Like a little sweetness in your life? Yes, we all do. If you are like my hubby you have a super sweet tooth. If you are more like me, then not so much. You can imagine when some who has lived a Holistic Life Style for over half their life meets a sugar addict, I had quite a bit to say. It went a lot like this ‘You have to Reduce Your Sugar Intake, or else…’
So, why do we need to reduce sugar?
Simply, too much sugar puts a huge stress on our bodies. Sugar contains no essential nutrients and is bad for your teeth. Too much high fructose sugar (the stuff they put into processed foods) puts a huge amount of stress on your liver. Your liver has over 600 known functions that keep you happy and healthy. So, you don’t really want to mess it up. If you don’t reduce sugar intake you could end up with Type 2 Diabetes. Too much sugar ups your chance of getting cancer. And sugar turns to fat, messes up our hormones and effects our brains. Who wants any of that?
Need more convincing, click here.
Now, a little sugar isn’t going to do all that. I’m all about balance. Moderation, my dear, moderation.
What we really want is a nice constant level of energy all day and sugar messes with that. By avoiding sugar and caffeine we can get that constant level of energy. And ultimately, feel fabulous.
Real food is ingested slowly and gives us fuel. But often we rely on packaged or ready prepared foods. These contain chemicals that give them a shelf life. And also very often have high levels of sugar and salt to give them taste. Think about it: a fresh peach off the tree tastes very different to one in a can. Old food loses flavor, so sugar is added to give it taste.
(And btw, did you know that when fat is removed to make low or fat free products, sugar and salt are added to put back taste?)
What can we do? How can we reduce sugar intake?
Drinking Made Easy
- Forget fizzy, sugary sodas and pops. Instead when you are thirsty, have a nice glass of water.
- Jazz up your water. Hubby doesn’t like number 1, as he doesn’t like water much. So I add taste with fruit. If I make a pitcher of fruit flavored water and pop it in the fridge, he’ll drink it all. Faves:
- lemon and lime
- lime and vanilla
- lemon and mint
- lemongrass
- berries (any berries)
- cucumber, apple and mint (not just for your Pimm’s Cocktail!)
- feeling fancy, use fizzy water and fruit
- Don’t keep sugary drinks in the house. Hah! That way hubby can’t get into them. And then when we go out and he orders a sweet iced tea, he really enjoys it. (My American boy!)
- Like fruit juice? Use a small glass, like we used to. I’m astounded when I go out now and am given a pint of juice with breakfast. No thanks. I order a kid size juice. And more often than not, I just order fruit as a side. That way, I get all the fiber too!
Start by doing some of these tips some of the time. You’ll start to feel better. Then do them more and you’ll soon be Feeling Absolutely Fabulous!
Pop a comment below and let me know how you reduce sugar intake.
Great suggestions Jacqueline. I can only drink water with a squeeze of lemon juice but your extended list of options gives that, more water drinking options. Can’t wait to try those alternatives.
I also totally agree with no having sweet drinks in the house, who needs the temptation right?
Enjoy your alternates. It’s easy to get into a routine and that’s what can lead us to temptation. No pop, no temptation. But I never really got into them. Now, wine…that’s another story.
Great list of alternatives to regular water, love it! I’m a huge tea drinker, and ditched the milk and sugar in it years ago. But you have to drink high quality, loose leaf tea 🙂 Also, I like to mix my regular juice with water, it still tastes more than enough for me, with only half the sugar and calories. How do you make the lime and vanilla water?
Yes! I’m a tea fan. I take a splash of milk in my black teas. I got off it for a while, but really do enjoy it. But it’s been years since I had a spoon of sugar. Bleagh!
My friend Lilly introduced me to lime and vanilla. She travels to Bali each year and brings home vanilla bean pods. You slice them lengthwise, slice your limes and pop into a jug. Top up with water and you find yourself sipping, sipping and just enjoying.
I also enjoy vanilla Rooibos after a South African client brought some for me…loose leaf of course!
I don’t drink pop/soda, but I do need to drink more water. Even when I keep a bottle nearby, the day can go by and I haven’t more than a sip or two.
Nibbling on some grapes as I write, but I do have a sweet tooth for a little chocolate – usually in the evening.
You gotta get more water in girlfriend. How about herb teas? I suggest to clients that they set an alarm, either on your phone or computer, so that at least every half an hour they are reminded. Even a little sip or two every half an hour will make a terrific difference. Give it a whirl.
Chocolate is a necessity!
I was on a tour of India last year and some new found friends introduced me to their morning “tea”. No tea per say but hot water with lemon slices and small bits of organic ginger root. Absolutely delicious. I am now hooked.
Delish! Something I drink when I feel I have a cold coming on. Enjoy!