One of the most difficult addictions to overcome is sugar, but it is also the most important one to kick to the curb. According to nutritional studies, the overconsumption of sugar is just as harmful to your health as drinking alcohol or smoking.
Wondering what’s so wrong about an occasional dessert? Well, you might be surprised to learn that sugar is found in nearly all of the foods we eat, not just the sweets. Below are the top reasons to end your sugar addiction for good. It’s time to say goodbye to sugar cravings – for your health’s sake!
Because You Want to Have Strong and Healthy Teeth
Most people don’t think much about their teeth while consuming sugary foods and drinks, but the key to good oral health is to avoid excessive sugar. It’s no myth. Sugar will begin to rot your teeth over time if you sip too much soda, consume excess cookies, or eat a lot of sugary foods. Sugar clings to the enamel on the teeth and strips it of calcium, which leads to decay. If you suffer from a sweet tooth try to incorporate all-natural sugar products instead of table sugar. Opt for honey in your tea or a small packet of Stevia in your morning coffee. Stick to all-natural foods.
Because You Like Being Slim and Trim
Sugar has the power to transform into fat in your body. Countless studies show a connection between fructose consumption and obesity. The overconsumption of sugar can lead to other diseases as well. Fatty liver disease (not caused by alcoholism) and type 2 diabetes are two of the more common problems that can arise from too much sugar in your daily diet.
Because Your Heart Longs to Be Healthy Too
Sugar sneaks its way into many different types of food, from dairy, bread, fruit, and popular snacks like trail mix and coffee creamers. Studies show that too much sugar can impact your heart and your health. When you eat sugar there is a rise in blood glucose level. When this occurs, your blood vessels stop working, as they should. Efficiency is compromised. As a result, you are at risk for heart disease. It is important to monitor your daily-added sugar intake to reach no more than nine teaspoons a day.
Because You Want to Continue Losing Weight
If you want to lose weight, you should avoid eating sugar. The bottom line is that when sugar is not burned off right away, it is stored in the body as fat. Diets high in sugar and carbohydrates ultimately lead to obesity, not weight loss. If you want to lose weight, sugar needs to be the first food to go.
Because You Want to Be as Healthy as Possible
Too much sugar leads to anxiety and mood swings. It makes sense. Just as sugar causes spikes in blood levels, it also leads to hills and valleys in mental health. Studies show that sugar causes hyperactivity and compromises the ability to concentrate. No matter how much you exercise, sugar will jeopardize your health.
Because You Want More Energy
Eating simple sugars will lead to an energy crash approximately one to two hours following consumption. Avoid foods like candy, chips, soda, cookies, or cake, which will decrease your energy level. Focus attention on quality foods that are high in nutrients and natural sugar. Such foods include bananas, fresh-squeezed juice, apples, or a single glass of milk.
Because You Want to Feel Sexy for You and Your Partner
When you feel healthy on the inside, you feel better on the outside. By cutting sugar, you will naturally slim down and begin feeling sexier. Your confidence will improve because you are becoming healthier on the inside and out. Feeling good about yourself carries over into all areas of life, including your relationships.
Because You Want to Boost Brain Power
While you might feel a boost of energy initially when sugar is consumed, you will find that your ability to focus and concentrate will decrease a few hours later. A sugar rush slows endorphins in the brain. With endorphin release compromised, you may feel blue and unhappy.
Because You Want a Stronger Immune System
Even if you are taking a vitamin C supplement, excessive sugar in your blood stream will prevent the vitamin from carrying out its job. Your immune system’s ability to fight off illness and disease will be compromised. Sugar is taxing on the body, causing it to feel run down and sluggish. As a result, you become more susceptible to germs and illnesses.
Because You Want to Make Healthy Living a Top Priority
In order to possess a strong body you must focus 80 percent of your attention on nutrition and 20 percent on exercise. Excess sugar causes crashes in both your blood sugar and dopamine levels. To feel your best, you must avoid sugar entirely.
The Bottom Line . . .
While completely avoiding sugar can be unrealistic to many people, eating in moderation helps. Stay informed about the foods you are putting in your mouth. Pay attention to the amount of sugar in your food and drink and determine if the instant gratification is worth damaging your long-term health. When you tally up the amount of sugar you eat in a day, the number might surprise you. Let that number shock you into making wise choices for your body’s health.
