Today, sugar is inescapable. Integrated into all processed
foods we can find on the shelves, more needs to be done to reduce our sugar
latke and regulate our glucose levels. Having too much sugar has negative
short-term effects such as energy crashes, but the long-term repercussions are
much more sinister. Health problems such as diabetes and heart disease are
linked to excessive sugar in the diet. Thankfully, these problems can be
identified and reprimanded before they escalate.
Limiting your sugar intake is not only crucial for your long
term health, but it is also proven to assist in weight regulation. Obesity
continues to rise the more readily available highly processed foods become,
therefore it is a good idea for each individual to be conscious of the level of
sugar they consume. In this blog post, we will share how you can cut back on
your sugar intake on a day-to-day basis. These are steps you can take action to
take control of your sugar intake and improve your overall health and well
being. Take a look at the following suggestions:
Skip the sugar in your tea
Most of us start the day with a piping hot cup of coffee or
tea. Whilst these drinks are non-negotiable for waking us up in the mornings,
they can be a large factor in the level of sugar we consume on a day-to-day
basis. If you always have a few spoonfuls of sugar in your morning tea, start
cutting this step out of your morning drink regime. It might be unappetizing to
consume at first, however, once you realise the benefits of a sugar-free morning,
you will never have sugar in your coffee or tea again. Sweeteners are an
alternative to granulated sugar, however, they are still not the healthiest,
therefore it is better to cut them out entirely.
Avoid sugary drinks at all costs
Speaking of drinks, have you reflected on the amount of
fizzy drinks you are consuming every week? Sugary drinks are a big contributor
to people developing problems such as tooth decay, and also diabetes when drunk
daily. A simple can of cola contains 39 grams of sugar, which is extortionate.
If you wish to make a difference in your diet, cutting out fizzy drinks will
have the biggest impact. These huge sugar levels are also apparent in some of
the most popular alcoholic drinks that are drunk today.
Instead of having fizzy drinks, opt for sugar-free options,
or simply drink as much water as possible. Sugar-free options can be found in
most favoured drinks today such as Coke and Red Bull. As for alcohol, there are
now sugar-free options for beers and ready to drink cocktails, meaning you can stay in control of your sugar intake
eleven when drinking with friends.
Skip processed desserts
Desserts at the end of the meal are always a great treat,
however, they are mostly packed with sugar and calories. For someone who is
trying to reduce their sugar intake, it would be a good idea to either skip
dessert entirely or replace their usual chocolate cake with a sugar-free
alternative. Spiking your sugar levels in the evening is especially bad for our
health. A surge of energy when winding down for the evenings can spike blood
sugar over dangerous levels.
Instead, opt for lower sugar alternatives, or healthier
sugar options. Foods such as fruits, nuts and dark chocolate are also very good
for our health. Avoid having these sugary snacks in the house to prevent
temptation, and instead have our suggested healthier alternatives to cure your
sugar carving.
Sugary sauces
If you are someone who can not consume a meal without a
splash of sauce to complete your dish, you might be sabotaging your health
without realising it. Sauces such as ketchup and sweet chilli sauce all contain
large volumes of sugar, levels which are damaging for your health if
over-consumed. There are sugar-free options for sauces today, however, it would
be good to reduce your sauce intake altogether, or simply add some extra sauce
in moderation.
Get enough sleep at night
Have you ever wondered why you crave a sweet treat at night
before bed? When we become tired, sometimes our body sends signals to get more
energy to stay awake, which can be easily found in sugar snacks. It is
important to ignore these cravings, and instead make sure you get enough sleep
at night. Sleep is the most important habit we should maintain within our
health, as getting enough sleep ensures our entire body functions the way it
should. Painting this with a whole, nutritious diet can guarantee good health
in many cases.
Bottom line
Overall, cutting sugar out of your diet might seem simple at
first, however, it requires the knowledge of what sugar you currently consume
in your day-to-day life. You may be surprised to find out the amount of sugar
you consume daily, but this can be resolved. Make small swaps today such as
skipping sugar in your tea, and opting for a healthier dessert in the evenings.
This will be much more valuable for your overall health and well-being.