I’ve heard from some of you that your biggest nutrition challenge is sweets. So today we’re talking about SUGAR - why you love it so much, how it can affect you and what to do if you need to cut down.
Sugar addiction is REAL and biological. When we consume too much sugar, there are neurochemical changes in the brain, similar to what’s seen with addictions to drugs or alcohol. So, it’s no wonder that you feel drawn to excess sugar and that you may have failed in the past when trying to cut it out of your diet.
Even though it’s completely understandable, excess sugar consumption has been linked with a range of chronic health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, or even cancer, so if you’re over the recommended limits for added sugar intake (9 tsp for men, 6 tsp for women), you’ll want to make a plan to reduce your intake.
Because of our innate desire and preference for sweets, lowering our sugar intake will require changes to your thinking. First, recognize the mental associations that lead to eating sugar. What are your patterns? You’ll need to assess what your triggers may be and also what your body and your activity level actually needs.
Making small changes will lead to the most success. Consider eliminating one added sweet per week. Start making some “healthy swaps”, like switching out a sugary treat for a piece of fruit, to prevent that feeling of deprivation.
Avoid “all or nothing” methods as deprivation could lead to binge eating. In most cases, completely removing sugar isn’t necessary for good health.
For personalized guidance and support, schedule a session with me (540-599-9378). Your sweet tooth doesn’t have to lead to a serious health issue. Let’s talk about your needs and put a plan in place to improve your health.
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