Quit Sugar

How To End Your Sugar Addiction

Did you know sugar can be addicting? We find it in almost everything, but how much is too much? And how can we end the addiction? Research shows that consuming sugar actually produces cravings and withdrawals along with chemical changes within the brain. In other words, the more sugar you eat, the more you'll crave it. An overconsumption of sugar can cause higher levels of insulin which can lead to weight gain amongst other health issues. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar for women and no more than 9 teaspoons a day for men. Use some of these helpful tips below to learn how to stop eating sweets.

No processed foods.

This includes cookies, cakes, other baked goods, bacon, ice cream, chips, and so much more. These foods are high in sugar and don't provide many nutrients or vitamins to the body. Rather than leaning towards desserts, focus on healthy snacks instead. Fruit based snacks will provide the body with what it actually needs. Cut-up fruits are a good source of dietary fiber, while folic acid helps form red blood cells. Prepare fruit ahead of time so you’re more likely to eat them! If you're not a fan of fruit, try to pair them with a yummy dip to make eating healthy a little easier.

Focus on your health and nutrition.

Make your health and wellness a priority in your life. This applies to everything in your daily routine. Make sure you're getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night. If you have a hard time falling asleep, use sleep headphones to drown out sound and help lull you to sleep. Also, try to create an exercise routine that fits your bodies needs. Using a BMI calculator will tell you if you're under, over, or at a normal weight for your height. Don't be afraid to use your home as a gym or join a local gym that you can attend on a daily basis to achieve your personal fitness goals. Focusing on your overall wellness will keep you motivated to not only exercise but eat clean and stay healthy!

Absolutely no candy.

Candy is loaded with so much sugar, no matter how small or big it is. The saturated fat, sugar, and calories in candy can easily send you way over your daily intake of each. If you're a big candy eater, try to start slow and cut down day by day. Moderation is essential when cutting back and changing your habits. Replace candy with other sweet treats like fruit and dark chocolate to help satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way. The high levels of cocoa solids (called flavonoids) in dark chocolate actually lower blood pressure and cholesterol which can in turn reduce the risk of diabetes.

Cut out soda and other sugary drinks.

Soda has several negative effects on the body including your oral health. The acidic levels in soda allow your teeth to be vulnerable to decay which cause more bacteria throughout the mouth. Added sugar and liquid sugar are highly fattening and also found in soda. Studies show that people who tend to drink sweetened drinks gain more weight than people who don't. Instead try to increase your daily water intake by carrying a reusable water bottle with you while you're on the go. Water does the body wonders and can actually help you lose weight and maintain a healthier body.

Use these tips and tricks to educate yourself on the many dangers of sugar and how you can cut back and change your lifestyle to a healthier one!

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