Sugar has a bad reputation in weight loss circles. While it can undermine your dieting goals, sugar occurs naturally in a wide range of foods, many of which are a healthy part of a weight loss regimen.
The Effects of Sugar on Your Body
Your body is a master at converting it to energy to maintain cell functions. However, excessive sugar consumption is linked to a host of serious medical conditions. It increases your likelihood of experiencing one or more of the following conditions:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Fatty liver disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
Tips To Reduce Daily Sugar Intake
Read Nutrition Labels
Knowing how to properly read nutrition labels is one of the most health-supporting skills you can have. In this case, you want to focus on the added sugars portion. This trumps total sugar in most cases, since certain foods are high in natural sugar but are still very healthy overall. Try to keep your added daily sugar intake to 25 grams (about six teaspoons) or less for the best results.
Record Your Food and Drinks
It’s easy to go over your planned sugar intake when you don’t keep track of your food and drinks (Hint: A single glass of sweet tea may put you over the recommended level). Start recording everything you eat and drink so you have a better idea of how much sugar you consume daily.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
Keep a stock of healthy, low-sugar snacks on hand for those times when you want something. Its effectiveness at keeping you from reaching for a candy bar might surprise you. Nuts, fresh and dried fruit, and low-sugar dark chocolate are all great options. If you are still overindulging, look into whether phentermine can help curb some of those cravings.
Sugar can be part of a healthy lifestyle; however, you should avoid eating too much added sugar. Limit your consumption by keeping healthy foods on hand, tracking your food and drink intake, and reading nutrition labels. Medical support to reduce cravings and help control your appetite may also help.
