Love Yourself With Healthy Habits: Week 3
Tip #3: Reduce Your Sugar Intake
If you’ve ever tried cutting sugar out of your diet, you may have experienced the
withdrawals, mood swings, and cravings that come along with it. Sugar is being
demonized in the news and in current research with good reason. It has been linked to
diabetes, obesity, cancer, certain mental health disorders, and more. Studies show
sugar can be just as addictive as certain medications and some people are opting to cut
it out entirely, however, our overall intake of sugar in this country has been increasing at
an alarming rate.
The rise in consumption is in part related to the added sugars in processed foods and
soft drinks. About 33% of added sugar intake comes from soft drinks alone. This kind
of sugar is referred to as simple sugar which is rapidly digested and can cause blood
sugar spikes and mood swings. These types of sugar which include high-fructose corn
syrup, table sugar, and beet sugar can also be chemically altered and highly
concentrated.
Getting rid of sugar all-together is nearly impossible since sugar is in many of the whole
foods we eat as well, but I emphasize the importance of reducing sugar, not eliminating
it. Unless you have diabetes or other disease requiring you to be more strict, simply
getting rid of the processed sugar in your diet will make a big difference in the way you
feel. Getting through that first week is the hardest part so try adding protein and fiber to
meals and snacks to keep you feeling satisfied and to reduce cravings. Choose fruit or
a small piece of dark chocolate after meals or when you are craving sugar so you avoid
feeling deprived. Most importantly, listen to your body. It is always trying to achieve
balance. Cravings can be very helpful information. You may be craving food, but also
consider other things your body may be needing such as water, love, rest, or social
interaction. Cheers to good health and happiness!
If you are struggling to stay healthy or need guidance in making a change,
consider speaking with a Health or Nutrition Coach. We offer 30-minute
FREE consultations. Health is wealth so invest in your health and be the
best YOU you can be!
Quote of the week:
"Let today be the day you love yourself enough to no longer just dream of a better life; let it be the day you act upon it." -Dr. Steve Maraboli