Struggle with sugar addiction?

I do, and it’s not our fault . . . completely.

My Sugar Addiction

When I started eating a strict Paleo diet in early 2010, I knew I needed to slash sugars from my diet. I did, for the most part, but I still falter once in a while and nosh a few pieces of candy or a few cookies. And I still add sweetener to my cup of coffee (whew, that was hard to admit). (UPDATE:  No more sweet anything in my coffee) Change starts with one step at a time, right?

Changing your lifestyle requires learning new things and applying what you’ve learned. I had to get educated on sugar. Here are a few basics.

Sugar Overload

Nearly all processed foods seems to have some sort of sugar injected into it. Ketchup, BBQ sauce, and even toothpaste are loaded with sugar.

We know we need to avoid sugar, but when nearly everything we eat contains a sugar variant, how in the heck do we do it? Be pro-active on your food choices and follow these 3 easy steps to get you started.

• Don’t add sugar to meals or drinks
• Check the nutrition labels on the food you purchase to avoid sugar
• Be aware of sugar substitutes

Sugar Mutants

Most people think of sugar as the sweet crystals in the container next to the salt and pepper shakers on the counter. But sugar comes in many different forms. Common sugar mutants to be watchful for are:

• Sucralose (Splenda)
• Acesulfame K (Sunett, Sweet One)
• Saccharin (Sweet’N Low, SugarTwin)
• Aspertame (NutraSweet, Equal)

100+ Reasons Sugar Is Ruining You

I discovered an article by Nancy Appleton, Ph.D. on the Hammer Nutrition site, and it made me sit tall and take notice. A few of reasons seem a bit radical, but nonetheless, you have to wonder.

146 Reasons Sugar Ruins Your Health by Nancy Appleton, Ph.D.

Take time to learn about sugar, its effects, and you’ll be on the way to much healthier life!

Resources

Sugar Substitute – Wikipedia
Artificial sweeteners: A safe alternative to sugar? – Mayo Clinic

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