How To Eliminate Sugar From Your Diet

Eliminating Processed Foods Continued

What’s the connection to sugar then? Well, processed foods are usually loaded with added sugar or high fructose corn syrup, and sugar, in general, is considered ‘empty’ calories and has no nutritional value. Many studies also have proved sugar can have devastating effects on metabolism and can also lead to insulin resistance, high triglycerides, increased cholesterol, increased fat accumulation in the liver and abdominal area. Sugar consumption is also strongly associated with the development of critical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and certain cancers. Although you cannot just eliminate sugars overnight, gradually reducing your intake of processed foods, such as food at fast-food places, ice cream, cookies, sodas, and anything claiming to be ‘diet’ is a great way to begin reducing your intake of sugar and becoming healthier.

Focus On Proteins & Fats

Unhealthy foods and carbs loaded with sugar can result in the rapid increase in blood sugar levels and can plunge unexpectedly, causing an individual to become hungry again. Patients are encouraged to integrate protein, healthy fats, and fiber into their meal, to minimize this rapid rise and fall, which can decrease the release of blood sugar into the body and help to keep an individual feeling fuller for longer. For instance, a patient could add almonds to their oatmeal or pair eggs with toast for breakfast and eat peanut butter and apples for an afternoon snack. Fats are also a significant part of a diet, as they keep an individual feeling fuller for longer and help decrease the desire for sugar. Patients should focus on healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and heart-healthy oils such as coconut, walnut, and olive oil.