Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Reduce Your Sugar Intake In 5 Simple Steps

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You’re addicted to sugar!

What? Not me!

Or so I thought. I’m not a sweet eater, how could I be addicted to sugar? I prefer salty snacks over sweet snacks, which made me believe that sugar did not have a hold on me.

Let me ask you, “Are you a sugar addict?”

You may be surprised to discover that you are.

Sugar and artificial sweeteners are addictive. In fact, sugar has the same effect on your brain as cocaine and heroin. Which is why it is so difficult to kick the sugar habit. Fructose is the most highly addictive form of sugar that is being added to food. Naturally occurring fructose is fine, but that is not what is being listed on the label.

When I pick up an item and see the word “fructose”, I put it back on the shelf.

When you eat processed foods, you’re eating more sugar than you realize. Thankfully, the US ingredient labels are now required to list all added sugar in food products. The main problem is that there are over 50 names for sugar and you may not be familiar with all the names.

Sadly, most people don’t read the ingredient labels. Hopefully you do.

When I began to limit our sugar intake, I was shocked at the food products that had added sugar, food that does not need sugar. I’m still shaking my head that sugar is added to chicken broth. WHY?

Because it is addictive, that’s why.

The average person consumes 32 teaspoons of sugar per day.

Let me help you not be the average person, but above average, and give you some steps you can begin today to cut back on your sugar intake.

Just a few little changes here and there and you’ll be eating less and less sugar throughout your day.

The benefits of eating less sugar are:

  • More Energy – YEAH! (and you thought sugar gave you energy)
  • Improved Mental Clarity (no brain fog)
  • Improved Mood
  • Smoother, Clearer Skin
  • Reduction of Inflammation (say “Good-bye” to joint pain)
  • Healthier Liver
  • Lowers Blood Pressure
  • Lowers Cholesterol Levels
  • Here’s my sugar cutting tips for you…

Eat Fruit

Rather than grab the cookies, pastry, or some other favorite sweet snack, choose a piece of fruit. The sugar in fruit is healthier for you and will satisfy your sweet tooth.

I keep apples on the counter and grapes in the fridge for those times that I want something sweet.

Here’s a list of sweet fresh fruits that will satisfy your sweet tooth:

  • Dates
  • Fresh Figs
  • Pears
  • Grapes
  • Pineapple
  • Apples
  • Blueberries
  • Peaches 

Be mindful and restrain yourself and limit your fresh fruit intake.

Eat Fiber-Rich and Protein-Packed Meals

When you prepare your meals, make sure you are eating fiber-rich and protein packed foods. You’ll stay fuller longer, which will help you stay out of the pantry, searching for a cookie, a couple of hours later.   

Cut Back on Added Sugar

Let me challenge you to monitor your sugar intake for a week. What do you typically add sugar to? Coffee or tea? Then start cutting back a little at a time.

Not an option for you? Then switch to Stevia, make sure it’s organic and the only ingredient is “stevia”.

Stevia is much sweeter than sugar and has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. I do not promote the use of artificial sweeteners and recommend that you please discontinue using them.

Read those ingredient labels.

Take a little extra time on your next grocery shopping trip and read the labels of the food products you pick up to buy.

Your food should be as natural as possible, which leaves out all chemically processed foods. Yet, you’ll discover added sugar in many supposedly healthy foods. In fact, just the word “Natural” has been highjacked to disguise foods that are overly processed but being advertised as healthy.

Buyer beware!

As I mentioned earlier, I discovered sugar in chicken broth. Don’t assume a product would not have sugar.

Drink your water.

Make water your go-to drink of choice. Not a fan of water?

Try enhancing your water with flavor. Add a little lemon juice, which is wonderful for your digestive system, or infuse your water with herbs, fruits, or a cucumber (my favorite). Get creative with your water infusions. I enjoy apple and cinnamon, lemon and basil, strawberry and mint.

Click the image below to grab my Fall Fruit Infusion guide for water infusion recipes that will help you perk up your water naturally.

Infused Water

I also use sparkling water and add a couple of drops of lime or lemon essential oil to perk up the taste. This is great for soda drinkers trying to kick the soda habit.

Drinking water also satisfies your cravings, especially if your body is truly thirsty and not hungry. Before you reach for your snack, drink 8 ounces of water and wait 15 minutes to see if you’re still hungry. You may be surprised to discover you were just thirsty.

Kicking the sugar habit is one of the healthiest decisions you will make for your health. It is not easy, but it is doable. Let me challenge you to start today to cut back on your sugar to begin enjoying the benefits from being free of this addiction.

Request your free copy of “Train Your Taste Buds” to help you get started with decreasing your sugar intake. 

Click the image below for instant access.