January is in full swing, and many people have started dieting and exercising again. But now the craving for sugar is starting to arise. However, succumbing to the sweet stuff is the worst thing you can do. Sugar is the driving factor for the rise in global obesity, and it can also wreak havoc on your organs. Here are some tips to eat less sugar.
It sounds obvious, but the only way to make sure you're not consuming more foods with added sugar is to eat "real". This means foods that have not been processed, so start filling the fridge with fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish and eggs.
Meditation is the key to your mind and to curb desires. Take time to meditate regularly – even if it's just for a few minutes a day. Short but often is much more effective than scheduling long periods every now and then.
There is also a lot of sugar in so-called 'healthy' breakfast cereals. Read which ingredients are in the products to find out how much sugar has been added to the food you eat.
Soft drinks and juices also contain a lot of added sugar. But trendy water with a taste can also contain large amounts of added sugar. Check the labels and choose water instead.
It is better to stick to as little sweetener as possible. If you can't resist a sweet taste in the morning, try some alternatives. But make sure you know why they're better for you so you can make better choices.
Billions of people drink artificially sweetened drinks to avoid the calories of sugar. But according to a recent study, diet soda may be just as likely to lead to obesity. And even diet soda drinkers who don't gain weight have a significantly increased risk of developing diabetes or heart disease or stroke. The study showed that the false promise of real calories confuses the body.
Unhealthy carbohydrates loaded with sugar can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly and then fall again, leaving you hungry and craving unhealthy snacks. To avoid this, it's better to include protein along with healthy fats and fiber in your meals, which will keep you full for longer. Choose good fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds and heart-healthy oils such as olive oil, nut oil, and coconut oil.
