Having a sweet-tooth can be a bane, especially when the 3 p.m. energy dip comes along and you need a sugary boost to get through the rest of the afternoon. Fortunately, diet and nutrition experts may have found a solution to avoid cravings.
Benefits of Breaking Up With Sugar for Good
Almost every food we consume, ranging from fresh fruits to packaged cookies, contains sugar, and while the sugar in its natural form may be a better option, we need to be cautious about the amount we consume. A study conducted in the U.K. found that an average individual consumes close to 140 teaspoons of sugar a week, which is nearly three times more than the recommended amount.
A sugar craving is like an addiction that may be cured — all it needs is commitment and an understanding of the benefits of quitting sugar.
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Avoid 3 p.m. energy dips:
If you’ve noticed an instant rise in energy and an eventual dip after a meal heavy in sugar or carbohydrates, that is the result of fluctuating blood sugar levels. Once you quit sugar and replace it with healthier options, you’ll notice a reduction in these fluctuations.
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Show off healthy teeth:
Too much sugar consumption is directly linked to tooth decay and other issues, and removing sugar and sugary foods like sodas, candy and juices from your diet will positively impact your dental and oral health, guaranteeing better dentist visits in the future.
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Reduce the risk of cancer:
An excessive intake of sugar often leads to obesity, which is considered the second largest, preventable, cause of cancer. According to a study in the U.K., though sugar does not directly cause cancer, it can increase the risk of 13 types of cancer.
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Improve heart health:
Did you know that drinking three sodas a day can increase the risk of heart disease by three times? Experts have concluded that calories obtained from sugary foods may be directly linked to deaths caused by cardiovascular conditions.
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Enhance immunity:
An uncontrolled intake of sugar leads to a reduction in the activity of immune cells, thus increasing the risk of contracting infections.
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Lose weight and reduce bloating:
While the body needs sugar for producing energy, in excess it can lead to weight gain and other related complications. It is not surprising that one of the most welcomed benefits of quitting sugar is weight loss. A reduced intake of artificial sweeteners can also reduce bloating.
Now that you’ve been introduced to the benefits of breaking up with sugar, here are some foods that can help reduce your sugar cravings:
- Avocados
- Dark chocolate
- Almond butter
- Fermented foods and beverages like kimchi and kombucha
- Cinnamon
- Herbal teas
Foods to avoid:
- Processed sugar including white and brown sugars and high fructose corn syrup
- Packaged foods with added sugar
- Fruits with a higher glycemic index like bananas and watermelon
- Vegetables like potatoes and parsnips
- Dried fruits like dates and apricots
While sugary treats can successfully provide a much-needed energy boost in the afternoon or satiate a midnight sugar craving, it is essential to understand that when consumed in high quantities, sugar can do more harm than good to our body and may be best avoided from our diets.
The content of this Website is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References
Benefits of Quitting Sugar: 21-Day Sugar Detox Plan and Recap. (2018, June 11). Retrieved from https://8fit.com/nutrition/benefits-of-quitting-sugar-21-day-sugar-detox-plan-and-recap/
Weingus, L. (2018, August 30). 7 Foods That Will Crush Your Sugar Cravings Before They Strike. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/foods-stop-sugar-cravings_us_5b7eb770e4b0cd327dfa6d62
Boult, A. (2017, June 08). What are the benefits of giving up sugar? Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/nutrition/benefits-giving-sugar/
