Five Ways to Cut Sugar in your Day

Pre-sweetened foods like cereals and packaged baked goods are loaded with sugar. Taking in large amounts of sugar at one time spike the body’s blood sugar levels. We experience a burst of energy followed by a rapid drop that has our butts dragging the floor thirty minutes later. To counteract this, more sugar is needed to raise the blood sugar levels. This cycle of spiking and plummeting causes people to overeat. By cutting out unnecessary sources of sugar, over time we can lose weight.

1. Sodas are taboo

Diet sodas are just as bad for you as regular ones. They are loaded with sugar. They may contain zero calories, but the sugars will turn to fat if the body doesn’t need it. Sugar makes you thirsty. Consuming more soda to quench the thirst only increases it. Pretty soon the kidneys are screaming because they need water. Many people who drink a lot of sodas complain of back pain. The problem really has to do with their kidneys, which lie against your back.

2. Eat fresh fruits daily

Drinking fruit juice to maintain the daily requirement of fruit is okay in a pinch, but not as the norm. Anything that we drink is absorbed faster than what we eat. Also, some fruit juices have extra sugar and calories. Try an apple or an orange. Fruit contains natural sugars that satisfy a sweet tooth without overdoing it. Eating a piece of fruit will fill you up and keep the hunger away longer than a glass of juice.

3. Start the day with oatmeal

Pre-sweetened cereal makes a quick and easy breakfast, but you’ll have to eat too much of it to fight off the munchies by midmorning. Choose oatmeal. I know, I know—that pasty gray stuff your mother used to fix is not exactly appetizing. These days, instant varieties eliminate the need for a saucepan. A bowl, one-half cup of hot water, and a packet of oatmeal are all you need to make a hearty hot breakfast. Oatmeal offers more fiber and protein than cold cereals which provides a steady level of energy and fullness to combat hunger.

4. Choose low calorie snacks

The best sugar buster I’ve found in recent years is the trend towards 100 calorie snack packs. These snacks take the extra sugar out of snacking. Our favorite cookies like Oreo® and Chips Ahoy! ® can now be enjoyed in moderation with the same satisfaction. Pop a pack in your lunch bag or keep them in the car to snack on anytime the sweet cravings strike.

5. Say “No” to office goodies

If you’ve ever worked in an office, you know that there is always at least one person with a jar of lollipops or a dish of chocolate candies on their desk. The boss may bring in donuts or other sweet treats on holidays or just to be nice. Avoid the office fat trap. These extra sweets add to the bottom line, literally. Eating breakfast at home can head off the need for a donut in the morning. Keep your own jar of healthy snacks on your desk so there is no need to indulge elsewhere.

Sugar is in everything we eat in some form. Consuming it is okay in moderation, but we usually overindulge. Decide today to search out those hidden sugar sources and eliminate them.

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