5 Important Things to Consider About Sugar if you Want Glowing Health
With so much conflicting information out there, sometimes it is hard to know where to put your focus. One thing you can be sure of, is that too much refined artificial sugar in your diet can lead to a variety of health issues. From weight gain to an increased risk of chronic diseases, the effects of too much sugar can be far-reaching and long-lasting. We’ve also included constructive information and a plan to make healthy changes simple and doable.
1.Refined Artificial Sugar is Addictive
Sugar is often compared to synthetic drugs because it triggers an intense reward response in our brains, using similar pathways to how drugs cause a rush of dopamine. Eating sugary foods can become a habit that is hard to break because it releases endorphins and a strong temporary feeling of pleasure. This pleasure response is followed by a “sugar crash”. The up and down cycle often results in us craving more. The physical and emotional feelings of reward caused by sugar can be so strong that they override our higher brain centers, and we overlook the dangers associated with eating too much. If you find yourself unable to control your cravings for sweets, it’s important to be aware that you will need to significantly reduce it from your diet. That may be hard for 2-3 weeks, but after that, you’ll be amazed at how much better you can feel. Over 2 decades ago Nancy Appleton PhD wrote “Lick the Sugar Habit: Sugar Addiction Upsets your Whole Body”
2. Refined Artificial Sugar is Dangerous for Your Health
At Sojourn we know that this is such an inconvenient truth- because sugar can taste so good! It is unfortunate how terrible it is for our health. When you read the following list of scientifically referenced, health compromising challenges that are associated with consistently eating refined sugar we are hopeful that it will make an important impression on you. We can tell you that when we heard Alheizmers being referred to as “Type 3 Diabetes” in a professional seminar of Doctors and Nutritionists studying brain health - this had our attention and we want you to have a chance to learn how serious this is.
146 Reasons to Avoid Sugar by Dr. Nancy Appleton
1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in the body.
3. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.
4. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
5. Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection (infectious diseases).
3. It is Difficult to Lose Weight and While Continuing to Eat Refined Sugar
One of the biggest risks associated with consuming too much sugar is weight gain. Eating a lot of refined sugary foods such as cookies, cakes, candies, and artificially sweetened beverages can equate to excess calorie intake, which can cause the body to store more fat.
Sugar-filled snacks like candy, cakes, and cookies are most often high in calories and provide little to no nutritional value. This type of food takes up space, but because it does not provide vital nutrients and stimulates the addictive centers of our brain, eating sugary foods can also lead to overeating.
What's more, many sugary drinks contain a large amount of calories in the form of sugar. (Be on the look out for drinks with no calories. This is often achieved with chemicals that your body doesn’t need! This is another blog post! Check the labels!) Drinking sugary beverages regularly can quickly add up to an excessive amount of calories that can contribute to weight gain.
High sugar consumption can also lead to a decrease in physical activity due to lethargy or fatigue caused by too much sugar.
4. Feeling Motivated and Ready to Kick the Habit? Here’s Help!
This is exciting! At Sojourn we think that https://daveasprey.com/sugar-cravings-challenge/ is a sound guide that will really support your success. In this 30-Day No Sugar Challenge: A Step by Step Guide to Ending Sugar Cravings he talks about exactly what types of sugars need to be removed and what types of sugars are an important part of blood sugar regulation. It also gives you an idea of what to eat that will help you feel a whole lot better.
At Sojourn we have found that there is not a perfect diet for absolutely everyone. In general Keto and, or Bulletproof Diet recipes are very good for most people. You will find nearly endless excellent sources of information and recipes with these two choices.
5. If you love sweetness and decadence join the club!
At Sojourn we don’t think that pursuing glowing health means that you need to be deprived. It does mean that you learn to make healthier choices. Such as, there are many natural sweeteners like honey, stevia, or monk fruit that do not create the up and down sugar crash-craving cycle.
For those who love baking, there are plenty of recipes that use these natural sweeteners instead of sugar. In addition to the natural sweeteners, you can use substitutes like applesauce or Greek yogurt in place of sugar, and still enjoy sweet treats without the sugar crash. You can also experiment with natural sugar alternatives like coconut sugar, agave nectar, or date paste in your baking. There are so many options!
There are also plenty of sugar-free beverages available on the market today, from kombucha to tea and coffee drinks. And if you're looking for an indulgent treat without the sugar rush, try dark chocolate – it's full of antioxidants and has less sugar than other chocolates.
By replacing sugar with natural sweeteners, reducing your intake of sugary snacks, and being aware of hidden sugars in processed foods, you can reduce your overall sugar consumption and improve your health. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to any type of food!