How to Detox From Sugar

By MiNDFOOD

How to Detox From Sugar
For many people, sugar is something they simply cannot live without. A treat on a bad day, a quick hit of energy, and a way of avoiding the reality that a gap is being filled that shouldn’t have even been there in the first place.

In one day, adults consume approximately 27 teaspoons of sugar a day, but according to the World Health Organisation, a healthy intake is just 6-9 teaspoons.

It is clear that sugar is a big problem when it comes to the modern diet. It makes mood and energy levels extremely imbalanced, not to mention the huge side effect of weight gain.

The negatives clearly outweigh the positives with this one. So don’t wait until January 1st to kick your sugary habit; the time to change is now. To help, we’ve compiled our top tips for detoxing sugar.

Go cold turkey

Cutting sugar out altogether can initially seem impossible and also very sad. But if you go cold turkey, after a few days once your body is used to operating without sugar, you will feel so much better for it. Whilst it may be a little hard to begin with, going cold turkey is the best method in the long term. Weaning yourself off sugar can backfire, as even a little bit of added sugar can make you crave more. It should only take three days for you to start feeling like yourself again, so don’t worry, the withdrawals hardly last any time at all.

Learn to keep an eye out for ‘ose’

Swearing off added sugar is the most important place to start. Because sugar lurks in most packaged foods (even those that don’t taste sugary), you need to keep a watchful eye out for what you’re buying. Before purchasing any packaged food read the label for any sugar that is wearing a disguise. If you find something ending in ‘ose’, chances are its code for sugar and you need to avoid it to make sure you don’t unintentionally feed the monster.

Exercise!

The deal is, if you burn calories you regulate your blood sugar, which is a pretty great swap! Sugar is used as a source of energy, so when you work out, your muscles dip into those reserves, therefore, lowering your blood sugar. One 2014 New Zealand study found that doing 12-minute bursts of energy before each meal improves blood sugar control better than single, longer workouts. Easy!

Up your water intake

When your body is dehydrated it naturally craves sugar, so by drinking plenty of water, you remove the risk of this happening. It also gives you something to sip on, taking your mind off your need to chew on something sugary. An additional bonus is that drinking water fills you up, so you won’t experience unnecessary hunger pangs and therefore cravings.

Fruit substitutes

When you’re craving a little sugar, why not try a piece of fruit? It tastes as good as any lolly, without the blood sugar spike, keeping your mood and energy balance. Cutting out added sugar will also make natural sugar taste even better; one of the many benefits of cutting sugar out of your diet.

Add some green

Adding starchy greens to your diet is a great way of keeping your energy levels up, eliminating those sweet cravings. Vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are great sources of iron and vitamin B-6, both of which can keep you safe from needing a bit of a sugar boost. Try them in the form of a green salad, or a smoothie.

Want more information on cutting sugar out of your diet? Here are a few articles that might satisfy your cravings:

Are You Addicted To Sugar?

Surprising Sources of Sugar

Kicking the habit

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