Having a sweet tooth is not easy. The battle with our cravings for dessert is never-ending and sometimes we just have to give in to them. While satisfying a sugar craving feels good, eating too much sugar is dangerous.
Sugar is found in almost all foods. The difference is that the sugars found in milk, fruits and vegetables are natural, which aren’t 100 percent bad for you. Athletes love sugar because it gives them energy for their workouts, but consuming natural sugars should be done in moderation.
It’s the added sugars that should really be avoided. These are the harmful sugars that are added to processed foods and cause damage to your health. If you’re looking to switch up your diet and cut out excess sugar, a little bit of time and determination will get you there.
Simple Ways to Cut Sugar From Your Diet
We’re not recommending cutting out sugar cold turkey, but starting small with a few changes here and there will take you a long way in meeting your goals.
1. Get rid of white sugar and brown sugar
Chuck the bags of white or brown sugar out of the house and let the flavor of tea and coffee alone appeal to your taste buds. Try to consume more vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins that keep you feeling full for longer to stop unnecessary sugar cravings.
2. Use fruits and cinnamon as a natural sweetener
Products such as granola bars and cereal often come with a lot of added sugars. If you’re a fan of oats and grains for breakfast, opt to make your own overnight oats and add fruits or cinnamon to sweeten your meal.
3. Be mindful of how much sugar you add when baking
If you’re in charge of baking the goodies, then you have control over how healthy you want to make them. Opt to reduce the amount of sugar that the recipe requires (at least one-third cup or less). Don’t worry, no one would even notice!
4. Switch to natural juices
Avoid any juices with added sugar. If you’re really craving fruit juice, buy fruits canned in water or freshly-squeezed juices with no added ingredients. It will go a long way toward reducing your sugar intake, especially if you drink lots of juice.
5. Read the nutrition label
Granola bars and cereals are notorious for sneaking in excess sugar that you don’t need and are often labeled as “healthy.” It is recommended to look out for products that contain more than 5 grams of added sugar per serving.
6. Choose fruits that are in season
Off-season fruits are typically sour and less satisfying for our sweet tooth. Choose fruits that are in-season to take in all the flavor and sweetness to fuel your appetite instead.
Foods to Watch Out For
Be aware of the following foods that come with a lot of sugar:
- Granola and cereals
- Flavored instant oatmeal
- Foods in the frozen aisle
- Granola, protein and nutrition bars
- Pasta sauces
- Smoothies
- Yogurts
- Condiments including ketchup and salad dressings
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:
5 ways to cut sugar out of your diet. (2018, May 21). Retrieved from https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/5-ways-cut-sugar-out-your-diet/
Frey, M. (n.d.). 3 Easy Ways to Cut Sugar From Your Diet. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfit.com/ways-to-reduce-sugar-intake-3495185
Frey, M. (n.d.). 3 Easy Ways to Cut Sugar From Your Diet. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfit.com/ways-to-reduce-sugar-intake-3495185
7 Smart Ways to Cut Sugar From Your Diet | MyFitnessPal. (2018, August 16). Retrieved from https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/7-smart-ways-to-cut-sugar-from-your-diet/
