How Does Kicking the Sugar Habit Help You Think Clearly, Have Energy and Balance Hormones?
Imagine getting up, having good energy to get out of bed, and getting everything done to get out the door in a peaceful way. Then throughout the day, not needing coffee or sugar (or both!) to keep going to manage your workload and your family responsibilities. in the evening, even having some extra energy for a hobby! This is what having balanced blood sugar is all about.
Most people lay in bed and continue to hit snooze in the morning. Then stumble to make some coffee and drink a few cups to feel fully awake. They rely on that donut in the break room and continue drinking caffeine throughout the day. This has big health effects down the road.
Sugar is everywhere. Americans consume around 140 pounds of sugar per year (per person!). Here are the sugar content of some common foods:
Coke 39 grams
3 Oreos 13 grams
Protein Bars 11-18 grams
1 c Raisin Bran 19 grams
Yoplait Yogurt 27 grams
Bagel w/Jelly 20 grams
Frappuccino 31 grams
The American Heart Association recommends only 24 grams of sugar (6 teaspoons) for women and 36 grams (9 teaspoons) for men PER DAY. Sugar lurks everywhere from your breakfast cereal, salad dressing, yogurt, and snack bars.
Having a diet with too much sugar can lead to many chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and other inflammatory conditions. The more immediate effects of too much sugar are sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and foggy brain.
One of the best ways to stop the sugar rollercoaster is to eat a savory breakfast full of protein and some fat. Eggs really are the best breakfast food. Pairing with some fruit or leftover potatoes and veggies make a filling breakfast. Eating a filling breakfast helps stop the snacking and sweet foods between breakfast and lunch.
However, if you feel the need to snack, choose whole fruit and nuts. These foods have lots of fiber and nutrients that will help keep your energy up.
To stop the sugar binge before bed, make sure you eat enough throughout the day. Needing to eat sugar before bed is a sure sign that you are not fueling your body adequately throughout the day. Try eating more at lunch and dinner and see if that helps. Most likely, by increasing your protein portions at these meals you will help stop the sugar cravings at night.
If feel you need more help, reach out for a FREE 20 Minute Consultation to see if Nutritional Therapy can help you kick the sugar habit to live a life full of vitality.