According to the US Department of Agriculture, the average American consumes about forty-seven pounds of sugar and thirty-five pounds of high fructose corn syrup annually. Not only does the average person fail to comprehend just how much sugar they consume, they lack an awareness of how harmful sugar can be on the body.
Do you have a preschooler? Pick that child up and piggy-back around the house for a few minutes. That should provide you an idea of about how much FORTY-SEVEN pounds of sugar weighs! Outrageous!
Think about how many people have lifestyle caused diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer, obesity, fatigue and pain disorders that could be drastically improved by cutting out sugar!
Don’t cut unhealthy eating habits back, cut them out!
For me, it’s all or nothing with extra sugar. I know how unwell I feel when I don’t eat well, so I try to maintain a zero tolerance policy for foods that are not right for me. I eat clean 99% of the time. That’s proof that it is possible for you, as well! I’ll have a homemade dessert only a few times per year (honestly) and have trained my taste buds to truly enjoy a delicious frozen banana, a pear or a mango, or a stevia or unrefined sugar sweetened concoction. There are so many healthy dessert options, it seems foolish to choose otherwise.
Oh sure, it helps that I’m not a huge sweets person but that wasn’t always the case for me. Sugar cravings tempted me until I addressed the underlying issues driving them. Factors driving intense sugar cravings are worth exploring with a knowledgable Health Coach.
it goes beyond cavities
Here’s what sugar does to the body.
- May damage memory and slow learning, per UCLA researchers.
- Negatively impacts insulin, triglycerides and blood pressure.
- Increases inflammation which can lead to joint pain, digestive problems and headaches.
- Can cause blood sugar to spike, then crash, which promotes fatigue swings.
- Directly correlates to diabetes.
- The empty calories from sugar can leave one feeling overfed and undernourished.
how sugar makes me feel
- Brain fogged.
- Tired.
- More hungry and “snacky.”
- Can trigger a headache.
- Makes my feel and look puffy the next day or two do to inflammation.
- Makes me retain water.
- Can bloat my tummy.
- Cranky.
what are my sugar craving tricks?
What’s the best way to get rid of sugar cravings? Especially after a meal? Clients frequently ask me how they can get rid of sugar cravings, or at least not cave in to them as often. Its a smart and common question so I’m answering it here, for all to see!
- Study up on the detrimental effects of sugar on health. It may turn you off to the stuff very quickly!
- A balance of fat and protein in meals can help satisfy nutritional needs so you’re not left wanting more after a meal. I think “overfed and undernourished” is a real thing.
- Instead of a sugary dessert, aim for a nutrient dense substitute. Think frozen banana “ice cream,” frozen grapes, canned coconut milk stevia and vanilla extract whipped in a blender then chilled, sweetened hot tea, stevia sweetened dessert concoctions, or hot chocolate made with cacao nibs, cream and stevia.
- Honey and raisins are self-limiting, healthy sweets. I find ten raisins or a teaspoon of honey do the trick…it’s hard to overeat either of those, they’re powerfully sweet!
- Brush your teeth right after you eat!
Finally, ask God to help you beat the sugar addiction! There is no temptation facing you where He has not already provided a way of escape! The Heavenly Father genuinely cares about partnering with you to help you choose well. Ask Him, He will help you!
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103 KJV
What are your sugar struggles?
How can I help you overcome them?
Love,
Jess
References:
- https://www.acefitness.org/blog/5128/how-sugar-affects-your-body
Thanks for the post! I have always had a sweet tooth. For the past four months or so, I’ve been weight lifting and the sugar cravings have gone down significantly. I am a tall, small framed 40 year old woman who was intimidated to lift weights. I never thought it would be a part of my daily life. Now I’m so hungry for GOOD food–freshly milled bread & butter (it’s hardy and filling!), protein and fruits and veggies–sugar is not something I’m interested in.. I am so thankful the sugar cravings are nearly gone! At this moment I’d much rather have a bowl of berries with homemade plain Greek yogurt and pecans for dessert.
I’ve been on cruise this week where the options for nutritionally dense foods was scarce. Sugar was in everything and everywhere. My belly has been bloated, head foggy and I’ve been moody. Coincidence? I think not.
I’ve been trying to educate my kids about sugar too. It’s a slow process, but I’m hoping to give them good tools before they are off on their own.
Sugar cravings gone?! That’s remarkable! I like the connection you draw here between eating clean, eating dirty and how each make your body feel. It’s really a joy to eat the whole, nutritious foods God made for us! I mean, it makes me wonder why we’d try anything less! Keep lifting š With love and butter, Jess