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“Sugar, ah, honey, honey”… How many of you are old enough to remember that song by the Archies?
Well, believe it or not, there are hundreds of songs that reference sugar, candy or sweets. Have we become obsessed with sugar? Until recently, the effects of sugar were unknown, but we know differently now. Sugar, derived from sugar cane, wreaks havoc on our bodies and our health. Regular consumption of sugary foods is one of the WORST things that you can do for your health.
Is your body giving you signals about your declining health? Are you listening?
Sugar is linked to hair loss, ADD/ADHD, skin irritations, tooth decay, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, allergies, depression, dizziness, and insomnia. I don’t know about you, but NO THANKS!
According to the American Heart Association, the average American consumes about 20 teaspoons of sugar a day. A DAY! That’s over 300 wasted calories, since sugar does not offer any nutritional value that our bodies need.
Let me tell you a little more about my story. Sugar used to have me wrapped around its little finger. I was addicted. I could eat an entire sleeve of Oreos in one sitting and I craved something sweet ALL – THE – TIME!
I started the day with sugary cereal washed down with a glass of OJ in the morning, fruit snacks, Rice Krispy treats and a Diet Coke during the day and some chocolaty goodness at night. Even as I write this it’s crazy to think that I ate like that!!
In my mid-20’s I started having recurring migraines. I remember always having a stash of Excedrin Migraine on me at all times. I always thought it was just from working too much, or not getting enough sleep, etc. But, it wasn’t until I changed my ways that I realized the impact sugar was having on my body. Guess what? I got the migraines to STOP and I honestly don’t remember the last time I bought Excedrin Migraine.
So, here’s what I did.
Cut out all artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame (the stuff in the pink and blue packets and in Diet sodas).
Used only Stevia to sweeten drinks, like my daily green or rooibos tea.
Limited added sugar to 6 teaspoons or 25 grams per day.
Started reading food labels and would only buy foods with <10 grams of sugar. – Even my girls know this is still a rule in our house.
Avoided all foods that contain High Fructose Corn Syrup in the ingredients.
Started drinking water (when I started, I literally did not drink more than 1 glass—if that, a day!)
Increased my consumption of whole foods like lean protein, vegetables, fruits and healthy fats.
Now I am challenging YOU to kick that sugar craving in the “you know what”! Are you up for the FREE 5-Day Sugar Shake Off Challenge? We’ll be avoiding added sugars for 5 days straight and at just the perfect time following all of that Halloween candy! The Sugar Shake Off Challenge will take place November 7-11. Participate in the challenge for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
SIGN UP HERE, and tell your friends to join you!
Your biggest cheerleader,
Nat
