3 Ways to Kick Your Sugar Habit for Good, According to a Nutritionist
We know sugar isn’t great for us, but it’s just so hard to quit. As it turns out, it’s not just our willpower: According researchers at the University of Michigan, sugar can be addictive in a similar way to drugs and alcohol (including withdrawal symptoms). We checked in with Dr. Jim LaValle, R.Ph., C.C.N., a clinical pharmacist, author and board-certified clinical nutritionist, for his tips on cutting back on sugar without going crazy.
Take Baby Steps
Going cold turkey is great in theory, but almost impossible in reality. According to Dr. LaValle, taking a slower approach could be the key to long-term success. “If you normally take two teaspoons of sugar in your coffee, cut down to one for a week, then one-half the next week,” he said. “Eventually, you’ll get to the point where you won’t need sugar at all.”
Watch Out for Hidden Sugar
Just because you aren’t stuffing your face with cookies and candy and syrupy Starbucks drinks doesn’t mean you aren’t consuming sugar. “Cough syrups, chewing gum, tomato sauce, baked beans, soups, salad dressings and lunch meats often contain hidden sugar,” Dr. LaValle says. Some of the biggest culprits, he added, are fresh fruit smoothies, sports drinks and bars. Read those ingredient lists, friends.
Find Ways to De-Stress
Per Dr. LaValle, stress can make you crave sugar, since eating sweets can help increase production of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter. To avoid a stress-induced candy binge, Dr. LaValle suggests taking “stress-balancing supplements that contain ingredients like rhodiola, ashwagandha or B vitamins and GABA, which can help counteract stress hormones and support better serotonin production without having to resort to sweets.” Beyond supplements, here are some more easy ways to de-stress your life.
Video: The best fast-food items for people on Weight Watchers (Courtesy: Buzz60)
-
Cold vs. heat: Which is more dangerous — and why?Extreme cold and heat can be deadly, but which is more deadly often depends on where you live, how you can protect yourself and how healthy you are.Newsy
-
FDA gets failing grade in protecting kids from e-cigarettesA report from the American Lung Association gave the FDA a failing grade due to a "lack of concrete actions."Newsy
-
Top 5 health threats for 2019A steadily increasing minority of people have begun refusing vaccines for themselves and their children even when they are readily available to prevent the spread of diseases.Medical Daily
-
Cold vs. heat: Which is more dangerous — and why?
-
FDA gets failing grade in protecting kids from e-cigarettes
-
Top 5 health threats for 2019
Medical Daily 2:51 -
Psychology professor analyzes why people hate Tom Brady
-
Heavy and binge drinking may rewrite your DNA new study shows
-
Sleep study explains how stress is affecting your dreams
-
Is CBD safe? Everything to know about the hemp derivative
-
Would you trust a doctor with tattoos and piercings?
-
People want health insurance, not an office ping pong table
-
Is the ‘Setpoint Diet’ the key to keeping weight off for good?
-
Things to always tell your doctor
-
Study links increased screen time with delayed child development
Medical Daily 1:19 -
Man saves woman's life using CPR he learned from TV's 'The Office'
-
You're brushing your teeth all wrong! Here's the right way to do it
-
Why we think we love rigid and restrictive diet plans
-
How having tattoos affects your sex life and your mental health