Sugar: A Loving Tribute
It’s no secret that sugar isn’t health food. I’ve written full programs that call for eschewing sugar. And although at this point in my current and knowledge I wouldn’t tell you to never eat sugar again, I also believe there are times when you should avoid or eliminate added sugars.
So, I’m not here to tell you to stop eating it.
Wait, what?!
No, seriously, you’re not going to stop eating it and neither am I.
Sugar is added to far more foods than you even realize, and even the more “natural” forms (think honey) are still not the healthiest for us.
Sugar can be delicious, and if you know me at all, you know I’m about making fitness and health as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Is it possible to give it up and go sugar-free? Sure. But for most people, it’s just not something they’re going to give up forever. So, I want to help you set some parameters for yourself today that will enable you to continue enjoying sugar with balance.
Here are my top tips for maintaining a loving relationship with sugar in the healthiest way possible:
- Drink only sugar-free beverages
- Avoid artificial sweeteners
- Avoid UNNECESSARY sugars – if you think salad dressings and tomato sauces, for example, require sugar to taste good, you’re so wrong! Look for or create sugar-free options where it’s obviously unneeded.
- Try fruit before dessert. I’m not going to lie to you and say fruit is the same as dessert, because I know there’s a big difference between a strawberry and a slice of chocolate cake. But see if you can use fruit to kill your dessert cravings before you dive into indulgence.
- Clean up your environment. It’s common for many homes and offices to have bowls of single pieces of candy lying around or a cabinet stocked with “treats for the kids.” We mindlessly reach for them multiple times per day and you know how fast that adds up! So, get rid of ‘em!
- Plan for massive sugar indulgences. Maybe your mom is making your favorite pie, or it’s your birthday, or a special trip/holiday are coming up. Those are the times to go all in and overdo it. Not a random Saturday on a whim.
Do you have any tips you can share for achieving sugar/life balance? I would love to hear about them in comments.
And if you’re looking for more ways to reduce sugar from your diet AND make delicious meals, check out my 7 Day Meal Plan. Click here to get it.