Simple tweaks to eliminate your sugar habit

Most people typically don’t have a firm grasp of how their sugar habit adds up annually.  It’s been said that the average person consumes more than 40 pounds of sugar in a calendar year, which is quite alarming, right? 

When we think of sugar, sweet desserts such as cakes, donuts, candy, and cookies come to mind immediately.  But there are tremendous amounts of sugar hiding in everyday food items that we consume, and when we eat them regularly, they add up quickly. 

Making a few mindful tweaks can make all the difference.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to keep added sugar to an absolute minimum:

Choose real fruits  

It takes just the same amount of time to grab an apple instead of a pre-packaged fruit cup or applesauce.  The bonus is that the apple (or any other fruit, for that matter) doesn’t contain any of the added sugar that’s in the pre-packaged items.  So, choose something fresh from the produce stand instead of a manufactured food.  Your body will thank you! 

Focus on fiber and protein power  

Fiber-rich foods will fill you up and keep you that way for longer; as a result, you’ll be less likely to eat something when you’re not hungry. Protein-packed foods have the same benefit.  Combine both fiber and protein these for delicious ways to stay satisfied throughout the day, and you’ll be less likely to seek out sugar.

Add good fats

Fats, especially good fats, will also fill you and cut your perceived hunger pangs down to nothing.  Look for ways to incorporate more nuts and seeds, avocados, guacamole, and wild caught fish into your diet.  You’ll feel satiated, without the sugar hangover that’s common with sugar-heavy foods. 

 Phase out added sugar bombs  

If you’ve put sugar in your coffee every morning for the last ten years, start decreasing the amount until you no longer use it. You can also try kicking the habit on the spot if you’re ready for it.

Study labels before you buy  

Is your pantry brimming with pre-packaged, processed foods? It’s time to learn to live without them! And when you do, commit to reading all the labels of every packaged food item you buy from now on. Added sugar can be found in some of the most unsuspecting places, so read every label before putting anything into your grocery cart.

Drown out cravings with water

If you’re a soda drinker, you can cut out quite a bit of added sugar by ditching your soda habit.  Sometimes, we think we’re hungry when we’re actually thirsty; at other times, a stressed day can make us reach for desserts. Whatever the case, a glass of water can solve the problem. Drink one down and then wait 15 to 20 minutes. The craving will usually be gone but if not, choose a piece of fruit to satisfy the urge.

It takes time to get used to life without added sugar in it, but you’ll soon feel better than ever.  Finding the perfect sweet treats that aren’t harmful to your health is a powerful way to get past the urges and learn to adapt to your new lifestyle without processed sugar. I have had to learn to meet my sugar needs through fruit, sweet veggies, and sweeteners like stevia.  It’s a process, but it can be done!  You don’t have to give up all sweet stuff; you just have to be wise as to which to consume and which to ditch.

Is your sugar habit creating chaos in your life?  What steps have you taken to bring your sugar habit under control?

P.S. : Just a reminder that you can join me and many other healthy and happy women in my Fab and Fit, Healthy and Happy Facebook group.  We do fun and interesting health and wellness challenges each week and and a thriving community where we support and encourage each other on our healthy journey.  Or, if you’re interested in working directly with a health coach, contact me at alisonhector@gmail.com and we can set up a free health strategy call to get you started in the right direction.