Taming the Sugar Monster

Do you fall prey to all the sugar around you this holiday season?

Is this good for you or your inner child? Well, I am sure you know what I am going to say. No, it is not good for anyone. If you are thinking that – “I’ll just a have few – that won’t hurt…” and then find your hand reaching endlessly into your candy drawer or bag – well this is precisely why it is not good. Sugar is addictive, has zero nutrition and in fact robs your body of key nutrients such as Vitamin C.

Here are 3 Tips to Keep Your Candy Cravings at Bay:

Tip #1 Protein Power– The easy fix for an addictive sugar habit is always have enough protein in your diet. Protein will usually satisfy your body’s need for nutrition, and so will good oils and healthy carbohydrates – like vegetables. Once you have eaten a balanced meal your cravings usually diminish. Just so you know – it takes 3 days to ease the physiological craving for sugar and a little longer (30 days) to rid yourself of the emotional craving or the habit. Can you make it for 30 days? Try it.

I grew up with a sweet tooth myself. I was also a picky eater. My mother would always make me sit and finish my dinner before any desert would touch my lips. Sometimes I would sit there for an hour playing with my food (I guess I was stubborn, too). Not having kids, myself, I can only imagine my mother and all the mothers reading this article relating to how absolutely frustrating it can be to have your child refuse to eat well. Of course, I have since learned how to eat in a balanced fashion – but that sugar monster often rears its head and needs to be tamed at all costs.

Tip #2 – Out of Sight or Give it away. Yes, you can give it away or throw it away. If you have a strong leaning towards sugar do not have it around. In your moments of weakness, tiredness or emotional upset you will most likely grab something sweet.

Best to forego the candy isle when shopping. This goes for all sugar type foods and not just the candy – sweets in general. Alcohol can also be just a replacement for the candy - as it quickly converts to sugar in the body as well.

All these excess calories and carbohydrates, if not used for energy expenditure will be converted to fat and stored as fat on your body. I always say: “from your eyes to your thighs” – so watch out. And do not be fooled by sweeteners which are worse for you than “food” made from real sugar or sugar cane. Fructose, even though derived from fruit, is nothing like eating fruit. Studies show that fructose is highly toxic to your liver.

Replace these snack items with nuts, seeds, and fruit. These foods contribute to your wellbeing rather than depleting it. They are natural foods coming directly from Mother Nature. OK – so some fruits are picked off the vine or tree too early – nonetheless they are still better than heavily processed sweet snacks. Do not get me wrong the salty snacks are just as much of a problem. And they are often filled with sugar as well. Remember to read your labels for these 2 health robbing culprits.

Tip #3 Perfecting Your Mealtime Habit. If you miss meals, you are more vulnerable to those sticky and gooey food items. Do not end up starving and grabbing anything in sight!

Rule #1 Do not miss meals. It stresses your body and often causes blood sugar swings leading to looking for your next candy fix. Start your day off with a well-balanced meal – not cheerios and 2% milk – these are highly processed foods and lacking in sustainable nutrition. In fact, most foods we consider breakfast items – cereals, bagels, breads, pancakes are filled with empty calories and set the stage for the rest of the day. You load up on these starches and discover for the rest of the day you want more of the same.

The foods you have for lunch or dinner could be a better breakfast choice for you. Ok so you may not want to have prime rib for breakfast but how about salmon leftovers in your morning omelet - sounds yummy – right? Always choose proteins and carbohydrates – vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, beans, or grains for your meals. Remember your meals should put you into balance not out of balance.