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These days so many of us are struggling with sugar addiction, and we don’t even know it. Sugar is associated with several serious illnesses including diabetes and heart disease. It can lead to obesity which puts us at risk of high blood pressure, stroke and cancer. So why do we keep eating it?
Sugar Addiction
According to a recent report, it is estimated that the average person consumes 300 calories of added sugar a day. For a significant proportion of people, this is increased to around 700 calories. One of the main problems is sugar content is not always obvious. While we’re aware it lurks in sodas, candy and cakes, we may not know that it is also added to many processed foods and condiments.
Sugary food gives us an instant lift if we’re celebrating or if we’re feeling tired. Plus, it tastes good. This is why we turn to it time and again. But the problem is that we’re eating far too much of it.
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Know Your Sugar
A good starting point when it comes to kicking the sugar habit is to know your sugar and where it lurks. Sugar appears in different guises. It occurs naturally in foods such as fruit and lactose. And then there is the added or processed sugar which is added to different foods such as sauces, condiments and ready meals. It’s important to note that the body deals with sugar in exactly the same way, whether it is natural sugar or added sugar. You can find further information on the different types of sugar at sites liek eatingrules.com/introduction-to-sugar.
The daily recommended amount of sugar for adults is about seven sugar cubes. For children, it is approximately five sugar cubes.
Cutting Back
There are lots of reasons to cut back on sugar. You are likely to lose some weight and avoid obesity. It will also contribute to better heart health and will reduce your risk of contracting several nasty illnesses. When making any healthy changes, it’s always best to do this bit by bit. Make small changes first and then build on this. If you have any health issues, it’s always best to check with your doctor before changing your diet significantly.
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Don’t Drink Your Sugar
Stop putting sugar in your coffee and tea. Wean yourself off this by switching to a healthy sugar-free sweetener. Then gradually reduce the sweetener until you become used to the taste of unsweetened beverages. Cut out sodas that are laden with sugar and opt for sugar-free alternatives. Take care with fruit juices as they also contain a significant amount of sugar.
Look For Healthy Alternatives
It’s likely you’re already aware of sugary snacks that you consume, like biscuits, cakes, etc. It’s best to remove these from your diet and snack on healthy alternatives such as fruit and nuts. If you have a sweet tooth, look for recipes that don’t include processed sugar. Sites like blog.paleohacks.com/coconut-flour-chocolate-chip-cookies/ have some great example.
Check Food Labels
When you’re grocery shopping, get into the habit of checking food labels. You’ll be amazed at the amount of sugar lurking in processed food. For example, in pasta sauce and condiments, etc.
Instead of buying processed food, make your own versions instead. This may be a little more time-consuming, but your body will thank you for it.
This is just a starter for ten. Begin by making small changes and then stop and reassess. Build on this until you’re within healthy sugar limits. You’ll begin to see positive changes in your physical and mental wellbeing. Your skin is likely to improve, you’ll feel less sluggish during the day, and you may even sleep better at night. But mainly, your heart, body and future self will thank you for it.
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