Many people try to lose weight through various different means. Some try to do it through exercise, some through crash diets, some through weight loss pills such as Hydroxycut, and some people even try to lose weight through dehydration. There are many healthy ways to lose weight, but a huge percentage of those people don’t tend to see these processes all the way through because they don’t see results right away. That’s where many people go wrong. One way to easily lose weight and stay healthy is to simply reduce the sugar intake throughout the day thus resulting in simple weight loss.
It’s very hard to outright quit anything especially when that something is in most foods and entrees that are served in restaurants, delis, and cafes. Many fitness experts say that exercise along with the a proper diet is critical to weight loss (and they are right), but by simply reducing the amount of sugar from the diet people can lose anywhere from three to five pounds even without exercise!
Why is Sugar SO Bad For You?
- Leads to chronic inflammation
- Contributes to Diabetes
- Causes a cycle of food cravings
- Increases body fat due to excess of insulin floating around in the blood.
- Creates a cycle of ups and downs. No one wants the sugar “crash.”
Stop Drinking Your Calories
Although sugar is found everywhere, there are easy ways to substitute products with high levels of sugar. Just think about the amount of soda and coffee the average American drinks! Now think about all of the sugar that is in a can of soda and a cup of coffee. If a person were to simply substitute those sodas and coffees for something healthier the amount of sugar in that person’s diet would be greatly reduced.
Cutting out sugar is easier said than done. When reducing sugar people get very bad sugar cravings. The easiest way to combat sugar cravings is to have a glass of sparkling water with a splash of juice for flavor. This will help you avoid sugar headaches and help you to stay hydrated.
Eliminate All Added Sugars
Look before you buy. If sugar is in the top 5 ingredients then it’s time to put that back on the shelf! This also includes sugars such as cane sugar, corn syrup, brown rice syrups, maple syrup, molasses, honey and agave, brown sugar, date sugar, coconut nectar, and all access fruit juices.
Balance Your Diet By Eating Foods Rich In Flavor
Spices and herbs can do a lot to cut cravings. Adding a little bit of healthy omega fats helps you to reduce your carbohydrate cravings, while you fill up on brain foods. Coconut oils, avocados, fish and fish oils, as well as some MCT oil (added to foods) can make a world of difference! Use fat as your secret weapon against sugar.
Shield Yourself Naturally – Eat Your Veggies
Most people don’t associate vegetables as being a way to fight sugar, but the rich source of vitamins will fill you up while keeping your sweet tooth in check. Vegetables also contain healthy sources of carbs to keep you satisfied. The plant fiber within the vegetables also works as a natural way to level out your blood sugar.
Whole Foods Are Your Friend
Preprepared foods have a way of sneaking sugar into each meal. As a way to protect yourself from “sneaky sugar,” and carbs, avoid fast foods, pre packed foods, and all processed foods. Whole foods have the ability to give your body what it needs without putting you on the fast track to the sugar roller coaster. As Jack Lalanne once said …
It is hard being able to live a lifestyle of self restraint from the white devil (aka sugar). Sugar is found in cookies, juices, sports drinks, baked goods, and even fruit (but sugar in fruit is a whole different story). Substitutions for healthier choices are always available. Make yourself a priority, put yourself first and sugar last.
Guest Writer,
Joshua Vuong with Adria Ali
Leave a Reply