“One of the things I think about when it comes to food is balance. And one of the biggest goals in nutrition is balancing your blood sugar,” says dietitian Barbara B. Lincoln, who joins host Abby Starr on this episode of Well-Informed to discuss how small, practical changes can reshape our health. Barbara shares her approachable philosophy on nutrition that focuses on a balanced diet that doesn’t require drastic measures. Is sugar a part of that balance? Barbara thinks so, especially if it’s enjoyed on special occasions rather than as a daily habit.   Barbara talks about how small indulgences, like savoring a square of dark chocolate or a cup of coffee, can fit into a healthy lifestyle when paired with meals that keep blood sugar steady. Beyond diet, Barbara points out the often-overlooked importance of hydration and sleep. How can drinking enough water or getting quality rest make a difference? Barbara believes these essentials help prevent cravings and fuel better choices.   With her experience and science-backed insights, Barbara offers realistic ways to build a diet and lifestyle that support long-term wellness. Tune in to get a glimpse into her own routines and her favorite ways to stay balanced.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 03:22 How to Balance Blood Sugar 04:52 Sugar and Special Occasions 06:24 Daily Chocolate: How Much Is Too Much? 07:33 Should You Snack or Stick to Three Meals? 09:52 How Sleep and Hydration Affect Hunger 13:17 Electrolytes and What to Look For 17:03 How Much Protein Do You Really Need? 18:45 Nutrition Myths and What to Unlearn 20:06 A Balanced, Sustainable Approach to Wellness   Links Connect with Barbara Lincoln: barbarablincolb@gmail.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-lincoln-a258aa37/   Source & Self: Website: https://source-self.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceandself TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm