The past focus on fats have led many American’s oblivious to the true waist line bandit:sugar. Many diseases and health issues are propagated by sugar, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, depression, acne, infertility, and impotence. If you are one of those people who don’t think you are consuming a lot of sugar, I challenge you to keep track for three days. I guarantee that you are consuming sugar by at least 3,000 grams of sugar in that period. The average American consumes OVER 150 POUNDS OF SUGAR A YEAR. That’s so gross.
Removing this dietary staple is difficult. Not only is it found in everything packaged, we become dependent on the energy and dopamine rush we get from its consumption. As you proceed to remove sugar from your life, I’d recommend you create a list of reasons to post of your fridge and have a support group you can call on to talk you out of continuing that ‘sugar life’.
Go Cold Turkey
Definitely the harshest way to quit any unhealthy pattern, it is also the quickest and most effective. No cheats, no tricks, no excuses. Be prepared to lean on your support system HEAVILY.
Stop Drinking Your Calories
Got a bottle from the last tasty beverage you drank? Take a look at the nutritional information on it. There’s a high probability that you’re surprised at the outrageous sugar content. Realize as well that the liquid form of sugar is more damaging to your body than eating it. The liquid form is broken down more easily and faster so its literally going from your stomach directly into your liver. To eliminate sugar from your diet you can just skip the entirety of the bottles drink aisle.
Start Your Day With Protein
Regardless of what you’re attempting to do to your body via your diet, NEVER SKIP BREAKFAST. EVER. In fact within the first hour of being awake you should put something in your face.
A protein rich breakfast can curb sugar cravings through out the day. It is also just good for you all around. Your body will need additional protein and good carb sources as it works to detoxify itself of sugar and sugar by products.
Fight Sugar With (Good) Fats
To reiterate fats are not your enemies. Healthy fats help you feel full, balances your blood sugar and is an excellent source of cellular energy. Combine healthy fat sources with protein and it will boost your natural metabolic rate. Some common foods that are healthy fat options: extra virgin olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, coconut butter, nuts and seeds, and fish with high Omega 3 content.
Keep Up With Your Carbs
Carbohydrates are the basic building blocks for energy. You probably need to up your carb input to keep similar energy levels to when you were eating sugar. You will want to avoid starchy food options as best you can, so breads, pastas, any potato, winter squash and beets for the first ten days. This ten day period is what will be necessary to reset your natural energy levels. I know we cleared away a lot of meal staples with the last list but don’t worry you still have many options. Greens, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, collards, asparagus, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, tomatoes, fennel, eggplant, artichokes, and peppers are just a few of the options that are in line with your goals.
Drink Water, Rest and Breathe!
Take the time and congratulate yourself for your efforts. Keep in mind your goal list and call on your support group when you need. Don’t underestimate the severity of the chemical change you are subjecting your body to. Drink lots of water so the toxins your body frees can leave the body. Detoxifying is a heavy drain on your bodies energy stores so rest up. You have the perfect excuse to take naps over the next couple of weeks, so make good use of it!