When it comes to controlling sugar, a lot of people find it challenging. I remember when I used to take a lot of sugar, I can take milo, milk and use 3 to 4 cubes of sugar just so it can be very sweet, I drink coke, Fanta, sprite and minerals a lot. I can't go a day without any of these. I have learnt to control my sugar intake and it wasn't easy, sometimes I feel like the food is not sweet because I haven't added much sugar. Initially, I thought I was doing myself a favour not knowing I was only doing harm to myself.
Image is mine
I started watching my sugar when I saw an article on the dangers of too much sugar. The article stated ways to watch ones sugar and I followed it and it works for me.
Here is how I learnt to control my sugar:
I started by reading the label on each drink, you'll be shocked at how much sugar is in drinks we thought were healthy like yogurt.
I also reduced the drinks I took, before I couldn't go a day without two or more bottles or cans of drinks. But after I saw the article I had to reduce it. Now I take mostly water, tea without sugar and black coffee. Initially, when I started this, drinks were really tasteless but with time, my taste bud adjusted.
Now to answer the question: if there is no sugar in drinks, will I still drink them? Of course I will, I can drink beverages without sugar.
Me cutting down my sugar intake doesn't mean I don't take sugar, but instead of taking the artificial sugar, I'll go for the natural sugar.
When I feel like taking sugar I'll take fruits like apple, banana, or mango, at least that will satisfy my sweet tooth and also gives me the necessary nutrients my body needs.
I make cakes, bread, meatpies and others, now when baking you'll need to add sugar, sometimes I experiment with honey or maple syrup to add sweetness.
I got to understand that instead of me to deprive myself of sugar completely knowing that I'll crave it more, I cut down the sugar gradually instead.
I also eat more protein and healthy fats. For example when I'm taking my breakfast I add eggs and avocado to it, this way my meal is balanced and I won't crave sugar afterwards.
Cutting down my sugar wasnt easy at all. There are times I have craved a sugary treats especially during special occasions but I have come to realize that the longer I stick with lower sugar intake, the easier it gets.
One unexpected benefit I've noticed is that I have more stable energy throughout the day. When I used to eat a lot of sugar, I'd have energy spikes and crashes. Now, I feel more balanced.
I am not saying that what works me will work for you, but I think the key is to make small, sustainable changes over time.
