Easy Tips to Cut Down Your Sugar Intake

By Stepy Kamei

If there's one food additive most of us have no problem consuming more of than we should, it's probably sugar. Sugar is added to many common everyday foods and recipes, which makes it pretty hard to avoid. Also, let's be honest -- it's delicious and makes many foods and snacks taste so much better. However, you are probably aware of the negative consequences to your health as a result of consuming too much sugar. Still, anyone who has actively tried to cut sugar out of their diet can tell you that it's much easier said than done -- sugar is everywhere! Fortunately, it is possible to at least cut back on the amount of sugar you consume every day so you can start enjoying better physical and mental health as soon as possible. Read on to pick up some helpful and easy tips on how you can avoid unhealthy amounts of sugar whenever possible.

Sugar's Dangerous Health Detriments

To give you an added boost of motivation to cut back on sugar, it may help you to learn more about how sugar negatively impacts the body.

Most products these days contain refined sugar as an additive. This means it's not naturally derived, and therefore it has absolutely no nutritional value. Unfortunately, it does impact the body in problematic ways. For starters, refined sugar increases inflammation in the body, which can lead to aches, pains, and stiffness in the joints. Sugar has also been linked in numerous scientific studies to weight gain, anxiety, diabetes, obesity, and even heart disease. It doesn't help that sugar is literally an addictive substance to the brain as well.

Easy Ways to Reduce Sugar Intake

Simply put, choosing healthier foods will reduce the likelihood of consuming refined sugars in your diet. Foods which are minimally processed, such as fresh produce and whole grains, tend to have few to no sugars. This is in contrast to foods which are packaged and heavily processed, such as frozen foods, packaged snacks, and cookies and candy.

If you still need to satisfy your sweet tooth, try to either consume natural sugars, such as those found in fresh fruit. Or bake your own sweets at home so you know all the ingredients and replace sugar with healthier alternatives such as raw honey or stevia.

These simple dietary choices can make a world of difference to your body. You may notice an increase in your energy levels and productivity as you consume less sugar.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Richardson, Tex.