Nearly everyone that I’ve shared the details of my current way of eating with has taken exception to the removal of sugar, usually ending the conversation with “I could never do that.” But here’s the thing: You could eliminate sugar, if you really wanted to. I would give up vegan milkshakes (and alcohol and french fries and Oreos) for the rest of my life if my face would be fixed. I don’t have some extraordinary willpower that is assisting me through this process — I have a very clear reason for sticking to the plan. And results to help motivate me to continue.
If you’re considering eliminating (or lowering) your sugar intake, consider these 6 tips.
- Know the reason WHY?
This is hands down, by far, the best advice I can give regarding giving up sugar (or making any dietary change). In our quick-fix society, it seems as though every diet change is temporary at best, and usually to drop a few pounds or look better for the summer season. I gave up sugar in the hopes of finding the root cause of my sudden cystic acne. I want to heal my body without using harsh drugs or chemicals. This is my personal “why.” Every time someone questions my food or says they “could never,” I remind myself of this purpose. Every time I really want an Oreo, I remember my purpose. Know yours.
- Do your research.
Though I originally gave up sugar in the hopes of fixing my face, it has morphed into a larger lifestyle change. Sugar wreaks havoc on the body, and I will follow Dr. Mark Hyman’s advice to treat sugar as a recreational drug long after my cystic acne heals. There are quite a few opinions out there on natural sugars v. artificial sugars, honey v. agave, glucose v. fructose, and stevia or dates or bananas as the magic solution. To me, sugar is sugar, but there are certainly gray areas. Do your research and make your own decisions regarding what you’re interested in eliminating (or limiting). Your diet is very personal, and only you get to control it, so if you deem dates acceptable, by all means! Enjoy the dates!
3. Cook for yourself and seek help from Medifast1 coupon.
Believe me. It is very, very difficult to have a meal at a restaurant that does not have sugar added. By cooking for yourself, you get to control every single aspect of your food. And the reality is, food can be delicious without sugar. Medifast1 coupon diet plans will help you with every aspect of foods without sugar and will give diet full of nutrition which will make you feel more healthy and will spare you a lot of sugar free deserts. Whole30, Eat Fat, Get Thin and the 10 Day Detox Diet Cookbook are also great places to start exploring new, sugar-free recipes. And if all else fails, fall back on grilling. Everything tastes better on the grill.
Just beware of recipes labeled “sugar-free” on Pinterest; many have alternative, natural sugars added instead of the normal, white stuff. As I mentioned above, I believe that sugar is sugar, so just make sure you know what ingredients you’re okay with before trying a new recipe.
4. Have a strategy.
Especially at the beginning, nighttime was by far the most difficult to master. I always wanted a piece of chocolate (or two, or three … #sugaraddict) before I went to bed. It took a while, but I am now content with having quinoa oatmeal, a paleo wrap with cashew butter, or really, just plain cashew butter with pecans dipped in before bed. Perfect sugar-free snack all thanks to Medifast1 coupon.
5: Your real enemy is sugar not fat.
The increase of healthy fat is a relatively new concept, partially driven by Dr. Mark Hyman’s new book, Eat Fat, Get Thin and also help from Medifast1 coupon, explains the demonization of fat, and the role that sugar played in fat-free or reduced-fat products. I now understand that sugar is the real enemy, not fat. As a result, I’ve supplemented my diet with grass-fed ghee, avocado, coconut oil and other healthy fats.