Path to Better A1C: Proven Strategies for Blood Sugar Balance, Craving Control, Diabetes Prevention

Jenny Pena, NBC-HWC, DPP Lifestyle Coach, CIHC

Welcome to Path to Better A1C Podcast! Join Jenny Pena, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, as she shares expert tips and strategies to manage blood sugar, lower A1C, and prevent Diabetes. Each episode features key topics and actionable steps covering nutrition, exercise, and sustainable habits to help manage cravings, regain energy and more. If you're managing prediabetes, diabetes or preventing it, this podcast is for you. 📝Free Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks Guide > https://subscribepage.io/snacks 🌐 www.jennypena.com 📧 hello@jennypena.com IG @coachjenp

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Ep 46 - Halloween Special - Candy without the Crash

    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 rollercoaster. This episode also wraps up the October Cravings Series — and sets the stage for Diabetes Awareness Month in November, where Jenny will be sharing new workshops and a free resource designed to help if you’re newly diagnosed with prediabetes. ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: Why candy triggers cravings and crashes How to enjoy candy without the guilt cycle Practical tips for navigating Halloween season A teaser for November’s focus on Diabetes Awareness Month 🎁 Free Resources: Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks List: https://www.subscribepage.io/snacks Prediabetes Starter Guide (new):https://www.subscribepage.io/starterguide 🔗 Connect with Jenny: Website: https://www.jennypena.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@coachjenp

    15 min

  2. 24 OCT

    Ep 45 — Emotional Eating & the 3PM Slump

    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. This is the fourth part of our October Cravings Series. ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: Why emotional eating happens (and why it works… briefly) The science behind the 3 p.m. energy crash Simple tools to pause, reflect, and respond differently How to build awareness instead of guilt around cravings🎁 Free Resource: Download your Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks List to help you respond to real hunger with steady, satisfying options. 👉 Get it here: https://www.subscribepage.io/snacks 🔗 Connect with Jenny: Website: https://www.jennypena.com  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp  YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@coachjenp

    15 min

  3. 17 OCT

    Ep 44 — Hunger vs. Habit: How to Tell the Difference

    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 the third part of our October Cravings Series, following Cravings Explained and Decoding Your Cravings. ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: The key signs of true physical hunger How habit cravings form and why they’re so strong Simple tools like the “pause test” and “apple test” to tell the difference How to move from autopilot eating to intentional eating 🎁 Free Resource: Download your Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks List to help you respond to real hunger with steady, satisfying options. 👉 Get it here: https://www.subscribepage.io/snacks 🔗 Connect with Jenny: Website: https://www.jennypena.com  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp  YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@coachjenp

    11 min

  4. 10 OCT

    Ep 43 — Decoding Your Cravings: Sweet Tooth or Salty Snacker?

    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 What salty cravings reveal about stress, electrolytes, or hydration How craving both at once is actually a signal, not a flaw Simple ways to respond with curiosity (not guilt) 🎁 Free Resource: Download your Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks List for quick, satisfying snack ideas that keep your A1C steady — from Greek yogurt with berries to roasted chickpeas to dark chocolate with almonds. 👉 Get it here: https://www.subscribepage.io/snacks 🔗 Connect with Jenny: Website: https://www.jennypena.com  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp  YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@coachjenp

    17 min

  5. 3 OCT

    Ep 42 - Cravings Explained: What Your Brain (and Biology) Are Really Telling You

    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 weakness. This is the kickoff to our October Cravings Series — where we’ll explore sugar vs. salt cravings, hunger vs. habit, emotional eating, and even how to enjoy Halloween candy without the crash. ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: The difference between hunger, appetite, and cravings How hormones, brain pathways, and blood sugar dips fuel cravings Emotional and environmental triggers (stress, boredom, ads, social influence) Lifestyle factors that make cravings louder — like sleep and hydration 🎁 Free Resource Download your Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks List for quick, satisfying snack ideas that keep your A1C steady — from Greek yogurt with berries to roasted chickpeas to dark chocolate with almonds. 👉 Get it here: https://www.subscribepage.io/snacks 🔗 Connect with Jenny: Website: https://www.jennypena.com  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp  YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@coachjenp

    14 min

  6. 26 SEPT

    Ep 41: Fiber vs. Processed Foods — The Missing Link for Blood Sugar, A1C & Prediabetes

    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 swaps to add back into your meals The big-picture reason why fiber is the missing link for better health By the end, you’ll see how adding more fiber back into your daily meals can lower inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, support weight management, and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. ✨ Final Call: Registration closes September 30th for the Full Plate Living 8-Week Program!This group coaching program is designed to help you add more fiber-rich foods into your life in a simple, sustainable way. ✔️ Live sessions every Friday at 12 noon ET✔️ Electronic program materials included✔️ Physical workbook available on Amazon for purchase✔️ Just $197 for the full 8 weeks 👉 Learn more & register here: https://subscribepage.io/fiber 📺 Missed the Orientation Session? Watch the replay on YouTube — it’s pinned at the top of my channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjenp 🔗 Connect with Coach Jenny Peña, NBC-HWC Free Resource: “Dinner, Solved” – 5 Easy Meals That Keep Blood Sugar Steady → https://subscribepage.io/dinnersolved Website: https://www.jennypena.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjenp Apple Podcast: Path to Better A1C Book a Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call

    12 min

  7. 19 SEPT

    Ep 40: Fiber & Gut Health — Improve Digestion, Blood Sugar & Prediabetes

    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 prediabetes and insulin resistance The link between fiber, cravings, and more stable blood sugar control One simple fiber upgrade you can try today By the end, you’ll see fiber as a daily tool for better gut health and better blood sugar — helping you take control of prediabetes and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. ✨ Registration is open for the Full Plate Living 8-Week Program! This group coaching program is designed to help you add more fiber-rich foods into your life in a simple, sustainable way. ✔️ Live sessions every Friday at 12 noon ET✔️ Electronic program materials included✔️ Physical workbook available on Amazon for purchase✔️ Just $197 for the full 8 weeks 👉 Learn more & register here: https://subscribepage.io/fiber 📺 Don’t miss the Orientation Session on September 20th — streaming on YouTube! It’s pinned at the top of my channel for easy access. 🔗 Connect with Coach Jenny Peña, NBC-HWC Free Resource: “Dinner, Solved” – 5 Easy Meals That Keep Blood Sugar Steady → https://subscribepage.io/dinnersolved Website: https://www.jennypena.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjenp Apple Podcast: Path to Better A1C Book a Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call

    13 min

  8. 12 SEPT

    Ep:39 Fiber & Inflammation: Why It Matters for Prediabetes

    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 inflammation Other anti-inflammatory foods you can add to your plate One simple fiber tip you can try today By the end, you’ll see fiber in a whole new light — not just as “roughage,” but as a key to better blood sugar and long-term health. ✨ Registration is open for the Full Plate Living 8-Week Program! This group coaching program is designed to help you add more fiber-rich foods into your life in a simple, sustainable way. ✔️ Live sessions every Friday at 12 noon ET✔️ Electronic program materials included✔️ Physical workbook available on Amazon for purchase✔️ Just $197 for the full 8 weeks 👉 Learn more & register here: ttps://subscribepage.io/fiber 📺 Don’t miss the Orientation Session on September 20th — streaming on YouTube! It’s pinned at the top of my channel for easy access. Connect with Coach Jenny Pena, NBC-HWC: Free Resource: “Dinner, Solved” – 5 Easy Meals That Keep Blood Sugar Steady -  https://subscribepage.io/dinnersolvedVisit My Website: ⁠⁠https://www.jennypena.com⁠⁠ Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠ @coachjenp⁠   Subscribe to my YouTube Channel:@coachjenp Book a Free Clarity Call: ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call

    10 min
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About

Welcome to Path to Better A1C Podcast! Join Jenny Pena, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, as she shares expert tips and strategies to manage blood sugar, lower A1C, and prevent Diabetes. Each episode features key topics and actionable steps covering nutrition, exercise, and sustainable habits to help manage cravings, regain energy and more. If you're managing prediabetes, diabetes or preventing it, this podcast is for you. 📝Free Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks Guide > https://subscribepage.io/snacks 🌐 www.jennypena.com 📧 hello@jennypena.com IG @coachjenp

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