January is the month of resolutions and often that entails eating healthier. We start out with great intentions but it is often challenging to keep our goals. Just having a plan when things get tough, can often be the difference between success and failure.
When deciding to eat healthier, decreasing sugar consumption can be a great place to start.
Here are some interesting statistics:
- Americans consume between 75 and 88 pounds of sugar per year! If we use the 88-pound number, that is 27 teaspoons of sugar per day. The recommended daily amount is 5 to 6 teaspoons. The average can of soda has 9 teaspoons.
- Eating processed food is another huge source of sugar. There are approximately 600,000 processed food items available and about 80% of them have added sugar.
With these statistic, it really can be difficult to battle sugar.
So what are some things you can do to set yourself up for success when battling those sugar cravings?
- The first step is to clean up your kitchen and get it out of the house. It is so much easier to fight this battle if the temptation is not there. Do I have sugar in my house? Yes, I do have organic cane sugar for making water kefir, kombucha, and coconut sugar for the little bit of baking that I do.
- Next you will want to stock your kitchen with whole, real, fresh foods. Clean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats. Yes, we want good fats in our diet; it is what makes food taste good and along with protein, keeps us feeling full. I personally, am a proponent of clean animal fats for cooking. Other oils such as extra-virgin olive oil and avocado oil can be used for dressings.
Have a plan for when temptation comes!
Here are some tips for dealing with sugar cravings:
- Drink a glass of water.
- Go for a walk.
- Listen to calming music or meditate
- Drink a green juice or smoothie (aka vegetables not fruit)
- Eat a snack containing protein and good fats.
- Have a cup of tea or lukewarm lemon water
- Brush your teeth.
- Remind yourself of your goal of winning this battle.
What are some of the rewards of detoxing your body of sugar?
- Glowing Skin
- Increased Energy
- Better Digestion
- Reduced Anxiety
- Weight Loss
- Improved Overall Health
The greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you! You are worth it.
Another post you might enjoy is Curb the Sugar Cravings, where I share more on this challenging topic.
Do you struggle with sugar? What tips do you use to beat those sugar cravings?
If you are struggling with this battle, I would love to connect with you. I offer a free-20 minute phone consultation to individuals working on their health journey. Fill out the contact form below if you would like to chat.
Be Blessed,
Heather
Free 20-minute Phone Consultation
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