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French biochemist shares a carbohydrate hack to prevent glucose spikes and cravings: ‘Always put clothes on your carbs…’

Eating carbohydrates on an empty stomach can lead to quick glucose absorption, resulting in cravings and energy crashes - Jessie's hack can prevent these.

Published on: Jan 18, 2026 7:32 PM IST
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Enjoying carbohydrates - whether it’s fruit, bread, or the occasional sweet treat - shouldn’t have to come with the familiar energy crash that follows a glucose spike. Many people notice that eating carbs on an empty stomach leaves them feeling tired, foggy, and craving more sugar soon after. The good news is that you don’t need to give up carbs to avoid this rollercoaster - a simple eating hack can help soften the spike, keep energy levels steady, and reduce those post-carb cravings.

Try out Jessie's hack to enjoy carbs without the glucose spike! (Unsplash)
Try out Jessie's hack to enjoy carbs without the glucose spike! (Unsplash)

Also Read | French biochemist shares 10 simple glucose hacks to control sugar spikes: ‘Have any type of sugar, they’re all same’

Jessie Inchauspé, a French biochemist, NYT bestselling author, and health activist popularly known as the Glucose Goddess on social media, has revealed a nutrition hack to improve blood sugar balance and prevent glucose spikes from carbohydrates - without eliminating them completely. In an Instagram video shared on January 11, the biochemist explains why dressing up your carbs in “clothes” - adding the right accompaniments - can help blunt glucose spikes and provide more stable energy throughout the day.

What are “clothes” on carbs?

According to Jessie, carbohydrates, when eaten on an empty stomach, cause sharp glucose spikes in the bloodstream because the glucose from starches and carbs are absorbed fast. However, when you combine carbohydrates with proteins, fibres or healthy fats - the “clothes” - the glucose absorption is relatively slower, resulting in balanced blood sugar and energy levels.

She explains, “This is why you should always put clothes on your carbs. When eaten on an empty stomach, the glucose from starches and sugars - here from a banana - is absorbed fast, leading to big glucose spikes and then cravings, fatigue, and inflammation. But when you add clothes, and by that I mean protein, fibre, or healthy fats, it slows down how fast the glucose hits your bloodstream. Hence, a steadier curve and steadier energy for your body.”

How to “clothe” your carbs?

Jessie shares her favourite food combinations that pair carbohydrates with healthy fats or protein to slow glucose absorption and support balanced blood sugar levels.

  • Banana with unsweetened peanut butter
  • Apple with cheese
  • Brownies and greek yoghurt
  • Croissant with ham and cheese
  • Chocolate with a handful of almonds
  • Toast with avocado and eggs
  • Crackers with hummus
  • Oats with chia seeds and nuts

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

  • Eshana Saha
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Eshana Saha

    Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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