Sugar Free September is all the rage right now. And it should be. Research is proving that sugar is killing us slowly; by causing various health issues such as cancer, tooth decay, weakened immune system and much more. But have you thought about what your brain looks like when it’s on sugar?
Watch this 5 minute video to motivate you to cut the sugar for good.
Why you should quit sugar for your body:
There are many reasons why sugar should be eliminated from our diets. A few of the most compelling are:
· Sugar creates an addictive cycle of hunger, fatigue and moodiness. It initially spikes blood sugar, causing us to feel energized and happy. But since it’s devoid of real nutrition, blood sugar quickly plummets, leaving us tired, hungry and moody. So we reach for more sugar …
· Sugar causes excess storage of fat: It triggers the body to produce insulin, which tells fat cells to store more. This is one of the reasons people struggle to lose weight.
· Sugar causes inflammation. This causes pain and is seen as a precursor to heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
The good news is that it takes only five days to dramatically reduce the body’s dependence on sugar, by eliminating refined sugar from your diet. This includes most processed foods (because they contain loads of added sugar), condiments, lollies, baked goods and sweetened beverages, including those with artificial sweeteners. Also watch out not to overindulge in fruit – aim for no more than 1-2 servings a day.
The downside is that sugar cravings can be intense in those 5 days, which is why you need to set up an action plan. Certain foods can reduce cravings and balance the body, getting you over the hump much easier.
How to Safely Detox from Sugar:
1. High protein, fat and fiber foods
Here’s why they’re great: These are highly satisfying and keep the body full for longer. Make sure every meal and snack contains them. Aim for about 25% of your meal to come from protein with good fats, like Omega 3s. Contrary to popular belief, real saturated fat actually reduces cholesterol.
Good options: eggs, nuts, avocados, olive oil, hummus, chia seeds, salmon or antibiotic free chicken.
2. Green leafy vegetables instead of bread, pasta and refined carbohydrates
Here’s why they’re great: Bread is quickly converted to sugar, creating the same cycle, but vegetables are complex carbohydrates, which keep you satiated for hours. They take longer to digest – expect to feel full 30 minutes after eating a salad.
Good options: Arugula, spinach, silver-beet, parsley and kale are great for detoxing.
3. Sour foods
Here’s why: They knock out a sugar craving.
Good options: Sauerkraut or kimchi. Read here for my easy sauerkraut recipe.
4. Pure dark chocolate
Here’s why: It releases endorphins without spiking your sugar.
Good options: Organic Bakers Cooking Chocolate, which is 100% cacao.
5. Drink more water
Here’s why: This makes you feel full and flushes excess sugar out of the body, thus reducing the craving. Bonus, it can help you lose weight.
Good Options: Read here for my 20 Lifehacks to increase your water consumption.
Read this article by Consious Life News about how Sugar Causes Cancer
Kathleen Ventura discusses how quitting sugar Changed her Existance
Summer Rayne Oaks has some tips on How to Make Cooking Easier when Detoxing from Sugar
Please find the various studies that I considered, when writing this blog post:
1. Sugar and Cancer http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3871217/;http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.24125/full
2. Sugar and teeth: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25000662
3. Excessive sugar intake: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2002.66/full;http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763407000589;http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/pha/15/5/481/;http://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/Abstract/2009/03000/Food_Addiction__An_Examination_of_the_Diagnostic.1.aspx
4. Sugar and weight gain http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23321486/