Last month I talked about the risks involved with eating too much sugar. Reducing your sugar intake can be accomplished by taking some simple steps. First, develop an awareness of the amount of sugar you and your family are consuming. You may be surprised by the total! Second, keep sugary products out of your home. Believe me, if a box of cookies is hidden on your top shelf, you'll hear it calling your name! Avoid the temptation altogether! Read labels as you shop and fill your cart with healthy options. And thirdly, do your own cooking. You'll control the amount of sugar you use, and can substitute natural alternatives in your recipes. Listed below are some additional ways to curb your sugar consumption. Remember, sugar has not nutritional value, so replace it with nutrient-dense foods that will benefit your body, rather than harm it.
1. Swap out sugar-covered cereals with an item that has 5 ingredients or less.
2. When packing your lunch, focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
3. Replace sport drinks, soda, and juices with naturally-sweetened water, teas, and milk.
4. Skip the ice cream and serve homemade fruit sorbets and frozen bananas.
5. Switch out candies, cookies, and cakes with wholesome snacks and fruits (apples with peanut butter, peaches and plain yogurt, whole wheat crackers and cheese, etc.)
1. Swap out sugar-covered cereals with an item that has 5 ingredients or less.
2. When packing your lunch, focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
3. Replace sport drinks, soda, and juices with naturally-sweetened water, teas, and milk.
4. Skip the ice cream and serve homemade fruit sorbets and frozen bananas.
5. Switch out candies, cookies, and cakes with wholesome snacks and fruits (apples with peanut butter, peaches and plain yogurt, whole wheat crackers and cheese, etc.)