Thinking about cutting back on added sugars in your diet? Wondering how your sweet tooth takes a toll on your health? You might have heard all about the addictive qualities of added sugars. Yes, addiction is a strong word that’s typically reserved for more serious afflictions. But in reality, studies have found that sugar is actually more addictive than drugs like cocaine.
Why is sugar so addictive?
In a study by Connecticut College, rats munched on Oreos while scientists took note of the sweets’ effects on their brains. They found a remarkable similarity between the way the Oreos stimulated their brains and the way cocaine and similar addictive drugs did so. Even more shocking? Eating oreos actually activated more neural pathways in the “pleasure center” of their brains than the drugs did. Yikes!
While one study on rodents isn’t necessarily enough to prove that sugar is more addictive than drugs, most experts agree that sugar is something to be very, very wary of. Added sugars are found in many packaged foods, beverages, and more. The American Heart Association recommends that adults limit their sugar intake to 6 teaspoons a day for women and 9 teaspoons per day for men. The trouble is, most adults exceed these amounts on a daily basis without realizing it. In fact, the National Institute of Health estimates that most adults in the US get approximately 15% of their daily caloric intake from added sugars.
Making a clean break from sugar can be difficult for many, especially considering its addictive qualities. The more we consume now, the harder it is to say no in the future. But for those who want to explore the possibilities of a sugar free diet plan, we’ve rounded up all of the information you need to make an informed decision about going sugarless!
What are the benefits of a sugar free diet?
Too much sugar can cause weight gain, heart problems, and many other serious health problems. A sugar free diet can prevent these issues while delivering other health benefits you may not be as familiar with. To name a few, a sugar free diet can help you…
- Prevent your chances of obesity and promote weight loss
- Lower your risk of developing skin cancer and clear up your skin
- Stabilize and generally improve your mood
- Reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Calm inflammation in the body
What happens when you do a sugar detox?
As with quitting most addictive substances, a sugar detox may have you feeling a little worse before you feel a lot better. It’s not uncommon to feel irritable during the first stages of a sugar detox. However, after a while you’ll notice your skin looking clearer, your mood stabilizing, and more natural energy throughout the day. To resist breaking your sugar detox, prepare your kitchen and pantry by removing foods with added sugars. This way, you’ll reap the full benefits of the detox and avoid the temptation to give into any cravings.
What can you eat on a no sugar diet?
There is some debate in the health and nutrition space about whether a sugar free diet should include naturally occurring sugars, like those found in fruit. While it is ultimately a personal decision, the health benefits of fruit outweigh any natural sugars they have. Fruit is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Because of this, completely eliminating fruit from your diet when going sugar free probably isn’t the healthiest choice. Instead, focus on eliminating added sugars to reap the benefits of a sugar free diet plan.
One of the biggest struggles of going sugar free is cutting out sugary beverages, but it’s also the biggest shift you can make in your diet. Our Morning Routine hydration packs are the best substitute for a sweet caffeinated beverage in the morning. With natural ingredients like organic lemon, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt, Morning Routine contains zero-sugar and helps you stay hydrated and improve your overall wellness. Plus, it tastes fantastic. It’s the ideal way to jump-start your sugar free diet plan!
Is it necessary to follow a sugar free diet plan?
Completely eliminating sugar isn’t necessary for everyone, and for some, it’s neither convenient nor feasible. If you can’t go totally sugar free, simply limit your intake and pay attention to what’s going into your body. Make sure to read nutrition labels and make smart, healthful swaps where you can. “Everything in moderation” is always a good motto to keep in mind!
Takeaway
With so many added sugars hiding in our diets, it’s important to stay aware of what’s in our food and make healthy choices where we can. Whether you’re ready to commit to a sugar free diet plan or just hoping to cut back on your intake, we hope this information on the benefits of a sugar free diet helps you make an informed decision on what’s right for you and your body.
How about an EASY addition to your day?
Check out our 15 DAY - ROUTINE RESET!
We will guide you down a 2-week journey towards better health and hydration at the cost of only a couple of minutes per day! So if you find yourself looking for more energy, less bloat, and a clearer mind...
Click here, and let’s begin the ROUTINE RESET!
Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131015123341.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3109725/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319991#risks-and-considerations