Sugar..... This is probably something most of us have a love/hate relationship with. It is very delicious but even more damaging. Sugar is so harmful, it is the source of many problems we are facing today. This generation is exposed to more processed food than ever, which is laced with sugar and has no nutritional value whatsoever. When you eat sugar, which is a refined carb, your body has to steal nutrients from your healthy cells to metabolize it. What a waste of your body's time and energy!Sugar is my biggest weakness so realizing all the problems that come from eating it has helped me stay away. I think it is important that everyone understands what it does to your body, so I have compiled a handful of things to share to help curb your sweet tooth. Please keep in mind.. below is only the short list. There are hundreds and hundreds of horrible things it does to you but I hope this at least helps get my point across.
Rotten Awful Effects:
- Makes your blood acidic (We know this is a big no-no! Nothing good can come from being too acidic)
- Causes wrinkling and premature aging
- Leads to weight gain and obesity
- Robs you of energy and minerals
- Can cause cancer (This is scary! Cancer cells thrive off of this crap!)
- Contributes to diabetes and can cause hypoglycemia
- Can cause autoimmune disorders such as: MS, arthritis, asthma... (Just to name a few)
- Weakens eyesight
- Contributes to heart problems
- Rots your beautiful smile
- Can cause hormonal imbalances
- Increase chances of depression, anxiety and irritability (Will also intensify these if you are already dealing with these problems)
- Increases chronic fatigue
- Can cause acne
- Increases candida
- Can cause gallstones, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, heart disease, appendicitis, high cholesterol, and basically negatively effects every organ in your body
- Causes food allergies
- Can impair the structure of DNA
- Constipation
- Contributes to Alzheimer's Disease
Scared yet? I sure hope you all answered yes and are now ready to take action to kick your sugar addiction. Some people have said that sugar can be as addicting as some drugs. So below I have some advice to help you curb your cravings and maybe ease some withdrawal symptoms.
- First, and the most important thing you should do is clear your house of all temptation. Just throw it away! And don't feel bad.... it is poison!
- Go at a pace that works for you.
- Going cold turkey is a common way. This is probably the hardest way to do it and has the least success rate. But for some people having any sugar tends to trigger giving in to more unhealthy food choices. If you choose to go this route it is a good idea to do it on your day off. You will be more likely to have withdrawal symptoms which can include irritability, feeling like you have the flu, headaches, as well as intense cravings.
- Gradually limiting your sugar might be the better option. Start by cutting your intake in half the first week and then slowly lowering your consumption over the next few weeks until you are once again in control.
- Make sure you are drinking enough water. Sometimes we mistake hunger for dehydration. Making sure you are well hydrated can help with cravings. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses a day.
- The 3 S's: Sweat, Sunshine & Sleep Not only will these help with cravings but they can help with stress and anxiety, which are triggers for people to eat comfort foods like sugar. Also, use exercise, talking with a friend, a hot bath and meditation as healthy alternatives to de-stress yourself when you are having a rough day.
- Eat 5-6 small meals a day. This will keep your blood sugar level and cravings in check. Make sure you are eating healthy meals that include complex carbs (preferably lots of leafy greens, some fruit, and some whole grains), lean protein, and some healthy fats.
- Supplements. Two of my favorites to help combat cravings are:
- L-Glutamine
- 5-HTP
- These two supplements have many other awesome benefits as well. I highly recommend you research what else they can do for your health.
- Be patient with yourself. It is important to not get discouraged if you do slip up. Get back on track as soon as you can and be forgiving of yourself. And remember, it takes about a month for a new behavior to become your new habit.
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