Next time you find yourself asking ‘pretty please’ for a special treat, take a moment to hit the pause button. Is your special treat hiding a dark secret of hidden sugar? Are you adding sugar to an already sweet treat because you have a 3pm energy craving?
It is no big news that refined sugar has negative impacts on our health and quality of life. Recent studies have shown that is the most addictive substance on earth. It is even eight times more addictive than cocaine!
Many people continue to eat sugar regularly. Our Western diets have conditioned us to desire sugary treats. We have become victims of regular sugar cravings.
Sugar is also the number one food additive. It is hidden away in packaged foods such as yogurts, cereals, salad dressings, soda drinks, and condiments.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new guideline which recommends that adults and children reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10 percent of their total energy intake. A further reduction to below 5 percent or roughly 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day would provide additional health benefits.
Do you have a sweet tooth? Let’s take a quick look at the five benefits that come with reducing your sugar intake.
1. Your energy will improve
When we are tired or feel that afternoon low, our Western diets have trained us to reach for sugar-filled items such as chocolate, candy, or energy drinks. This leads to spikes and crashes in our blood sugar. With less reliance on sugar, we are guaranteed to have a higher natural energy level.
2. Your weight will stabilize
Most sugar comes in high fat and/or high-carb foods which are processed and contain unwanted ingredients. By going on a sugar detox, your body will not be subjected to all those additional calories. This will result in fewer hunger cravings, less belly fat, and reduced inflammation.
3. Your intestines and colon will perform more efficiently
When you remove sugar, your digestive system will be better able to digest what you have eaten. You will likely go to the bathroom more regularly, signalling a normal routine. You will improve your microbiomes – the good bugs that line your intestines and govern the health of the digestive system, your immune system, and more.
Refined sugar feeds the less favourable bacteria in the intestines. Whole foods filled with fiber feed all the good bacteria. More on this in future blog articles!
4. You will stop wanting sugar
When you cut out sugar, your taste buds will regenerate and normalize. This will take about three weeks. Only then will you be able to taste the natural sweetness in food.
After a sugar cleanse, take a bite of pie or anything sweet! You will be shocked at how overwhelming it will taste.
It’s a fact – eating sugar creates a craving for more sugar.
5. Your skin will look healthier
Sugar may be hindering your skin from the inside out! Our skin is an elimination organ like the digestive system. If you are hindering your digestive system with sugar, you are putting more stress on your skin to eliminate unwanted toxins.
Sugar is a very inflammatory food which influences the brightness, texture, and redness of your skin. Removal of sugar means a healthy gut, healthier digestion, better elimination and better skin health.
Are you ready for a sugar detox? Or lowering your sugar intake to a safer level for your health?
Stay tuned for next week’s blog on the five ways to kick your sugar cravings!
