One of the simplest steps you can take toward a healthier diet is cutting down on your sugar intake. Reducing your sugar consumption can have a drastic improvement on your overall health. Additionally, when you cut sugar out of your diet, you can regulate insulin levels better and maximize your energy reserves. Here are some easy ways you can cut sugar from your diet.
Get to Know Your Food
Food labels are your friend. Read all of the labels of any packaged or processed food you are purchasing to stay away from foods that are high in sugar, high fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners. You might be surprised that some of your favorite foods and drinks can contain more than a day’s worth of sugar. Also pay attention to other nutrient counts such as carbs and calories, which can impact your weight. “How to Control Your Weight” offers more weight-management tips.
Use Natural Sugar Replacements
Although there are plenty of “sugar free” items on the market, if you are looking for a permanent solution for your diet it is best to replace white sugar and sugar free chemicals with all-natural plant and seed-based sugars. Opt for naturally plant-based “stevia” sugar options or try natural and organic agave nectar; both are sugar alternatives that are not as high on the GI (glycemic index) as traditional white sugars.
Choose Your Beverages Wisely
Cutting out soda and sugary drinks may be one of the biggest factors in ridding sugar from your life. These products are loaded with sugars and other chemicals. If you enjoy having a drink to quench your thirst, mix a whey protein shake. Throw in some fruit for a tasty, protein-packed treat that will keep you full until your next meal. “The Benefits of Protein for Men” explains why you should be getting enough of this nutrient.
Get Creative in the Kitchen
Once you are aware of the available sugar substitutes and ingredients, you can then get creative with making your very own healthy recipes. Consider purchasing a blender or a juicer for your kitchen to get even more antioxidants and natural sugars provided from all fresh fruits. By replacing white sugar with a substitute, you are still able to enjoy everything from sweet and sour candy to delicious and decadent chocolate recipes.
Keep a Food Journal
Keeping a food journal daily will allow you to track your nutrient intake and eating habits. When you have a food journal, you can easily see whether you are taking in too many carbohydrates, too much sugar, or even too much fat. Write down everything, even it’s a sip of soda. By identifying the foods you eat each day, you can make the appropriate tweaks to cut your sugar intake.
