Simple Ways To Cut Down On Sugar

You’re sitting on the couch in the evening. You’ve eaten a good dinner and yet, despite being full, you start feeling like wanting something sweet. The balance of food you eat during the day can affect evening sweet cravings. However, cravings may be based on habits and associations. If you’ve always had sweets after a meal, then the day may not be complete until you have one. Moreover, many people associate eating sweet treats with rewards and positive feelings, in which case, chocolate will make you feel good.

America is a country drowning in sugar. Although the US Food and Drug Administration recommends we get no more than 10 teaspoons of sugar a day, the average American downs about 30 teaspoons or more than three times as much.

We all know that too much sugar can cause health problems; however, our eating culture revolves around unhealthy foods. Cut down on sugar is one of the best actions you can make to improve your current and future health, but saying ‘no’ to sweets isn’t easy. It’s impossible to cut sugar completely, but with the following, you should be able to have your sweets and eat them too.

Forget going cold turkey.

Cut down on sugar slowly. If you have been consuming 2 candy bars a day, cut to one a day. Then next week, one every other day. The more sugar you eat, the more you crave. So eventually, cutting down slowly is the best way.

Indulge naturally.

Fruits, honey, and maple syrup all contain natural sugars. They would still give you a sweet burst but they come with beneficial vitamins and fiber. They are sweet as sugar but without the added sugar, they aren’t wonderful just on toast, but also melted into hot tea, mixed into plain yogurt, and drizzled onto pancakes and waffles.

Look where you might not expect it.

Cough syrups, baked beans, chewing gum, and powdered lemonade often contain sugar. Even some prescription medication contains sugar. Be particularly vigilant and scan food labels.

Know the many names of added sugar.

High-fructose, glucose, lactose, maltodextrin, hydrogenated starch, fruit juice concentrate, sorbitol, and dextrose are common names of added sugar. Read grocery labels so that you know what you are putting into your body.

Don’t skip meals.

When you go without a meal, your blood sugar levels drop pushing you toward higher sugar to tame the cravings.

Banish soda.

Sweetened drinks are a major source of added sugar in an American diet and are linked to a high rate of obesity. If you’re having a hard time cutting back on sodas or juices, try having soda water if you feel the cravings.

Cravings for sweets, especially in the evening, are often driven by habits and the day’s food balance. Despite the known health risks, many Americans consume excessive sugar. Gradually reducing sugar intake, opting for natural sweeteners, being aware of hidden sugars, and avoiding sugary drinks are effective strategies for cutting down. Making these changes can improve overall health and well-being. Additionally, having a comprehensive health insurance plan can support these efforts by providing access to nutritional counseling and regular health check-ups, ensuring you stay on track for a healthier future.