23 Aug Kicking the Sugar Habit

If you would like to live a healthier life and are ready to kick the sugar habit, follow these top 7 tips from Naturopath & Nutritionist, Karen Latter.

THE SUGAR FACTS – The health effects of consuming too much sugar include teeth decay, overeating, obesity, blood sugar imbalances, misbehaviour in children, cravings, addictions, depleted immune system and raised cholesterol levels as well as increasing risks for heart disease and diabetes.

TIP 1 – Reduce refined sugar (white sugar, brown sugar etc) with a view to cutting out all processed foods that contain sugar – avoid white sugar, brown sugar, fructose, fruit syrups, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and the sugar alcohols (xylitol).

TIP 2 – When you need to use a sweetener choose a natural one – choose to use natural wholefood sweeteners such as honey (raw, unheated and unprocessed), molasses (black strap), brown rice syrup, unrefined dried cane juice (Rapadura), stevia and maple syrup.

TIP 3 – Read food ingredient labels – become an active consumer. For instance, would you consume the following drink that contains: “carbonated purified water – flavour – colour/caramel, food acids (338, 330) and sweetener, 951 and 950, preservative 211” – this is Diet Coke – doesn’t seem so thirst quenching when you consider its ingredients does it? Especially when you consider the inclusion of artificial sweeteners aspartame (951) and acesulfame (950).

TIP 4 – Ensure you have a balanced diet containing protein, fibre, good fat and complex carbohydrates – a real life example is eating a breakfast such as multigrain bread, avocado and boiled eggs as opposed to a bowl of sugary breakfast cereal.

TIP 5 – Eat sweet foods as you find them in nature – eat sweet vegetables such as carrots and beetroot, sprouts and sprouted products and fruits.

TIP 6 – Cut sugar cravings – snack on carrot sticks, eat something spicy, sour or pungent, drink green tea or bancha tea with a little lemon, exercise or meditate.

TIP 7 – In the transition – prepare meals at home, avoid processed foods, reduce the intake of sugar slowly and practice self-reflection noting any withdrawal symptoms.

THE REWARD – people who stop eating sugar nearly always experience higher spirts, better sleep, improved immune system, less dental problems, more endurance and concentration, and all round better health.

For more information or to book a naturopathic and nutrition consultation, please call Karen Latter, Sydney health & fertility, Manly or The Fountain Centre, Balgowlah on 0405 707 156