In theory, everyone knows that processed sugar is bad for you, that it increases the risk of developing various chronic illnesses such as diabetes, and that it leads to tooth decay. Yet here we are, looking forward to our birthday cake, ordering sweet cocktails when going out, and pouring sugar into every home-made cookie recipe. Being addicted to sugar is a health issue, and one that should be treated as a severe predisposition to keep ruining your health and overall wellbeing.
Do you often experience energy slumps during the day? Do you reach for something sweet as soon as you feel like you need that energy boost? If your mood changes frequently, that’s yet another indicator of an overly high consumption of sugar. It may seem impossible to ditch sugar altogether, but with the right cleansing strategy, you can get rid of sugar addiction and lead a much healthier, wholesome life. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Amp up on fluids and hydrate properly
Sometimes when you’re thirsty, you reach for a cool glass of juice. Alas, store-bought juices are typically rich in added sugar to boost the flavor. Then again, if you add sugar to your coffee and tea, this is the moment to hit the brakes and completely revamp your hydration system.
Yes, you can and should drink herbal teas. They are wonderful for your complexion, they have a naturally cleansing effect, and they are packed with micronutrients. However, skip the added sugar to battle your addiction. Most importantly, make sure that you’re drinking enough water every day, so that your body isn’t confusing the thirst and lack of zeal for hunger or craving sugar.
Introduce versatile veggies into your diet
Everyone has their own cooking routine, so we rely on the same old ingredients repeatedly, and few people are curious about adding different flavors to their dishes. Here’s your chance to shine! You can easily add more versatile veggies into your diet plan, which are packed with minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
Ideally, go for diversity in your veggie selection, so add seasonal, local produce that will help you make your dishes more flavorful, but that will also be nutrient-dense. For example, you can add some spinach to your morning omelet, make egg muffins with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and onions, or choose broccoli, spinach, and other greens as your side dish for lunch. When your meals are so well-balanced, your body is unlikely to crave for unhealthy sugar to elevate your energy.
Balance your protein intake to feel full
When your meals are balanced in all three macronutrients, you’re far less likely to experience those sugar cravings and energy slumps. Nutrient-dense meals are the best possible solution to your sugar addiction, and you should reassess your protein intake to make sure that this vital macronutrient is present in your diet. Sometimes, however, women find it difficult to consume enough food-based protein because it’s so filling, such as a plate filled with chicken breast, cheese, beans and lentils, and the like.
To make things simpler for yourself, there are different yet delicious protein shakes for women that you can add to your diet easily to make sure that your protein intake is optimal. They are equally filling as food-based protein, but easier to consume and more convenient to add to your daily diet plan. The range of flavors will help you keep your sugar cravings in check, especially if you go for the chocolate variety – it’s tasty, healthy, and perfect for every smoothie you can imagine.
Eliminate sneaky sugar products
Have you ever looked at the ingredients list of your basic tomato sauce from the store? Or perhaps certain milk and yogurt products, breads, and cereal? These are all loaded with sugar, and even if you stop adding that spoonful to your coffee and tea, the sugar you consume through all those store-bought products will still wreak havoc on your health.
That is why a true sugar detoxing plan needs to include these products, too. Start reading every label, and look for home-made alternatives or strictly sugar and sweetener-free products at the store. To eliminate sugar completely, you need to keep these not so obvious choices in mind, too.
Find healthy alternatives
Having access to your favorite cookies and treats makes it very convenient to stay addicted to sugar. That’s why you need to go straight to the source and eliminate the temptation: get rid of all the sugar-packed sweets you rely on every day. Instead, purchase sugar-free alternatives, get fresh fruit and make yourself a fresh salad, get some healthy nuts and seeds loaded with fiber and healthy fats.
If you enjoy cooking and baking, you can easily find sugar-free recipes that can help you kick-start your own healthy diet without store-bought products. You can make delicious smoothies to become your mid-day snack, and provide you with ample nutrition sans the sugar.
Willpower is not enough to tackle such an addictive substance like sugar. You need a structured approach, and you need to keep yourself in check as you move forward with your plan. It takes time to restore your energy and defeat the slumps that you’ve started treating with sugar, but it will be worth your while. With a balanced diet and without using sugar as a go-to treat, you’ll build up your resilience, immune system, protect your wellbeing, and feel good every step of the way.