As you may already know, sugar is one of the most destructive ingredients in our diet today, despite having no nutritional value and contributing to numerous chronic illnesses, including obesity, heart-disease and diabetes. When you crave sugar, it is a sign that your body is out of balance. You may be suffering from nutritional deficiencies and these deficiencies cannot be remedied with junk. Sweets and chocolate may provide a very short-term relief from the symptoms, but this is only temporary and is not getting at the root of the problem.
If you are thinking about cutting out sugar, one of your first questions may be 'what will I replace it with?' Here is a list of 9 foods that will help get you started.
1. Avocado
The healthy fats in avocado help to keep you feeling full and and support energy levels, so avoiding the crashes that send you reaching for the chocolate. This versatile food can be eaten alone as a snack, or used to dress up a salad, burger, or basically anything else.
2. Flax Seeds
Flax is a wonderful source of natural fibre, which helps to detoxify the body and prevent hunger. Add ground flax seeds to smoothies, sprinkle over oatmeal, or add to your favourite homemade energy ball
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a special kind of fat that contains what’s called medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are an easy source of energy for the body and can help curb your cravings when eaten regularly. Try using it as your cooking oil, or adding some to tea or coffee.
4. Cinnamon
This versatile spice is a wonderful way to fight your sugar cravings. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels, preventing energy spikes and crashes, and it also fights bacteria in the gut that can lead to imbalances and sugar cravings. Try it in porridge or in your favorite savory dishes.
5. Grapefruit
The phytochemicals in this citrus fruit help to regulate blood sugar levels in the body naturally and has been shown to aid in weight loss. Try adding wedges of grapefruit to your salads or eating half on it’s own as a snack. Consult your GP if you are taking any prescription drugs as grapefruit can have a negative effect on these in certain cases.
6. Wild Salmon
Wild salmon is one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acid, which helps to reduce sugar cravings. Try roasting salmon with fresh lemon and dill for a simple, classic dinner.
7. Whole Grains
The complex carbohydrates in whole grains are digested slowly by the body, reducing the impact on blood sugar levels. They’re also high in fibre, B-vitamins, and chromium - all important for eliminating sugar cravings. Try eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, adding cooked quinoa to soups or salads, or including some brown rice as a side dish.
8. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most chromium-rich foods, meaning that it naturally balances blood sugar levels and prevents sugar spikes and crashes that cause most of our cravings. Broccoli tastes best lightly steamed but is also a wonderfully filling ingredient in a curry or stew.
9. Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of B-vitamins and chromium that, as we’ve already seen, aids in blood sugar regulation and reduced sugar cravings. You can pick up some at any health food shop and it can be sprinkled on just about any savoury dish to add a nutty, slightly cheesy flavour.
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