Are you stuck in a never-ending spiral of trying to cut down on your sugar intake, only to find yourself indulging in a bowl full of ice cream at the end of the day? Trying to let go of sugar can be a challenge. Especially if you have a sweet tooth and give in to satisfying your sugar cravings every time. We all know how sugar can be toxic to our bodies. It causes erratic spikes in energy and blood sugar levels – increasing not just the risk of getting diabetes, cancer, and heart disease but also elevating anxiety and depression. No one wants to go through any of these unpleasant circumstances.
So, if you want to cut down on sugar in an easy and sustainable manner once and for all, then you have come to the right place. Here are a few tips that you can follow to finally say goodbye to all your sugar cravings and live a sugar-free life! Make it part of your daily routine and instill the following habits in your children and family members as well. A healthy and happy life is what you and everyone around you deserves.
The Daily Requirement – Make A Mental Note
But first, here is an insight into what the daily requirement of sugar is. Taking sugar in a healthy and recommended amount is essential for the body to function properly. According to the American Heart Association, for men, the daily sugar requirement should not exceed 37.5 grams i.e. 9 teaspoons. For women, it’s 25 grams or 6 teaspoons. Thus, by being aware of this requirement, you can begin your journey of cutting down on sugar effectively. Just remember the numbers and you’ll be good to go!
Here are 5 tips on how to cut down on sugar starting today!
Switch to The Natural Alternatives
Going cold turkey on sugar may not be the best approach. This leads to cravings due to the sudden sugar withdrawal. If it gets out of control, you’ll probably end up consuming more sugar than you should, defeating the entire purpose of wanting to cut down on sugar in the first place.
A healthier option would be to say goodbye to the white sugar cubes on your kitchen counter. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners such as honey, molasses, brown sugar, or stevia. They are more nutritious and healthier than white processed sugar for sure!
Eat Whole Foods, Protein, and Healthy Fats
Whole foods are free of any added and artificial flavors. Processed foods on the other hand such as loaves of bread, canned foods, and store-bought pizzas have higher sugar content. You want to avoid having these at all costs!
Switch to homemade food from scratch. In addition, increase your intake of protein and healthy fats such as lean meats, full-fat dairy products, eggs, and nuts. They make you stay full for a longer period of time and reduce sugar cravings. Stay consistent and notice your health improve by following this tip in letter and spirit.
Add Fruits to Your Diet
Nothing satisfies sugar cravings better than sweet fruits. They’re packed with fiber which is great for your gut health as well. Make sure to stock up on fresh fruits that are in season. Pick the ones that are the sweetest such as mangoes, watermelons, and grapes. Remember to stay away from canned fruit here – they’re a no-go zone!
You can even mix it up by adding some yogurt, granola, or nuts. Try a variety of options in order to avoid getting bored of eating the same fruits every day. This will help you cut down on sugar faster!
Be Mindful of the Time
Avoid having sugary items first thing in the morning. Breakfast cereals are the main culprit here, which are often disguised as being healthy. In reality, they are laced with unwanted artificial sweeteners and flavors. Getting this sugar rush early in the morning can be the reason why your energy levels die down after a few hours. So, switch to having a healthy breakfast that includes eggs, avocado on toast, or oatmeal.
Similarly, stay away from sugary foods after dark. During this time your body is not as active as it is during the day, hence allowing the sugar to settle down into your body at a rate faster than it is being burnt off. Be mindful of the time and make it a habit going forward.
Snack On Healthy Food Items
Throw out all your cookies, candies, chocolates, and sodas. Instead munch on healthier snacks such as dark chocolate. It is rich in antioxidants and is known to regulate insulin levels and reduce any inflammations in the body.
If you’re not a big fan of dark chocolate, then do not worry. Start slowly by trying out dark chocolate with a lower cocoa content. Gradually build up to higher cocoa content bars as your taste for dark chocolate develops. Moreover, if you’re a coffee person, switch to black coffee without sugar in it in the same manner as well. Build up your palette gradually to adjust to the new change whilst enjoying the taste of coffee at the same time.
The Final Verdict
Now that you know which tips to add to your daily routine, you’re sure to let go of your sugar cravings in no time. By the end of it, you’ll quit artificial sugar from your diet entirely without facing any sugar withdrawal symptoms.
Make the smart decisions when you go for a grocery run, read labels and check for their sugar content. Start today and watch your skin glow and your mind and body feel alive! Your body will surely thank you for it. https://www.nutritionwithwellness.com/eating-clean/
How To Reduce Your Sugar Intake FAQ
Switch to Natural Alternatives
A healthier option would be to say goodbye to the white sugar cubes on your kitchen counter. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners such as honey, molasses, brown sugar, or stevia. They are more nutritious and healthier than white processed sugar for sure!
Eat Whole Foods, Protein, and Healthy Fats
Switch to homemade food from scratch. In addition, increase your intake of protein and healthy fats such as lean meats, full-fat dairy products, eggs, and nuts. They make you stay full for a longer period of time and reduce sugar cravings. Stay consistent and notice your health improve by following this tip in letter and spirit.
Add Fruits to Your Diet
Nothing satisfies sugar cravings better than sweet fruits. They’re packed with fiber which is great for your gut health as well. Make sure to stock up on fresh fruits that are in season. Pick the ones that are the sweetest such as mangoes, watermelons, and grapes. Remember to stay away from canned fruit here – they’re a no-go zone!
Snack On Healthy Food Items
Throw out all your cookies, candies, chocolates, and sodas. Instead munch on healthier snacks such as dark chocolate. It is rich in antioxidants and is known to regulate insulin levels and reduce any inflammations in the body.
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