Light Up Your Metabolism

Danielle Hamilton, FNTP
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Dec 10, 2025 • 40min

The Workout Paradox: When Exercise Makes Blood Sugar Worse (And What to Do Instead) | EP 292

In this eye-opening episode, Danielle dives into a topic she doesn't often cover: exercise and movement. While universally praised for its health benefits, could your current workout routine actually be working against your metabolic health, especially if you're struggling with blood sugar dysregulation?Join Danielle as she shares compelling client stories and breaks down the nuanced relationship between exercise, stress hormones, circadian rhythm, and blood sugar stability. You'll gain a new perspective on movement that could unlock significant improvements in your energy, weight, and overall well-being.In this episode, you’ll discover:Unexpected reasons why consistent, intense workouts might not be yielding the health results you expect.How early morning exercise, especially before sunrise, can impact crucial stress hormones and blood sugar.The surprising role of blue light and certain gym environments in influencing your body's metabolic response to exercise.Client experiences that reveal how seemingly "healthy" activities can sometimes hinder blood sugar regulation and healing.Is there a seasonal rhythm to your energy levels that should influence your workout intensity?Which types of movement help to improve glucose without overly stressing the body.Why "movement snacks" could be a more effective strategy for blood sugar management than traditional long workouts.How to customize your activity levels to your current body's needs, avoiding feelings of anxiety or lightheadedness.Why sometimes, the most beneficial thing you can do for your metabolic health is to temporarily pause certain workouts.Important considerations for movement strategies if you experience hypoglycemia or reactive hypoglycemia.The power of mindset in believing your body can heal and reintegrate the activities you love.Resources Mentioned:Ready to transform your metabolic health? Learn more about Danielle's comprehensive program.Schedule a call to discuss your health goals and how we can work together.P.S. Please note a temporary change in our podcast schedule – we'll now be releasing new episodes every other week to allow for the creation of even more valuable courses and offerings to support your health journey! You can always explore our extensive archive for more insights.
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Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 43min

Waking Up at 3am? It Might be your Blood Sugar! Here's how to fix it | Episode 291

In this powerful conversation, Karen Martel interviews blood sugar expert Danielle Hamilton about one of the most common yet misunderstood midlife symptoms: waking up at 2–4AM and being unable to fall back asleep.If you’ve been told your nighttime wakeups are “just hormones,” “just stress,” or “just insomnia,” this episode will be a game-changer.Dani breaks down: • why midlife women suddenly struggle with late-night blood sugar crashes • the difference between true hypoglycemia and metabolic hypoglycemia • how insulin, leptin, cortisol, and light exposure shape your overnight blood sugar • why keto helped you… until it didn’t • how seasonal eating, fat/carb balance, and circadian biology affect sleep • the emotional + nervous system patterns common in people with hypoglycemia • why band-aids (snacks, progesterone, supplements) help temporarily but not long-term • the surprising role of histamine, stress addiction, and mitochondrial overload • what to do during the day to fix what’s happening at nightThis is one of the most comprehensive, compassionate explanations you will ever hear about nighttime wakeups, and why the “eat a snack before bed” advice is only a short-term fix.Want to Join the next Cohort of Blood Sugar Mastery? Book a Call with Dani HERECheck out Timeline here and save 30% with code DANIHEALTHMake sure to check out this link to Fullscript.com to get your lifetime 10% discount on my Supplement Store! (Plus, get an extra 10% Nov 27-Dec 3, 2025 during their BFCM sale!)STAY IN TOUCH WITH ME:📱 Instagram: @daniellehamiltonhealth📘 Facebook: Danielle Hamilton Health🌐 Website: daniellehamiltonhealth.com📺 YouTube Channel: Danielle Hamilton Health
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Nov 19, 2025 • 34min

Morning Light 101: The Most Underrated Tool for Better Metabolism | Episode 290

In today’s episode, Dani breaks down why morning light - yes, simply going outside at or just before sunrise - is the first and most important step in improving your blood sugar, hormones, metabolism, and sleep.If you’ve heard Dani talk about “the sunrise thing” but haven’t implemented it yet… this episode will finally help it click. You’ll learn what happens inside your body when sunrise light hits your eyes and skin, why artificial blue light derails your hormones, and how a simple shift in your morning routine can massively improve energy, cravings, insulin sensitivity, thyroid function, and sleep quality.Dani also shares client wins, real-life examples, troubleshooting tips for busy mornings, and a step-by-step guide to building your own sunrise routine - even if you have kids, work early, or live in a cloudy climate.What You’ll LearnWhat your circadian rhythm actually is — and why it controls everythingWhy sunrise light is a unique signal your brain can’t get from any other light sourceHow morning light stabilizes cortisol, blood sugar, and insulinHow sunrise supports thyroid hormones, leptin signaling, and metabolic flexibilityWhy artificial blue light first thing in the morning causes blood sugar spikesHow sunrise builds melatonin in the mitochondria (not just the pineal gland)Why good sleep actually starts in the morningHow to build a realistic sunrise routine — without perfectionismWhat to do if you wake up before sunrise, work early, or can’t get outsideThe best apps to track sunrise, UV, and circadian light cyclesWhy sunrise is “God’s medicine” and one of the simplest healing tools we haveMake sure to check out this link to Fullscript.com to get your lifetime 10% discount on my Supplement Store! (Plus, get an extra 10% Nov 27-Dec 3, 2025 during their BFCM sale!)Join Blood Sugar Mastery and save 50% off with code BLACKFRIDAY! STAY IN TOUCH WITH ME:You can find me:On Instagram @daniellehamiltonhealth On Facebook at Danielle Hamilton Health.My website is daniellehamiltonhealth.com (scroll down to sign up for my Newsletter!)On my YouTube Channel (make sure you subscribe!)Thank you for subscribing, rating, reviewing, sharing and reposting the show! I appreciate each and every one of you!
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Nov 12, 2025 • 29min

Your Holiday Game Plan for Blood Sugar & Metabolic Balance | Episode 289

In this special holiday edition of the podcast, I share all my best tips, strategies and hacks to navigate this holiday season while still supporting your blood sugar, insulin, hormones, and circadian rhythm! This doesn't necessarily mean "say no to every drop of sugar!" I hope you find this episode helpful and I truly hope you have a beautiful holiday season!!🍽️  Check out my Holiday Favorites Recipe Guide!Make sure to check out this link to Fullscript.com to get your lifetime 10% discount on my Supplement Store! (Plus, get an extra 10% Nov 27-Dec 3, 2025 during their BFCM sale!)STAY IN TOUCH WITH ME:You can find me:On Instagram @daniellehamiltonhealth On Facebook at Danielle Hamilton Health.My website is daniellehamiltonhealth.com (scroll down to sign up for my Newsletter!)On my YouTube Channel (make sure you subscribe!)Thank you for subscribing, rating, reviewing, sharing and reposting the show! I appreciate each and every one of you!
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Nov 4, 2025 • 43min

Am I For or Against Keto? | Episode 288

The diet world loves extremes - and keto might be one of the most polarizing. In this episode, Dani Hamilton, blood sugar and circadian health expert, cuts through the noise to bring nuance back to the keto conversation.You’ll learn why keto isn’t a diet or lifestyle - it’s a metabolic state - and why that distinction changes everything. Dani explains when ketosis is beneficial, how to enter it safely, and why staying there forever can backfire on your thyroid, hormones, and metabolism.She also shares real client stories from her Blood Sugar Mastery program and breaks down how to use ketosis as a powerful healing tool - seasonally, strategically, and in sync with your biology.Whether you’ve tried keto before or are just curious if it could help with your energy, cravings, or hormones, this episode will help you understand when keto works, when it doesn’t, and how to use it intelligently.Book a call with me to learn more about the program: https://calendly.com/daniellehamiltonhealth/discoverycallSTAY IN TOUCH WITH ME:📱 Instagram: @daniellehamiltonhealth📘 Facebook: Danielle Hamilton Health🌐 Website: daniellehamiltonhealth.com📺 YouTube Channel: Danielle Hamilton HealthTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The online diet debate: keto lovers vs. keto haters — and why everyone’s confused.02:45 – What Keto Isn’t: Keto isn’t a lifestyle; it’s a metabolic state, not just high-fat, low-carb eating.05:10 – Why Many Never Enter Ketosis: The role of protein, digestion, bile flow, and stomach acid.08:00 – Ketosis as a Survival Mechanism: How our ancestors naturally cycled between feast and famine.10:45 – Metabolic Benefits: Lower blood sugar, better energy, reduced inflammation, improved focus.14:10 – Brain and Nervous System Benefits: Calm energy, less anxiety, protection against brain fog.18:00 – Cellular and Hormonal Repair: How ketosis supports mitochondria, thyroid, and detox processes.22:00 – Who Keto Is For: When to use ketosis as a tool — especially for blood sugar, insulin, or leptin issues.26:30 – The Endless Summer Problem: Modern light, heat, and food availability keep us out of “winter mode.”29:45 – Ketosis as a Hormetic Stressor: Why “more” isn’t better and the dangers of long-term keto.33:00 – The Cycle Approach: How to use seasonal and menstrual rhythms to guide when to enter or exit keto.36:20 – Dani’s PCOS Story: Healing through ketosis and how strategic carb-ups restored full hormone balance.40:00 – The Individualized Approach: Why ketosis must be tailored — digestion, stress, minerals, and bile all matter.46:00 – Coaching Insights: Real client examples from Blood Sugar Mastery and how Dani helps customize the process.52:00 – Holiday Healing: Why the winter program is the perfect time to reset metabolism and enjoy the season stress-free.55:30 – How to Join: Details about the upcoming Blood Sugar Mastery cohort and Dani’s one-on-one coaching support.
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Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 21min

The Power of Light: How Sunlight, Circadian Rhythms, and Seasons Heal Metabolic Health | Episode 287

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Hamilton, a quantum and circadian health practitioner and blood sugar expert, to explore how light, sunlight exposure, and seasonal rhythms profoundly impact our metabolic and hormonal health.Danielle shares how she reversed her own PCOS and insulin resistance by aligning her lifestyle with natural cycles — embracing sunlight, grounding, and understanding how blue light, EMFs, and artificial environments affect our biology.You’ll learn why light is the body’s “master timekeeper,” how morning and evening sun regulate cortisol and melatonin, and why your skin, hormones, and even cravings depend on when and how you get light.She also breaks down practical, science-backed ways to support blood sugar naturally — from sunrise routines to blocking blue light at night, syncing with the seasons, and using tools like infrared light and grounding to restore cellular health.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Welcome to the Kick Sugar Summit and special documentary announcement.01:06 – Meet Danielle Hamilton: Her background, healing story, and journey from metabolic imbalance to light biology.02:28 – Discovering Light as Medicine: How sunlight, water, and circadian rhythms changed her understanding of health.04:24 – The Body’s Electric Blueprint: Why biophysics — not just biochemistry — drives our metabolism.06:46 – Light as the Body’s Timekeeper: How our circadian clock organizes hormones, digestion, and energy.09:06 – Blue Light and Nighttime Metabolism: How screens and artificial light sabotage sleep and blood sugar.13:52 – Practical Fixes: How to block blue light, use incandescent bulbs, and improve melatonin.16:11 – EMFs and Cellular Hydration: The link between Wi-Fi, calcium channels, and disrupted rest.20:18 – Morning Light & Blood Sugar: Why sunrise exposure resets your metabolism and improves cortisol.24:23 – Infrared Light & Mitochondria: How red light improves glucose utilization and mitochondrial efficiency.26:49 – Water, Electrons & Energy: The science behind structured water (exclusion zone) and cellular charge.30:49 – Winter & Circadian Adaptation: How to work with seasons, light cycles, and grounding.37:03 – UVA & UVB Explained: Benefits of sunlight phases and why supplements can’t replace the sun.44:13 – Sunscreen & Melanin Myths: Rethinking SPF, skin health, and building natural solar resilience.55:22 – Seasonal Eating: Matching your diet to nature’s cycles for better metabolic balance.57:39 – Cold, Darkness & Winter Healing: Why embracing the seasons supports repair and fat burning.01:04:01 – The Emotional Medicine of Nature: Why slowing down, grounding, and receiving sunlight restores body and soul.01:05:58 – Where to Find Danielle: Instagram @DanielleHamiltonHealth, podcast Light Up Your Metabolism, and resources at SunsenseUV.com.Link to book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/daniellehamiltonhealth/discoverycallBlood Sugar Mastery - Enrolling now for November Cohort - get on the waitlist: https://www.daniellehamiltonhealth.com/blood-sugar-masteryQualia Life: Head to qualialife.com/DANI and use the code DANI to get a discount!
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Oct 22, 2025 • 54min

Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn: How Your Stress Response Directly Impacts your Blood Sugar | Episode 286

In this powerful and educational episode, Danielle Hamilton dives deep into the connection between your nervous system and blood sugar regulation. She explains how stress, emotional triggers, and chronic dysregulation can mimic insulin resistance or cause blood sugar crashes — even when diet and exercise seem perfect.Danielle walks listeners through the four main nervous system states — fight, flight, freeze, and fawn — and explains the unique “metabolic fingerprint” each one leaves on your body. She also shares client stories, practical strategies for regulation, and tools to help you identify and support your dominant state for better energy, balance, and metabolic health.👉 Blood Sugar Mastery Fall 2025 Enrollment is NOW OPEN!Join here or schedule a clarity call:daniellehamiltonhealth.com/blood-sugar-masterySTAY IN TOUCH WITH ME:📱 Instagram: @daniellehamiltonhealth📘 Facebook: Danielle Hamilton Health🌐 Website: daniellehamiltonhealth.com📺 YouTube Channel: Danielle Hamilton Health
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Oct 15, 2025 • 32min

How to Know if you Have Blood Sugar Issues (Even if your numbers look "normal") | Episode 286

Think your blood sugar is fine because your doctor said so? Think again.In this episode, I'm breaking down the real signs of blood sugar dysregulation - the ones your lab tests might miss. From constant cravings and “hanger” to fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, and brain fog, these are all messages from your body that your metabolism needs support.You’ll learn how to spot the symptoms of dysregulated blood sugar, what’s happening in your body when they show up, and how to start reclaiming stable energy, balanced hormones, and better moods. I'm also walking through key lab markers (like fasting glucose, insulin, and leptin), what they actually mean, and why most people fall through the cracks of traditional testing.If you’ve ever thought “I just have a slow metabolism,” “I can’t stop snacking,” or “I need sugar to function,” this episode will help you connect the dots, and show you how healing your blood sugar can transform every part of your health.Link to book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/daniellehamiltonhealth/discoverycallBlood Sugar Mastery - Enrolling now for November Cohort - get on the waitlist: https://www.daniellehamiltonhealth.com/blood-sugar-mastery
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Oct 8, 2025 • 47min

Why you Should Care About your Blood Sugar (Even if you're Not Diabetic) | Episode 285

If you’ve ever been told your blood sugar is “normal” but you still feel tired, anxious, or can't sleep, this episode is for you.Most people think blood sugar only matters if you have diabetes. But the truth is, your blood sugar impacts every single system in your body... from your energy and sleep to your hormones, cravings, and mood.In this episode, Dani breaks down what blood sugar actually does in the body, the subtle signs it’s off (even when your labs look fine), and how modern life, from artificial light to chronic stress, quietly disrupts metabolic health. You’ll learn why these issues go far beyond food and how your circadian rhythms, nervous system, digestion, minerals, and mitochondria all play a role in keeping you balanced.You’ll walk away understanding why steady blood sugar is foundational for optimal energy, hormones, mood, and long-term health.🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why blood sugar regulation matters for everyone, not just those with diabetesThe connection between blood sugar, energy, hormones, and your nervous systemHow modern light environments, stress, and sleep patterns create glucose instabilitySubtle signs your blood sugar is off — even with “normal” lab resultsThe role of mitochondria, leptin, and insulin in metabolic balanceWhy food is only one part of the equation (and why timing, light, and stress matter just as much)🩸 Get a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM):Levels - (my favorite app - can connect any CGM to this app) ​​levels.link/DANIELLETastermonial - https://tastermonial.com/products/cgm-freestyle-libre (Code: DANIHEALTH)Nutrisense - https://www.nutrisense.io/sugar (Code: SUGAR)Theia: https://join.theiahealth.ai/c/daniellehamiltonhealthSignos- https://glnk.io/r54zn/hamilton (Code: HAMILTONHEALTH)Stelo - Over the counter Dexcom device (no discount) https://www.stelo.com/Lingo - Over the counter Freestyle Libre device (no discount) https://amzn.to/3XHorG2💻 Book a CGM Audit with me 💻 Book a Clarity Call about Blood Sugar MasteryTODAY’S SPONSORS:BEAM Minerals: Head to beamminerals.com and use the code DANIHEALTH to get 20% offQualia Senolytic: Head to qualialife.com/dani to get 15% off your order and try the 2-day monthly “zombie cell” cleanse Danielle swears bySTAY IN TOUCH WITH ME:📱 Instagram: @daniellehamiltonhealth📘 Facebook: Danielle Hamilton Health🌐 Website: daniellehamiltonhealth.com📺 YouTube Channel: Danielle Hamilton Health
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Oct 1, 2025 • 36min

Kitchen Secrets: How to Spend Less Time Cooking Blood Sugar-Friendly Meals | Episode 284

In this episode of Light Up Your Metabolism, Danielle Hamilton tackles one of the biggest challenges her clients face—how to cook and prep meals that actually support stable blood sugar without taking over your life. Danielle shares her real-world strategies for building balanced plates with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while avoiding the hassles and over-complication that comes with meal planning. She shares her top batch-cooking hacks, simple recipes, and time-saving approaches that make it easy to stay consistent with whole foods—even if you’re busy, tired, or short on kitchen skills. If you’ve ever felt like eating healthy was too time-consuming or unsustainable, this episode will show you a simpler way to be successful.Book a call with me to learn more about the program: https://calendly.com/daniellehamiltonhealth/discoverycallEnroll today in Batch Cooking Classes: https://www.daniellehamiltonhealth.com/offers/BaodqKzz/checkout?coupon_code=FALL20Use code FALL20 for 20% off at checkout.TODAY’S SPONSOR:Qualia Senolytic: Head to qualialife.com/dani to get 15% off your order and try the 2-day monthly “zombie cell” cleanse Danielle swears by.Timeline: Head to timelinenutrition.com and use the code DANIHEALTH to get 10% offSTAY IN TOUCH WITH ME:📱 Instagram: @daniellehamiltonhealth📘 Facebook: Danielle Hamilton Health🌐 Website: daniellehamiltonhealth.com📺 YouTube Channel: Danielle Hamilton HealthON TODAY'S EPISODE:00:03:25 – The foundation of a blood-sugar-friendly plateWhy protein is the non-negotiable starting point, how much you actually need, and the surprising role muscle plays in stabilizing hormones.00:06:27 – The underrated power of fiberHow most people under-eat fiber even when loading up on veggies, and Danielle’s favorite low-effort sources like basil seeds and flax.00:08:19 – Fat as your blood sugar’s best friendWhy adding more healthy fats can stop blood sugar crashes in their tracks, plus signs you may not be digesting fat well.00:13:29 – Rethinking meal prepHow to avoid the “what’s for lunch?” panic by batch cooking simple proteins and veggies instead of relying on rigid meal plans.00:17:09 – Inside Danielle’s batch-cooking methodA behind-the-scenes look at her one-hour cooking sessions where she preps 6–7 dishes at once to stock the fridge and freezer.00:23:11 – Faster than oatmeal: real meal ideasWhy reheated whole foods (like eggs, veggies, and avocado) can be quicker than convenience breakfasts and keep you fueled longer.00:29:15 – A lifestyle shift, not a part-time jobHow batch cooking becomes second nature, supports consistency, and makes it easy to choose nourishing foods day after day.

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