In moderation, treating yourself to a dessert every now and again isn’t a problem.
However, for many addictive sugar can become all-consuming, leading to an over dependence on sweet processed foods which lack nutrients.
Breaking out of it can be particularly difficult after a holiday like Christmas, when pies and chocolate and sweet cocktails are abundant – but it is essential.
High sugar diets can also cause us to pile on the pounds (especially around the middle), and are linked to increased risk of a number of health conditions such as PCOS, type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
It is both a mental and physical challenge – and often difficult to follow through.
However, many find that when they do, they are rewarded by improved concentration, increased energy, weight-loss, clearer skin, better sleep, stabilized moods, balanced hormones and a better relationship with food.
Whilst cutting sugar out of your diet is tough, you don’t have to be a health guru or an amazing cook to do it.
Here is my seven-day plan to ditching the sweet stuff:
Breaking out of a sugar addiction can be difficult after a holiday like Christmas, when pies and chocolate and sweet cocktails are abundant. Nutritionist Hannah Braye offers her tips
Day 1: Identify your sugar triggers
Many of us reach for sugary foods out of habit or for emotional comfort when we are stressed. To break habits, first you need to identify what your individual triggers are. Do you start the week off with the best intentions but crumble at elevenses? Are the cakes in the office your down-fall? Or are you prone to late night snacking? Once, identified you can then start to put in place strategies to tackle these weak moments.
Day 2: Clear out your cupboards
Studies have shown that people are less likely to crave certain foods when they are not in close proximity to them. Walking to the corner shop late at night in the pouring rain is far less appealing than just grabbing a pack of biscuits out of the cupboard. Out of sight, really can help put sugar out of mind, so clear out any sugary treats that might tempt you. Donating them to a local food bank or taking them into the office to share is a good way to avoid waste.
Day 3: Cut out processed foods
The simplest way to cut down on sugar is to eliminate processed foods from your diet and instead cook from scratch using whole food ingredients and lots of vegetables. This way you know exactly what is going into your food and you can adapt recipes by reducing the sugar content. You don’t need to be the best cook in the world to do this. Simple salads and soups are quick and easy to make. Or avoid slaving over a hot stove entirely and simply throw some ingredients in a slow cooker for a few hours, whilst you to get on with the rest of your day.
Day 4: Switch to wholegrain
Less obvious culprits are foods which get turned quickly into sugar by the body, such as refined or simple carbohydrates i.e. white bread, white pasta, white rice and cous cous. Simply switching to wholegrain varieties is an easy and effective way to help control blood sugars and improve energy levels.
Day 5: Fill up on fiber
Filling up on fiber from vegetables and whole grains is another great way to curb appetite and reduce sugar cravings. You could also consider taking a high fiber supplement which contributes maintaining normal bowel transit.
Day 6: Cut back on your alcohol consumption
Unfortunately alcohol is a big enemy in the battle against sugar, especially when mixed with sugary soda.
Cutting down on alcohol will drastically reduce your sugar intake. If you are going to drink, white spirits mixed with soda water and fresh lime is the best option, and also helps you stay well-hydrated.
Day 7: Make sensible choices and remember that balance is key!
When trying to reduce sugar, many people make the mistake of simply replacing white sugar with unrefined alternatives such as maple syrup, coconut sugar, rice syrup and honey.
Whilst these do have some nutritional benefits over processed white sugar, containing certain vitamins and minerals, they have the same effect on our blood glucose and can be just as addictive, so it’s best to steer clear for a while, until cravings are under control.
Finally, when trying to reduce sugar in your diet it is important to remember that balance is key.
Extreme diets and eating regimes rarely work and often going cold turkey isn’t the best strategy. Making long-term and meaningful changes to diet and lifestyle doesn’t happen over-night, and can be a gradual process.
If you have that chocolate muffin when meeting a friend for coffee or succumb to the office cookie stash, don’t beat yourself up about it or devour every sugary snack in sight in despair!
The next time you eat you’ll have another opportunity to make healthier choices.