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

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 incorporating movement into busy life...

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 significance of self-care and emot...

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 decade long career started at the res...

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 generation. He opens up about his powerf...

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 in stress relief, anxiety reductio...

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 Formula: Protein + Fat + Fiber) ...

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 World Diabetes Day is and why ...

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, fatigue)

• The 3 lab tests doctors ...

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 th...

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 C...

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 Se...

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 s...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 sp...

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 ...

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 le...