Weaning Yourself Off The Holiday Sugar Rush
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Many of us are trying to cut back on sugar, but it's not easy when you have a sweet tooth! Reducing sugar or giving it up entirely is a common health goal, especially at the start of the year after indulging in holiday treats. There’s no doubt that sugar can be harmful for our health, but it can be hard to resist the temptation, particularly if it’s a daily habit.
It’s worth looking into the reasons why you reach for sugar. Do you use it as a reward? Are you hungry? Or is it just a habit? Once you know your triggers, it’s easier to make a change and find the best replacement. If you’re using it as a reward, what is something else that you can reward yourself with? If it’s just a reflexive habit, chewing a piece of gum instead of reaching for something sweet might be an easy switch. And if you’re actually hungry, then it’s a matter of choosing something that will satisfy your hunger that isn’t filled with sugar (we know that’s easier said than done!:)
We’ve put together some tips that may help get you through the inevitable cravings while trying to cut down on sugar:
Use cinnamon and/or pure vanilla extract to add a sweet flavour to coffee or tea without the sugar. Cinnamon in particular is helpful because research has shown that it can help to reduce sugar cravings by controlling blood glucose levels.
Nibble on nature's candy: dried fruit! Dates, raisins, apricots, prunes, etc. You'll still get a dose of natural sugars, but it's a healthier choice as you transition to eating foods that are less sweet. (Note that dried cranberries often have added sweetener, so check the labels).
Replace sweet snacks with fat and protein (nuts and nut or seed butters are perfect). You may find that you crave sweets less after having more healthy fats. Apple slices with peanut butter are delicious!
Try something salty and crunchy to snack on instead. Seaweed snacks, salted nuts, and even a handful of root vegetable chips might do the trick.
If you still can't shake your sweet tooth but are committed to avoiding sugar, look at some of the sugar free options that are sweetened with healthier alternatives like Monk Fruit or Stevia. You can find a lot of these treats at Pomme, like gummies, cookies, and chocolate bars.
Changing eating habits isn't easy so remember to be forgiving of yourself if you stray from your goals here and there. Remember, progress over perfection!