If you're looking for a way to improve your health, feel more energetic, and prevent chronic diseases, you might want to consider cutting out added sugar from your diet, at least for a bit. Added sugar is the sugar that is not naturally present in foods like fruits, and vegetables, but is added during processing or cooking. Added sugar can be found in many foods and drinks, such as soda, candy, cookies, cakes, ice cream, breakfast cereals, and coffee drinks.
Why should you limit added sugar intake? Eating too much sugar can have serious consequences for your health. It can increase your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, which are some of the leading causes of death and disability globally. Sugar can also cause inflammation in your cells and tissues, which can lead to pain, swelling, and damage to various organs and systems. It has also been to negatively affect your mood, energy levels, and cognitive function, making you feel depressed, tired, and unfocused. Excess sugar has also been shown to accelerate the aging process of your skin and organs, making you more prone to diseases, while also disrupting your hormones and metabolism, affecting your appetite, weight, blood sugar, and insulin levels.
The good news is that you don't have to give up sweetness altogether. Doing 30 day sugar free programs can greatly assist in the reduction of your sugar dependency. You can also enjoy natural sugars from fruits and vegetables, which also provide you with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. The key to optimal health is balance and if you're the type of person who needs resets to get back on track then try a 30 day challenge, if your someone who can just get into balance great! We've put together a recipe below to assist you on limiting sugar at breakfast time. Making things like breakfast protein shakes and smoothie bowls with fruits are a great way to get something sweet and nutritious.
Here are some tips to help you cut out added sugar from your diet:
- Read nutrition labels and ingredient lists carefully. Avoid foods and drinks that have sugar or any of its aliases (such as high fructose corn syrup, cane juice, agave nectar, etc.) listed among the first few ingredients.
- Choose whole foods over processed foods. For example, eat an apple instead of apple juice, or oatmeal instead of a granola bar.
- Drink coffee black, water or unsweetened tea instead of soda or juice. You can add some lemon, lime, cucumber, mint, or berries to flavor your water naturally.
- Cook your own meals and snacks at home as much as possible. This way you can control the amount and type of sugar you use. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to add flavor without sugar.
- Limit your intake of alcohol, which is also a source of sugar and calories.
- Treat yourself occasionally with a small portion of dark chocolate (at least 80% cocoa).
To inspire you further, here is a simple and delicious recipe for granola that is gluten free, nut free, vegan, and sugar free.
What you’ll need:
- 3 cups of gluten free rolled oats
- 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup of shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons of cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of cardamom ground
- 2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
How to make it:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss together the oats, seeds, coconut, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil with the vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
- Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and crisp, stirring once halfway through.
- Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before storing in an airtight container for up to a month.
Serve with fresh berries or your favorite fruit for that added sweetness, and grab some coconut yogurt we love cocojune original unsweetened dairy free.
Enjoy!