3 ways to scale back on sugar without losing your mind but losing fat instead
This January nurture yourself instead of focusing on flaws to fix. For the next two weeks, try to follow these easy steps to bring your body back to balance and start the new year with a calm mind, connected spirit and shed some pounds in the process.
1. Read the ingredients
The easiest way to break the sugar addiction is to actually know when you are consuming it. Sometimes there are hidden sugars in some products and just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean that it is always good for you. The shorter the ingredient list, the easier and better it is. Pay attention to words that end in “ose” as this is considered to be sugar or “sugar-like” subtances.
2. Eliminate artificial sweeteners
If you haven’t stopped using artificial sweeteners, please do so as soon as possible. These fake sweeteners cause symptoms that range from headaches and migraines to weight gain and even more serious conditions like cardiovascular disease. They can also cause an addiction to overly sweet foods and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
3. Add more fat
Fat takes longer to digest; therefore, it will keep you full longer, control your hunger hormones and it is a powerful ally in your fight to cut back on sugar. Go for full-fat food when given the option, add healthy fats like avocado and hemp seeds to your smoothie or some coconut oil. Do your best to avoid bad fats like soy, corn, rapeseed, and canola, which contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and heart disease.
Sometimes our sugar addiction is just a habit that we can break by changing up our routine and making small changes every day.
References:
1. Steps to reduce sugar intake, Mindbodygreen Sponsored By siggi's dairy
2. The 5 worst artificial sweeteners, Dr. Axe
Photo: Sugar: Is It In Everything? Health articles
