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

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

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

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

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

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 slows sugar absorption, prevents the spike-crash-craving cycle, and helps you feel satisfied longer. Plus, Jenny shares ten high-fiber foods across five key categories—beans, whole grains, fruits, seeds, and vegetables—so you can find options that work no matter your diet style.

📌 Full Plate Living Program: subscribepage.io/fiber
📧 Share your fiber choice with Jenny: hello@jennypena.com

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 the powerful link between whole-food nutrition, pre- and probiotics, and lifestyle choices that make (or break) metabolic health.

Top Takeaways

• ​Gut first, everything else follows. A resilient microbiome supports insulin sensitivity and lowers A1C.
• ​Whole foods > processed foods. Cutting the packaged stuff is the fastest way to calm inflammation.
• ​Feed the good bugs. Prebiotic-rich plants—think asparagus, onions, green bananas—are non-negotiable.
• ​Supplements aren’t one-size-fits-all. Strain specificity and quality matter more than big CFU numbers.
• ​Lifestyle is medicine. Stress management, movement, and quality sleep are equal partners to nutrition.

Contact Conny using links below:

IG - https://www.instagram.com/wade_wellness

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CUYRa4FMN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Free Call - https://my.practicebetter.io/#/653e4858c16f417c3889f4b2/bookings?s=65e50c58852f594c02aba591&flavor=mobileapp&step=date

👉 Sign up here: https://subscribepage.io/energy

✨ Join the now evergreen 2024 Summer Book Club here: https://www.subscribepage.io/summerbook📚 Grab your copy of Year of No Sugar on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oJxJgV

🔗 Connect with Jenny Peña

✅ Website: https://www.jennypena.com✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569284337496✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjenp

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 and cravings
✅ The eye-opening lessons from The Year of No Sugar
✅ The social and emotional challenges of cutting back
✅ How small changes can lead to more steady energy, fewer cravings, and better digestion

Ready to take the next step?

The 5-Day Energy Fix Reset is a self-paced program designed to help you spot hidden sugars, balance meals, choose smarter snacks, and manage stress and sleep for real, lasting energy. At your own pace and with special launch investment of $19 USD and option to add a short coaching session at a special rate only for those completing the reset. (price will go up, so join now)

👉 Sign up here: https://subscribepage.io/energy

✨ Join the now evergreen 2024 Summer Book Club here: https://www.subscribepage.io/summerbook
📚 Grab your copy of Year of No Sugar on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oJxJgV

🔗 Connect with Jenny Peña

✅ Website: https://www.jennypena.com
✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp
✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569284337496
✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjenp