What You’ll Learn in This Article:
- 3 Reasons Why Sugar is Bad for Your Health
- A High Sugar Diet Can Harm Mental Health
- Sugar Can Cause Skin to Age More Quickly
- Sugar Can Increase Your Risk of Cancer
- The 6 Best Ways to Beat Sugar Cravings
- Incorporate Glutamine Into Your Morning
- Eat More Protein
- Take a Shot of Pickle Juice
- Fill Your Plate With More Whole Foods
- Try MCT Oil
- Hydrate
It is hard to avoid added sugar in our modern world. Sugar is added to everything from fruit juice to bacon. No wonder so many people struggle to tame their inner sugar demon!
More and more research is surfacing about the negative effects of sugar on our health. Let’s take a look at 3 of the biggest reasons to quit sugar, and then dive into strategies to reduce sugar intake.
Why Sugar is Bad for Your Health
1.) A High Sugar Diet Can Harm Mental Health
Research is also showing that a diet full of processed, high sugar foods is associated with a higher risk of depression.
Scientists believe that blood sugar swings, poor neurotransmitter regulation, and inflammation are at the root of sugar’s negative effects on mental health.
2.) Sugar Can Cause Skin to Age More Quickly
While wrinkles and fine lines are a beautiful part of the natural aging process, it’s a sign of poor skin health if they happen prematurely.
Poor food choices can speed up the aging process in skin, and make wrinkles worse. AGEs, or advanced glycation end products, are compounds that the body forms when sugar and protein react. AGEs are thought to play a role in skin aging.
Research has shown that eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar increases the production of AGEs, ultimately leading to premature aging of the skin.
AGEs also harm collagen, the main protein in the skin that helps create skin elasticity and a youthful appearance.
3.) Sugar Can Increase Your Risk of Cancer
Last, but not least, one of the main reasons to reduce sugar consumption is to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
Research has shown a link between high sugar consumption and an increased risk of cancer.
Additionally, diets high in sugar increase inflammation throughout the body, which also increases the risk of cancer.
Let’s take a look at the 6 best ways to beat sugar cravings:
1.) Incorporate Glutamine Into Your Morning
Say hi to glutamine! Glutamine is an amino acid that helps to balance blood sugar and reduce sugar cravings. Incorporating glutamine into your morning set you on the right foot to minimize sugar cravings all day.
One of the best ways to get glutamine is through collagen. Try adding our Collagen Creamer to your morning coffee or tea for sugar crushing deliciousness.
2.) Eat more protein
Protein is the real MVP! When you are not getting enough protein, cravings can take over. In fact, protein has been shown to stop the reward cycle in the brain that leads you to reach for more sugary foods.
A great trick is to enjoy a protein rich meal as your first meal of the day. This allows your body to feel satiated throughout the remainder of the day.
Our Collagen Creamer is a great way to add more protein throughout the day. Adding it to nut milk, tea, or coffee throughout the day is a great way to boost protein intake.
3.) Take a Shot of Pickle Juice
I know, sounds a little extreme, right? Well don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it! Pickle juice is full of healthy probiotics and minerals that can help combat sugar cravings. Sugar cravings can be caused by mineral deficiencies, and so the sodium and potassium in pickle juice may help.
Try taking a quick shot of pickle juice next time you’re looking to grab something sweet. You’ll be surprised by how fast and effective this simple hack can be!
4.) Fill your plate with whole foods
The more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods you eat, the better your body is able to manage the cravings. When your body has the nutrients it needs, it is far less likely to experience cravings. Ensuring that you eat a wide variety of hearty, whole foods will help you decrease your cravings.
5.) Try MCT Oil
MCT Oil is a super hero food! It is a fat derived from coconuts. It does so many amazing things. First, sugar cravings can be caused by the fluctuating blood sugar. One of the cool benefits of MCT Oil is that it may support a healthy blood sugar balance.
A small study of 40 volunteers with uncontrolled blood sugar regulation, found that those who were given daily doses of MCT oil had reduced body weight, insulin resistance, and waist circumference.
Adding MCT Oil to your morning is a great way to set yourself up for a balanced day. Additionally, it provides a great source of fuel for the brain that can support focus and concentration, making it even easier to not seek out sweet treats.
Our Collagen Creamer has a high quality MCT oil powder incorporated into it. Allowing you to get the benefits of collagen and MCT oil all in one!
6.) Hydrate
When our body does not have enough water, it can cause all sorts of issues! Be sure to drink at least 8 cups of water a day. Drinking water when you have a sugar cravings is surprisingly effective! Try drinking a glass of water next time you want to seek out a bit of sugar. One study at the University of Washington found that drinking 8 ounces of water dramatically reduced nighttime cravings for the research participants.
What have you found to be effective at reducing cravings? Share in the comments below!