by Eliza Sterling

A colorful array of fresh, nutrient-rich whole foods arranged aesthetically on a table

The sweet threat often lurks in our everyday meals, making sugar intake a seemingly invincible habit. Yet, we need an invincible resolve more than ever, as our excessive consumption of this sweet poison exposes us to various health risks, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancer.

But what about natural sugars? Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains all contain sugar, but these are not the enemy. The real evil is the added sugars – lurking in our daily diet in the form of sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, oftentimes hiding in our most innocent-seeming snacks.

Dismantling the Sugar Metropolis

What counts as ‘too much sugar’? No more than five per cent of your daily calories should come from added sugars. In simpler terms, this equates to about six teaspoons of sugar a day. Worrisome, when you consider a single can of soda typically contains around nine teaspoons of sugar.

Learning to identify high sugar foods is as simple as understanding labels. If there is more than 22.5g of sugar per 100g or if one portion contains more than 27g, the product is high in sugar. Low sugar foods will contain 5g or less of total sugar per 100g.

Shooing Away Sugar Cravings

Don’t fret, if you’re aiming to destroy your sugar sweet tooth, there are several simple yet effective ways to do so:

• Say ‘no’ to liquid calories: Sodas, juices, sports drinks, and sweetened beverages are massive contributors to our sugar intake.
• Embrace proteins: Eating more protein, especially at breakfast, helps balance blood sugar and insulin levels, leading to decreased cravings.
• Vegetables are your friends: Non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms are rich in nutrients and fiber, helping you feel fuller for longer.
• Don’t fear fats: Healthy fats like avocados and Omega-3 help balance your blood sugar levels and satisfy your cravings.
• Snack smart: Keep low-sugar snacks handy for times when your blood sugar levels drop.

Artificial sweeteners may seem like a good option, but they may actually encourage you to eat more. Instead consider natural alternatives like Xylitol and erythritol, Stevia is another alternative; being 200-300 times sweeter than sugar with virtually no calories.

Put Your Resolutions into Action: A Seven-Day Sugar Detox Plan

Our comprehensive meal plan ensures your blood sugar levels stay balanced, offering you a cornucopia of protein-rich foods, healthy fats and a generous helping of vegetables, beans, and pulses. Say goodbye to added sugars and refined carbs without compromising on taste.

Remember this journey is about balance, not deprivation, and adequately planning your meals is a significant step towards committing to a healthier lifestyle. Let’s raise a glass (of water!), to a sweeter (naturally, of course) future.

For more tips on balancing your blood sugar levels, stay tuned!

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