Simple Tricks That Will Help You Say Goodbye to Sugar

 Every day, the average American consumes a whopping 22 teaspoons of sugar. This is more than three times the healthy amount recommended by dieticians. While you have always been aware of sugar as a negative influence on health, it is only in the last ten years that scientists have started to fully understand its impact.

Not only is excessive sugar consumption extremely bad for your teeth, it can also lead to liver, heart, and brain problems. One of the most serious effects is increased insulin resistance and this develops into diabetes if left unaddressed for long enough. Therefore, there is no arguing with the fact that sugar is a menace.

The question is; how do you give it up?

This guide to cutting sugar out of your diet will give you some advice on the best ways to kick the habit for good.

Get Rid of Artificial Sweeteners

 Thanks to the diet industry, we have been led to believe that artificial sweeteners (like saccharin and aspartame) are a great substitute for sugar, particularly in hot drinks. Unfortunately, this is not the case. For one thing, it does not really make sense to cut out sugar and replace it with chemical alternatives.

In addition, a study suggests that sugar actually intensifies hunger cravings. It is much better to invest in a natural supplement like xylitol. The xylitol health benefits include protection from enamel erosion, the stimulation of good gut flora (it is a probiotic), and an increase in the cells which fight infection.

Ditch the Sugary Condiments

 

Condiments are some of the most sugary foods on offer in our supermarkets. Most tomato ketchup and barbecue sauce products contain roughly the same amount of sugar as a chocolate or toffee sauce. It accounts for around fifty percent of the ingredients.

People tend to favor ketchup because they presume it is a healthier alternative to things like mayonnaise. However, if you eat good quality mustard and mayonnaise (in small amounts), it is much less damaging than lashings of sugary sauce.

Don’t Turn Your Back on Fat

 

Fat is one of the most misunderstood substances in our diets. For many years, the weight loss industry has made no distinction between bad and good fats and this has made it very difficult for people to stay healthy.

When you lower your sugar intake, your hunger cravings intensify. Instead of reaching for the sweets, go for healthy, rich fats. Avocados, olive oil, dark chocolate, eggs, fatty fish, nuts, and cheese all are filled with the kind of fat that we now know can be very nutritious.

Eat Your Fruit Whole

 

Unfortunately, eating and drinking your fruit is not the same. No matter how natural or organic the juice is, it is just a much sugary version of what you could be eating as a whole. If you want to banish the addiction, eat plenty of fruit but stay away from super sweet smoothies and juices.

Just look at the difference between a cup of apple juice and a whole apple. The former contains 114 calories and no fiber whatsoever. The later contributes just 72 calories and 3.5 grams of fiber, so it is clear which one provides the biggest nutritional reward.

Why Saying ‘Bye’ Sugar Is Easier Than You Think

 Eating sugary food could be a major addiction problem. When you are not shoveling into drinks, on top of your cereals, or as a part of your favorite snacks, you are guzzling it in hidden products like tomato ketchup, granola bars, and pre-packed sandwiches.

Even though giving sugar up is not a simple task, it does not have to be an insurmountable one. It is all about your mindset. You do not need sugar to survive. It is just a compulsion, which your brain has learned to trigger. You are in control and you can break the cycle anytime.