Prediabetes and The Path to Better A1C: Blood Sugar, Energy, Brain Focus & Insulin Resistance

Eat more protein. Eat more fiber. Stop snacking. Snack more. Fast longer. Don’t fast at all. If you feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong. In this episode, we break down the most common tools used to support insulin resistance and explain when they help, when they don’t, and why context matters . This episode is part of our January...

Join January's 5 Day Sugar Fix Jumpstart before January 16th right here - https://jennypena.my.canva.site/jumpstart2026 If eating less worked the way we were told it should, most people wouldn’t still be struggling. Many people are tracking calories, trying to be disciplined, and eating less — yet still feeling hungry, tired, and stuck. In this episode, we unpack why weight loss isn’t just abo...

Why does weight loss feel harder than it should — even when you’re doing “everything right”? In this episode, Jenny Pena breaks down insulin resistance and explains how it affects hunger, cravings, energy, and fat storage. You’ll learn why insulin resistance is a metabolic environment issue, how it connects to prediabetes and metabolic health, and what actually helps improve insulin sensitivity. J...

In this episode, Coach Jenny Pena reflects on the key lessons learned throughout 2025 regarding blood sugar management, cravings, stress, and nutrition. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cravings, managing stress, and creating balanced meals without the need for drastic changes. Looking ahead to 2026, she shares exciting new initiatives, including monthly webinars and workshops aimed...

In this episode of the Path to Better A1C podcast, host Jenny Pena speaks with Dr. Marcelle Siegel about the importance of brain health and its connection to overall wellness, particularly for those managing diabetes. They discuss sustainable strategies for improving brain function through nutrition, stress reduction techniques, and innovative therapies like red light therapy. The conversation als...

In this episode of the Path to Better A1C podcast, host Jenny Pena speaks with personal trainer Lisa Rhyne about the importance of movement and nutrition in managing blood sugar levels and overall health. Lisa shares her journey from being a professional dancer to becoming a fitness and nutrition coach, emphasizing the need for balance in diet and exercise. They discuss practical strategies for in...

In this episode, Jenny Pena and Kendall discuss the often-overlooked topic of grief, exploring its various forms beyond the loss of a loved one. They delve into the misconceptions surrounding the stages of grief, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and processing unresolved grief. Kendall shares practical tips for navigating grief, especially during the holiday season, and highlights the sig...

In this episode of the Path to Better A1C podcast, host Jenny Pena speaks with registered dietitian Andy De Santis about the interconnectedness of fatty liver disease and diabetes management. About Andy De Santis, RD MPH: Andy is a private practice dietitian, book author and social media enthusiast from Toronto, Canada. Having graduated with a master's in public health nutrition in 2014, his d...

In this episode of Path to Better A1C, jenny sits down with Bryan Butler, Formerly 400 lb teen now helping build brands that improve our healthspans. He is a graphic designer and podcast host who approaches life and wellness through a holistic lens. Together, they dive into his personal weight loss journey, his calling and what provoked him to create a podcast and be an advocate for the young gene...

In this episode of the Path to Better A1C podcast, host Jenny Pena speaks with hypnotherapist Callie Stewart about the benefits of hypnotherapy for health and wellness, particularly in relation to blood sugar regulation. They discuss common misconceptions about hypnotherapy, its therapeutic applications, and how it can help manage stress and cravings. Cally Stewart is a hypnotherapist specializing...

With so many diet trends promising quick fixes, how do you know what really supports blood-sugar balance? In this episode, Coach Jenny Peña, NBC-HWC , breaks down the pros and cons of popular eating styles—from Keto and DASH to Mediterranean and Plant-Based—and explains which ones the American Diabetes Association actually recommends. You’ll discover why the Balanced Plate (and her signature P-F-F...

More than 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes —and most don’t know it. In this special World Diabetes Day episode, Coach Jenny Peña, NBC-HWC , explains what this global awareness day means and breaks down the key risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. You’ll hear current CDC and WHO stats, how lifestyle shifts make a difference, and simple ways to start taking action today. What W...

Episode 47: Spotting Early Signs of Prediabetes and Blood Sugar Imbalance More than 80% of people with prediabetes don’t even know they have it. In this episode, Jenny Peña, NBC-HWC, shares the everyday red flags you should watch for and the 3 lab tests to ask your doctor about during Diabetes Prevention Month. You’ll learn: Common early signs of prediabetes (energy crashes, cravings, belly weight...

Halloween Special: Candy Without the Crash Halloween candy doesn’t have to mean guilt, crashes, or losing control. In this special episode of The Path to Better A1C , Jenny Peña, NBC-HWC, shares how to enjoy sweets intentionally during candy season. Learn why candy is so tempting, how to reframe the way you think about it, and practical strategies for savoring treats without the blood sugar roller...

Emotional Eating & the 3PM Slump Stress, boredom, sadness, or that mid-afternoon crash — these are some of the most common triggers for cravings. In this episode of The Path to Better A1C , Jenny Peña, NBC-HWC, explores emotional eating and the 3 p.m. slump . Learn why these cravings happen, what your body is really asking for, and how to start responding with awareness instead of autopilot. T...

Hunger vs. Habit: How to Tell the Difference Are you eating because you’re truly hungry — or just out of routine? In this episode of The Path to Better A1C , Jenny Peña, NBC-HWC, unpacks the subtle but powerful difference between hunger and habit . You’ll learn how to recognize the signals, break out of autopilot eating, and make more intentional choices for your blood sugar and energy. This is th...

Why do some days call for chocolate and others for chips? In this episode of The Path to Better A1C, Jenny Peña, NBC-HWC, helps you decode your cravings. Learn what sweet vs. salty cravings might really signal — from blood sugar dips and serotonin shifts to hydration, stress, and even hormonal changes. ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: Why sweet cravings often mean more than just a sweet tooth...

Episode 42 - Cravings Explained: What Your Brain (and Biology) Are Really Telling You Why do we crave certain foods — even when we’re not hungry? In this episode, Jenny Peña, NBC-HWC, breaks down the fascinating science behind food cravings. From hormones and brain chemistry to emotions, environment, and even lack of sleep, you’ll learn why cravings are so powerful — and why they’re not a sign of...

Most people know processed foods aren’t the healthiest choice — but did you know one of the biggest reasons is because they’re missing fiber ? In this final episode of our September fiber series, I break down: How food companies strip fiber out of processed foods The impact of fiber loss on blood sugar, A1C, and prediabetes Why ultra-processed foods drive cravings and overeating Simple fiber-rich...

Most people know fiber is good for digestion — but did you know it can also shape your gut microbiome, calm inflammation, reduce cravings, and support steadier blood sugar and A1C ? In today’s episode, I break down: Soluble vs. insoluble fiber: which helps with constipation vs. which is gentler for IBS How fiber feeds your gut microbes and protects your gut lining Why fiber is essential for predia...

Most people know fiber is good for digestion — but did you know it’s also one of the most powerful tools we have to calm inflammation, balance blood sugar, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes? In today’s episode, I break down: What inflammation really is (and why chronic inflammation is dangerous) How it connects to insulin resistance and prediabetes The science-backed ways fiber helps reduce i...

Did you know that 90% of adults don’t get enough fiber? If you’ve been told you have prediabetes—or you know you’re at risk—this shortfall could be making it harder to keep your blood sugar steady. In this episode of Path to Better A1C, Jenny breaks down the “fiber gap,” why it’s such a big deal for prediabetes, and how to start closing it in realistic, sustainable ways. You’ll learn how fiber slo...

Unlocking the Secrets of Gut Health Gut health isn’t just about digestion—it’s a cornerstone of blood-sugar control, energy, and long-term wellness. In this conversation, host Jenny Pena, NBC-HWC , sits down with Conny Wade, FDNP , to unpack how a healthier microbiome can move the needle on diabetes management and insulin resistance. With science-backed insights and real-life stories, they explore...

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of sugar crashes, brain fog, and relentless cravings, this episode is for you. Jenny Peña, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, shares how to do a 5-Day Reset to uncover hidden sugar and improve energy —without giving up everything you love. Discover: ✅ How sugar hides in everyday foods under sneaky names ✅ Why sugar spikes lead to crashes an...

In this episode of The Path to Better A1C , host Jenny Pena, NBC-HWC sits down with Dr. Tina Wheat, MD MPH; a physician-turned-life-coach, to talk about burnout, boundaries, and building a life that feels as good as it looks. Whether you're juggling a demanding job, managing a prediabetes diagnosis, or simply trying to feel better in your body, this conversation is packed with real-world strategie...