Healthy eating isn’t always so easy…especially when you there are holidays, vacations, etc. At those time, we often eat a lot of foods that normally are not on our healthy eating regimen. I know I have found that to be so for myself – especially around the holidays. Once you start eating sugar, that addiction kicks in and it is hard to get back on the right track. If you are also struggling like that, know that you are not alone. Thousands of people are in the same position. It isn’t easy to get back on track, but you absolutely CAN do it.
Here are five tips to help you to live sugar free.
1. Read labels. A lot of foods may be advertised as being “sugar-free” but in reality that is not the case. The manufacturers have just found a way around how they list sugar products on the label. If you look closely, you will see that “sugar” has just been listed on the label under a different name.
2. Beverages. Most of our sugar is consumed through beverages. Think about it. Such much advertising is done for coffee house lattes and yes, they are full of fat and sugar. Even drinking juices can make us think we are drinking something healthy. While fresh juice from fruit is good, if we drink juices in cartons and bottles, if you check the labeling, somewhere in there is a lot of sugar product. Of course, if you drink a lot of soda, that is loaded with sugar, and unfortunately, if you drink diet sodas, the alternative sweeteners are not healthy either. If you stick with water, herbal teas and black coffee, you will greatly reduce your dependence on sugar.
3. Smoothies. While smoothies in and of themselves are healthy, you can still make an unhealthy smoothie for yourself. Think about a smoothie made with strawberries, apples and bananas. About an hour after drinking your “healthy smoothie,” your body will be craving sugar again. Sugar also makes you lethargic and drained of energy. As an alternative, switch up your morning smoothie to a healthier green smoothie, and if you do add fruit, trying only adding one with a realistic portion size. Be sure to add a healthy fat, like nuts, which will also be a good source of protein.
4. Desserts. Many of us just can’t finish off our dinner without a dessert. It is addictive for us and we just crave that after dinner sweetness. Instead of something chocolaty or too sweet, try some healthier options. If you are a chocoholic, try eating a small piece of dark chocolate – even one of the great organic ones. That should help with your craving. You could also try something like a blood orange, which is sweet and delicious.
5. Clean out your pantry. I don’t know about you, but sometimes in the evening, I just feel like I have to eat something. I am not even hungry! If I have something in my house, especially something sweet or something like potato chips, it’s hard not to give into that temptation. You are far better off to clean out your cabinets and ditch the things you are prone to eat that are addictive and unhealthy. When you go to the grocery store, make sure you have already eaten. It has been proven that if you go to the grocery store when you are hungry, you are much more likely to pick up more enticing, unhealthy foods.
Once you get over the sugar craving and have switched up your sugar-addictive foods for something healthier, you will find the cravings are gone, the sugar will be out of your system, and you will be more likely to make healthier and wiser choices.
Need more help? I would love to help you kick your sugar (and/or carb) cravings to the curb. Schedule a free 20 minute break through strategy session with me. You don’t have to “go-it-alone.” SCHEDULE >>HERE<<