Five Easy Ways to Beat Sugar Addiction

Sharon Moore June 09, 2017

Sugar is everywhere. From condiments and sauces to processed meat, canned goods, cereals and breakfast meals, and many others. But the thing is that you don’t always realise that it’s there. Sugar has always been part of food history. From very young kids to the elderly, very few of us hate the taste of sugar.

Unfortunately, our ever-growing love for sugar is one of the main reasons why many people are suffering from chronic health issues, including diabetes, obesity and cancer. Basically, unhealthy cells feed on sugar, causing inflammation and tissue damage. This increases one’s risk of developing a chronic illness.

Well, we cannot totally do away from sugar as it comes naturally from certain foods, especially carbohydrates. What we should avoid are the ‘added sugars’ that food manufacturers often put in their products. Added sugars are normally present in cookies, desserts, sauces, fizzy drinks, sports drinks, and even your favourite ‘healthy’ salad dressings.

So how do you reduce your intake of added sugars? We’ve got some tips for you.

Quit fizzy drinks.

You don’t need them. These beverages are sneaky sources of added sugar – tons of them in fact. Just a can of cola contains 39 g of sugar, which is more than 9 teaspoons and is equivalent to the daily recommended sugar intake for men. And don’t resort to diet drinks. While the label may say ‘sugar-free’, they actually contain a much worse form of sugar which is associated to various health problems, including heart disease. As a matter of fact, research found that diet soda drinkers are also more likely to be overweight than regular soda drinkers.

Ditch the table sugar.

As we mentioned earlier, sugar is already naturally present in some foods. Adding more can really take a huge toll on your health. A simple yet effective way to reduce your sugar intake is to avoid using table sugar. If you’re the type who adds a teaspoon or two of table sugar in your coffee or tea, now is the time to change the habit. You can add sweetness to it by sprinkling some cinnamon powder, adding a dash of milk or vanilla. Be mindful of how much you add sugar to your meals, from pancakes to your favourite savoury meals.

Limit sweet treats.

It doesn’t hurt to indulge in cakes or pastries once in a while. But you should be mindful of your portion and make sure you are not eating sweet treats on a daily basis. Cookies, cakes, muffins, pastries and sugary desserts have little nutritional value and contain whopping amount of sugar. To address your sweet tooth, go for healthier alternatives like fruits. Add some yogurt for a creamier and flavourful twist.

Cook more often.

Cooking your own food may sound more work but it’s actually worth it, especially if you are trying to cut back on your sugar intake. Eating out is not always a healthy choice. By cooking your own food, you get to control the amount of sugar and other not-so-healthy ingredients like salt and seasoning. Cooking your food is the best and inexpensive way to eat healthy.

Manage stress.

What does stress management have to do with curbing sugar addiction? Well, research has shown that people are more likely to indulge in sweets when they are stressed. You’ve probably experienced craving for a donut, cake and other sweet treats after a tiring, stressful day at the office or after breaking up with a partner. That is why you need to make stress management a priority. Make sure that you are getting enough sleep. If you sleep less, you need more energy so you need to eat more. A healthy work-life balance is always a good practice.

Sugar may seem like your most comforting friend. But in reality, it can be your worst enemy. By reducing your added sugar intake, you are more likely to stay fit and healthy.

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