Sugar seems to be added to almost all foods. In fact, if you grab for that low fat yogurt, thinking it’s a healthy option, read the label first. It probably contains sugar to make it more palatable. Barbecue, soft drinks, fruit juice, ketchup and even protein bars and granola all contain hidden sugar. Too much sugar in your diet has a detrimental affect on your health, so to combat those problems and reset your taste buds, a 7-day sugar detox could be right for you.
What are the problems you face with a seven-day sugar detox?
Depending on your normal eating habits, giving up added sugar can be difficult. It seems like sugar is in everything that’s processed, so it requires more cooking from scratch, so you can control the ingredients. Sugar is also addictive and you’ll find you crave sugary treats, especially after a meal of for a snack. Some people experience depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and even the inability to focus. Others may experience dizziness, nausea and fatigue. It all depends on how much sugar you normally consume.
While it isn’t a traditional detox with a strict menu, it does require planning your menus.
The only way to ensure the food doesn’t contain added sugar is to read packages and plan meals ahead. There are at least 65 different names for sugar, and even more if you count artificial sweeteners, which also need to be banned, so unless you know them all, stick with homemade and simple ingredients. Avoid tortilla shells and make a lettuce wrap taco instead. Yes, they contain sugar. Make your own salad dressing and avoid bottled dressing, since it has added sugar. Make your own vinaigrette and use fruit in the salad to sweeten it.
Don’t give up fruit, but limit the intake.
Fruit is naturally sweet, but that doesn’t help you kick the sugar habit if you eat too much. Luckily, sugar also contains fiber, so it doesn’t cause a spike in your blood sugar level. You can use fresh fruit as a snack but limit the amount or mix small amounts in a salad for flavor. If you are having severe withdrawal symptoms, an apple or mashed frozen or fresh fruit with nuts in yogurt is a good dessert to help you get past the craving. It becomes easier and easier the longer you cut out sugar. Eat a higher amount of fat and protein. Nuts are the greatest for snacks and contain absolutely no sugar. So are fresh veggies and hummus.
- Fruit juice often has added sugar and those that don’t still have a high amount of natural sugar. You’re better off eating the fruit that has fiber, to slow the absorption of sugar and the sugar high.
- You also have to watch more than just what you eat. What you drink is important, too, which includes soft drinks and performance drinks.
- Focus on simple meals. A salad with homemade dressing, baked fish, Buddha bowls from leftovers and soups are easy dishes. There are so many recipes without added sweetener, your choice is almost unlimited.
- You’ll be amazed at how much your taste seems to change after just a week. Natural fruit tastes sweet and food with added sugar tastes too sweet. After a strict week of no sugar, you may find you like the flavor of natural foods.
For more information, contact us today at Prime Fitness