
A high sugar intake is a problem that affects many women and that is associated with a myriad of problems that range from weight gain to more serious conditions. Reducing the intake of added sugars, particularly from processed sources can have a significant impact on our overall health, so learn a few tricks to be able to change easily and gradually.
Excess sugar consumption is quite a problem nowadays for almost everyone, regardless of their weight. Associated in one form or another with various illnesses, processed sugar has become an 'evil' ingredient we are advised to stay away from. But with so many sweet temptations around us and many frequent urges to satisfy our sweet tooth, this simple recommendation is certainly hard to follow. And, while some fortunate souls have the discipline necessary to go cold turkey and satisfy their cravings with natural sugars found in fruit only, most people do best if they make a change gradually. Here are a few simple tips on how to improve your sugar consumption habits gradually:
Aim to consume no more than 40 grams of added sugar daily. To be
able to decrease your consumption you should get in the habit of
checking labels carefully, not only
to be able to find out how many grams per portion a certain product
has, but also to be able to better asses the nutritional qualities
of a certain product.
Aside from high fructose corn syrup you should also keep an eye on
terms such as galactose, sorghum, sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol,
dextrin, dextrose. Try avoiding products that have sugar within the
first three ingredients if playing detective seems too time
consuming.
Cut back on soda. Often called 'liquid candy', soda is a major source of
empty calories and unnecessary sugar intake. Reducing your intake
on a daily basis is a great first step that can help you make a
positive change. However, finding substitutes is also important as
in absence of substitutes it can be easy to go back to old habits.
Good substitutes include homemade lemonade, homemade sun tea, club
soda or seltzer.
Increase your intake of complex carbohydrates. Consuming several
sweets on a daily basis makes it easy to meet your recommended
daily calorie intake often in a single meal, without actually
satisfying hunger. Increasing your intake of complex carbohydrates
such as whole grains, brown rice and legumes can help you keep
hunger at bay and can provide steady levels of energy while also
decreasing cravings.
Establish rules for sugary treats. Creating your own rules when it
comes to sugary treats can work better then swearing off them
completely as it reduces the feeling of deprivation and it helps
you create a suitable plan that works with your lifestyle, not
against it. You might decide to pick one day for sweet indulgences,
eat sweets only during weekends or whatever works for you and seems
doable.
Splurge only on favorites. When surrounded by sweet goodies it can
be easy to be tempted to taste everything even if you don't like
certain desserts. By giving
up indulgences that don't give you a lot of satisfaction, you can
slash calories effortlessly. In addition, make sure to bring as
little temptation as possible in your home and make it
inaccessible.
Eat more fruits and try natural sweeteners. Fruits are naturally
sweet and are loaded with a lot of essential nutrients, vitamins
and antioxidants. Plus, since most have a high water percentage,
they are low in calories too. Using natural sweeteners is also
useful as it enables you to get the sweet you crave for with
additional benefits.
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