregular cycles, and blood sugar swings. Insulin is a vital hormone produced by the pancreas that acts like a key to unlock your cells so glu...

In this episode, we cover: The history of how 'PCOS' was named and what the new name 'PMOS' reflects Understanding PMOS to its core and why the name now exists Learn what's actually changed with PCOS (and what's not!) What lifestyle support looks like with treating insulin resistance (which 80-95% of PMOS-ers have!) Work With Naina If you're ready to improve your blood sugar while also healing you...

In this episode, we cover Poor sleep directly reduces insulin sensitivity the next day The dawn phenomenon worsens with disrupted sleep Sleep deprivation drives hunger hormones and sugar cravings Consistent wake times anchor your cortisol and blood sugar rhythm Stress reduction is a genuine metabolic intervention, not a bonus Work With Naina If you're ready to improve your blood sugar while also h...

In This Episode We Cover Strategies to actually support your blood sugars and insulin resistance without cutting carbs, have more energy and love the heck out of life Balance your blood sugars with eating regularly and balanced meals Learn why cutting carbs isn't actually helping your insulin resistance Understand your nervous system and why it's so important for your diabetes Get out of the all-o...

In This Episode We Cover Work With Naina If you're ready to improve your blood sugar while also healing your relationship with food, there are a few ways we can work together. 1:1 Coaching – The Balance Blood Sugar for Freedom Method My signature coaching program is designed to help you stabilise blood sugars, reduce cravings and energy crashes, and step out of the cycle of restriction and burnout...

In This Episode We Cover: Why willpower and motivation to look after your diabetes FOR LIFE is not enough How 'Arrival Theory Fallacy' can leave you feeling lost and why enjoying the journey is far more worth it How to enjoy the journey of looking after yourself and living your life Understand the 'What the Hell effect' and why it has an impact on sustainable habits Work With Naina If you're ready...

In This Episode We Cover Naina's personal story with struggling with fad dieting as a teenager and in her early 20's How Naina overcame dieting, overeating and poor body image How institutionalised medical weight stigma is impacting young girls Honest conversations and reflections about food and bodies growing up Work With Naina If you're ready to improve your blood sugar while also healing your r...

In This Episode We Cover Understand why I am so over the dominant approach to diabetes management Why a holistic approach to diabetes and blood sugar challenges is SO important How I got into diabetes and holistic approach to life and health Understanding food freedom and what it means for your diabetes Work With Naina If you're ready to improve your blood sugar while also healing your relationshi...

Work With Naina If you're ready to improve your blood sugar while also healing your relationship with food, there are a few ways we can work together. 1:1 Coaching – The Blood Sugar Freedom Method My signature coaching program is designed to help you stabilise blood sugars, reduce cravings and energy crashes, and step out of the cycle of restriction and burnout with food. → Apply to work with me h...