The average American consumes a whopping 152 pounds of sugar every year, and this excessive consumption can lead to a whole array of health problems, including obesity and increased risk for diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. A sugar detox diet can help break the cycle of carb and sugar cravings that keep so many people overweight. There are ten ways to help detox from excessive sugar in the diet.
Make the Decision to Detox
If overweight in the abdominal region and have carb or sugar cravings, a sugar detox will likely be a safe and effective way to lose weight. Making the decision to detox is the first step in this process.
Quit Cold Turkey
Once the decision has been made, then quitting cold turkey is the only way to go: stop all sugars, all flours and all artificial sweeteners for 10 days. It is also good to give up processed foods in general which often contain additives like MSG and trans fats and go to a natural, whole foods diet.
Don’t Drink Calories
Sodas, juices other than green vegetable juices and sweetened teas or coffees are all no-no’s on the detox plan. The liquid sugar is worse than in its solid form and acts on the liver directly, leading to the deposition of belly fat. Water and unsweetened tea or coffee are preferred.
Increase the Protein
Having protein with every meal, especially with breakfast, will balancing the blood sugar and insulin levels and help eliminate carb cravings. Nuts, seeds, chicken, eggs, fish or grass-fed meat should be part of each meal while detoxing.
Unlimited Carbs
While on this program, unlimited carbs in the form of non-starchy vegetables is okay. This includes greens, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, and mushrooms, to name a few. Not included are potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, beets, grains and beans.
Replace Sugar with Fat
Fat does not make people fat – sugar does. Replacing sugar with fat promotes a feeling of fullness, balances the blood sugar and fuels the cells. Sources of healthy fat include nuts and seeds, fatty fish, olive oil and avocadoes.
Keep Snacks on Hand
Keeping healthy snacks on hand, even when travelling, is important. An “emergency” snack kit can includes nuts or seeds, salmon or turkey jerky, canned sardines or unsweetened wild blueberries, to name a few.
Practice Deep Breathing
In order to avoid the stress that can increase cortisol and pack on pounds, try taking a few deep breaths before eating or when a feeling of stress is coming on. The breathing helps to de-stress and helps modulate hormone levels.
Reduce Inflammation
Many people are sensitive to gluten and dairy without realizing it and this can cause inflammation. Trying going without gluten and dairy for 10 days and see if there is an increase in energy or relief from cravings.
Sleep Well
Sleep deprivation leads to a rise in hunger hormones and stress levels. Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep a day for natural energy and less stress, as well as fewer cravings.
This 10 day detox diet can work wonders. Not only does it help with weight loss, but it breaks the cycle of carb cravings that’s usually the culprit for weight gain in the first place.
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