A healthy lifestyle is best supported by a well-balanced diet. Substances like water, salt, and sugar must be regulated and maintained at normal levels to prevent disease.
Take sugar as an example. Sugar can be found almost anywhere. When you are oblivious to its forms and sources, you might already be consuming an amount that is beyond what a normal body can tolerate. Too much sugar in your bloodstream increases the risk of insulin sensitivity, diabetes, and many other serious illnesses.
Here are some tips on how to reduce sugar intake:
1. Educate yourself and plan ahead
There is no better way to start planning an improved diet than by first studying which food can help control levels of sugar. This way, you get to be well-informed of the benefits of the food you will include in your diet. Eating your meals can now be a pleasurable experience as you can customize it according to your preference.
Be aware of the contents of your food, especially the packaged ones. Learn how to read the nutritional facts usually found at the back portion of a food label.
2. Record your sugar intake
The next best thing after planning your weekly diet is to maintain a journal and log your actual daily sugar intake. This encourages you to stick to your plan no matter how hard it may get.
3. Incorporate the right food in your diet
Consider consumption of foods which are high in soluble fiber for these kinds are easily dissolved in water. You do not just lessen your sugar intake by doing so; you also get to enjoy what you are eating. Examples of foods containing soluble fiber are nuts; fruits such as pears, apples, and blueberries; and vegetables such as Brussels sprouts.
Carbohydrates are converted to sugar, so consider slowly decreasing carbohydrate-rich food in your meal plan. What can you eat instead? Bring in fish to your diet. According to studies, eating fish up to three times a week can be healthy for you.
Take everything in moderation. Do not eat mangoes and a slice of cake at the same time. Eating fruits gives you no excuse for eating foods with complex sugar.
4. Substitute your cravings with healthier alternatives
Use raw honey as a sweetener instead of commercialized sugar. Opt for mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise. Or eat unsweetened oatmeal for breakfast instead of white bread, and snack on granola bars instead of chocolate bars. If you want a sweet ending to your meal, go for a smoothie fix or make your own ice cream.
Also read: 12 Healthy And Delicious Food Swaps That Can Change Your Life
5. Keep away from stress
Stress may cause a spike in your sugar level. Find out which triggers elevate your stress level and stay away from those so you can maximize the impact of a healthy diet. When stress attacks, distract yourself with stress-relieving techniques such as doing deep breathing exercises.
The list may go on and on but the most important element is your decision to consciously lower your sugar intake. Though these tips sound a little hard and a little too harsh for your sweet tooth cravings, you must commit yourself to these slow changes. After all, being healthy is a choice. Cutting down on sugar is simply a part of that choice. As you feel yourself getting lighter, stronger, and healthier, you will realize that it is worth it.
If you are interested in detoxing, clean eating, losing weight, and changing your lifestyle without feeling hungry and counting calories, click here
Don’t forget to download my FREE Book “Amy’s Home Kitchen”, packed with my family’s favorite healthy, clean and delicious recipes. Or connect with me on Facebook or Google+
Sources:
http://www.organicauthority.com/health/10-tips-for-reducing-sugar-intake.html
http://www.rd.com/slideshows/sugar-addiction/
