Eating too much sugar is associated with high risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. But again, it’s delicious. So how do you know if you’re eating too much sugar? Well if you’re exercising regularly and eating healthy, then having a couple of cookies here and there won’t hurt you. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your daily added sugar intake to 6-9 teaspoons a day. To give you a comparison there are about 10 teaspoons of added sugar in one 12 ounce can of soda! So if you’re downing 3 sodas a day or eating a package of cookies in one sitting then maybe you want to start thinking about limiting your sugar intake, and here are some ways in which you can!
1. Have a reasonable amount of the thing you crave on a regular basis and savor it. When you binge on foods you’ve been craving, people tend to enjoy the letting go part rather than what they’re actually eating which tends to make them eat more in order to relish the taste.
2. Train yourself not to stress eat by practicing being around tempting foods when you’re relaxed. Let’s face it, a lot of us eat sugary foods when we’re stressed, sad, or emotional. By being around foods that tempt us in times of relaxation we can better learn to control our cravings.
3. Probably don’t go cold turkey or eliminate carbs. This is probably the worst thing you can do. Eliminating food groups all together tends to make us depressed and binge eat even more. Gradually cut back on these foods and remember: it’s okay to have in moderation.
4. Don’t look to artificial sweeteners to address your cravings. Artificial sweeteners are actually worse for you than the real deal (and doesn’t taste as good).
5. Be wary of relying on “healthy versions” of sweets. This is an awesome alternative to some of your favorite desserts but be careful; sometimes we tend to talk ourselves into having that slice of pizza because we ate a healthier muffin earlier.
Remember, not everyone has to limit their sugar intake so look at your lifestyle and decide what’s best for you. Maybe try one or two of these tips to begin with and go from there.
Your Realtor and Friend for Life!
~Kathy
Healthy Living in Austin, Texas 