There is absolutely no doubt that we are in the midst of a sugar crisis. Everywhere you look added sugar is there. You know sugar is in items like baked goods, desserts, sodas, and such. But, did you know it’s also in items like boxed and canned soups, fruit juice, and even tomato sauce, places you wouldn’t expect to find it and wouldn’t if you were not looking. Americans, on average, consume around 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day. This accounts for around 350 calories. Not only is added sugar contributing to weight gain, researchers have found that the sugar from sodas can contribute visceral fat, the kind that is linked to cardiovascular complications and type 2 diabetes. It’s time to cut back on added sugars in your diet and we have some ways to help you do just that.
As if the above information isn’t enough to make you reconsider your sugar habit, here’s another fact that might change your mind. Sugar leads to inflammation in the body. By consuming the amount of sugar in just two bottles of coke, roughly 100 grams, your body’s ability to fight infection decreases by 50%. During cold and flu season, you’ve got even more incentive to ditch added sugar for good, and here’s how.
Be Aware
Knowledge is power. Read labels and learn to recognize the many names for added sugars such as high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, evaporated cane juice, and more.
Eat Often
If you commit to eating small healthy meals every few hours, you can keep your blood sugar levels in check and decrease your cravings. Make sure you are choosing healthy whole foods like fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Stay Natural
When the cravings hit, try eating naturally sweet foods like berries, bananas, carrots, beets, and the like. Will these foods taste like a candy bar? No. But, as you rid your body of added sugar and artificial sweeteners, it will reward you by finding the sweetness in natural foods. Give yourself time!
Go Bitter
Did you know that eating bitter foods like grapefruit and arugula make naturally sweet foods taste even sweeter? Bitter and sweet are opposite tastes and by upping your intake of bitter foods when you are craving sugar, your sweet tooth lessens.
Learning to curb your sugar cravings takes time. However, it is something you can do and Fountain of You would love to help show you how. We offer diet and fitness evaluations and nutritional counseling individualized to your personal needs. If you’re in Melbourne, FL or anywhere in Brevard County, contact us today.
