Sugar Archives - yourdailysportfix.com yourdailysportfix.com Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:49:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://yourdailysportfix.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-FAVICON_2-32x32.png Sugar Archives - yourdailysportfix.com 32 32 Looking to Cut Back on Sugar? Here’s How to Make it Easier https://yourdailysportfix.com/looking-to-cut-back-on-sugar-heres-how-to-make-it-easier/ Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:18:00 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=24089 We hear it all the time—sugar is bad, sugar is toxic, sugar will wreak havoc on your health. While it’s true that sugar isn’t exactly a superfood, you don’t necessarily need to eliminate it entirely. As with most things, moderation is key, and there can absolutely be room for small amounts of sugar in an […]

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]]> We hear it all the time—sugar is bad, sugar is toxic, sugar will wreak havoc on your health. While it’s true that sugar isn’t exactly a superfood, you don’t necessarily need to eliminate it entirely. As with most things, moderation is key, and there can absolutely be room for small amounts of sugar in an otherwise balanced diet. That said, ideally, it’s best to eat as little as possible, but reducing sugar consumption tends to be easier said than done. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar but aren’t sure where to start, read on for some tips to help make it easier.

Read Labels Carefully

Learning to properly interpret nutrition labels and recognize all of the different names for added sugar is essential when trying to reduce sugar consumption. As you shop for groceries, thoroughly read the ingredient lists on pre-packaged foods, keeping an eye out for terms such as sucrose, glucose, and high-fructose corn syrup, which are all just fancy names for sugar.

Choose Whole Foods

Whole foods almost always contain less sugar than their processed counterparts, so prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains as the foundation of your diet. Cooking from scratch not only makes it easier to limit added sugar by giving you more control over the ingredients, but you’re also less likely to default to sugary treats if you need to make them yourself.

Cut Back Slowly

Quitting sugar cold turkey can be difficult and may end up leading to junk food binges, so consider taking a gradual approach by adding less sugar to your tea or coffee and slowly cutting back on treats and desserts. Experiment with healthier alternatives like fruit, yogurt, or dark chocolate to satisfy cravings as your taste buds adjust.

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]]> Common Causes of Sugar Cravings & What to Do About Them https://yourdailysportfix.com/common-causes-of-sugar-cravings-what-to-do-about-them/ Sat, 23 Sep 2023 16:17:00 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=23883 Sugar is a complicated thing—on the one hand, our brains require glucose to function, and not consuming enough carbs can lead to a host of issues such as low blood sugar, fatigue, and heart palpitations. On the other hand, too much sugar can be just as detrimental to our health, especially when that sugar comes […]

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]]> Sugar is a complicated thing—on the one hand, our brains require glucose to function, and not consuming enough carbs can lead to a host of issues such as low blood sugar, fatigue, and heart palpitations. On the other hand, too much sugar can be just as detrimental to our health, especially when that sugar comes in the form of refined, highly processed foods. So what should we do when sugar cravings strike? Read on to learn more about what causes sugar cravings and some tips for how to curb them.

What Causes Sugar Cravings?

The most common culprit behind sugar cravings is simply imbalanced blood sugar levels. Consuming large quantities of sugary foods, especially on an otherwise empty stomach, causes your blood sugar to spike and crash rapidly, leading the body to crave more sugar to maintain energy levels. Emotional factors also shouldn’t be overlooked, as stress triggers the release of hormones that are known to increase sugar cravings.

How to Reduce Cravings

To keep blood sugar levels balanced throughout the day, make sure that your meals include plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Not only will this make a big difference in reducing the intensity and frequency of sugar cravings, it’ll also help you feel fuller for longer so you’re less likely to turn to sugary treats in the first place. 

If you still feel the urge to snack, swap cookies and candy with naturally sweet alternatives like fruit or dark chocolate. with higher cocoa content. For stress-related cravings, try practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing to help manage emotional triggers.

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]]> Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for You? https://yourdailysportfix.com/are-artificial-sweeteners-bad-for-you/ Mon, 29 May 2023 08:19:00 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=22983 During the past few years, sugar has become persona non grata. The sweet stuff has been banned from the party, with dozens of alternatives popping up to take its place. Many of us cut out sugar in a bid to be more healthy, but do artificial sweeteners actually do more harm than good? While sugar is […]

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]]> During the past few years, sugar has become persona non grata. The sweet stuff has been banned from the party, with dozens of alternatives popping up to take its place. Many of us cut out sugar in a bid to be more healthy, but do artificial sweeteners actually do more harm than good?

While sugar is natural and derived from a plant, artificial sweeteners are created in laboratories. Sugar is also a source of energy. That said, too much of it can definitely up your calorie intake which is not ideal if you’re trying to drop a few pounds.

Artificial sweeteners tend to be super sweet, meaning just a little goes a long way. You’ve probably seen a sachet or two at a coffee shop, but sugar alternatives appear in a variety of items. Think diet sodas. The substitutes can also be found in chewing gum, ice cream, bread, bottled fruit juice, yogurt, and condiments. 

The World Health Organisation has warned that continued consumption of these artificial sweeteners could lead to an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Some people also report experiencing headaches and constipation or bloating.

Cases of serious health risks caused by sugar substitutes are extremely low, meaning you needn’t freak out. Everything in moderation, of course. But if you are trying to cut sugar out of your diet, rather opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. 

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]]> How to Cut Out Sugar Without Going Crazy https://yourdailysportfix.com/how-to-cut-out-sugar-without-going-crazy/ Tue, 20 Dec 2022 16:54:00 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=21475 We’ve all heard how bad sugar is for us, but that doesn’t make it any easier to stop consuming the sweetener. A bit of sugar in our diets is totally fine, as is having an indulgent day every now and again, but it is added sugar that can lead to a host of health risks. […]

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]]> We’ve all heard how bad sugar is for us, but that doesn’t make it any easier to stop consuming the sweetener. A bit of sugar in our diets is totally fine, as is having an indulgent day every now and again, but it is added sugar that can lead to a host of health risks. Eating sugar in excess also increases our tolerance, meaning we need more to feel satisfied. Here are ways to cut back on the sweet stuff without feeling deprived. 

Keep an Eye on Your Intake

The first step is identifying how much sugar you actually consume. According to the World Health Organisation, our daily intake should be 25 grams of added sugar for a 2,000-calorie diet. On average, Americans are consuming around 80 grams per day!

Sugar Can Be Sneaky

It’s one thing to stay away from obviously sugary foods, but even “natural sugar” is still sugar. Look out for honey, agave nectar, barley malt, and corn sweetener. That said, things like a bowl of grapes or a baked sweet potato can help to curb those sweet cravings. 

DIY Your Recipes

We’re not suggesting that you cut out sugar cold turkey. But you may find that store-bought items contain way more amounts of sugar than necessary. If you’re craving a cookie, try making your own—that way you can limit exactly how much sugar goes in. 

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]]> Foods That Are Surprisingly High In Sugar https://yourdailysportfix.com/foods-that-are-surprisingly-high-in-sugar/ Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:18:00 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=18234 Cutting back on sugar is one of the best things we can do in order to improve both mental and physical health. This, however, can be very challenging due to the fact that there are many foods we eat on a daily basis that still hide sugar. Here are some surprising foods to avoid if […]

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]]> Cutting back on sugar is one of the best things we can do in order to improve both mental and physical health. This, however, can be very challenging due to the fact that there are many foods we eat on a daily basis that still hide sugar. Here are some surprising foods to avoid if you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake.

Ketchup

Most people know that ketchup is not the healthiest condiment, and the main reason why it’s unhealthy is because it’s packed with sugar.

Smoothies

Smoothies are associated with healthy diet nowadays, and they actually can be healthy if they’re not packed with added sugar. That’s why it’s best to avoid pre-made smoothies and make healthy drinks at home.

Protein Bars

Most protein bars are packed with added sugar and unhealthy sweeteners, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re trying to cut back on sugar.

Sports Drinks

The main reason why professional athletes consume sports drinks after intense workouts is because it’s great for boosting energy. This, of course, is due to the fact that these drinks contain a lot of sugar.

Granola

Much like smoothies, granola can be healthy if you prepare it at home and don’t add too much sugar. Otherwise, make sure to check the ingredient list when buying granola because they usually contain lots of sugar.

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]]> Are You Craving Sugar? Here’s What it Could Mean https://yourdailysportfix.com/are-you-craving-sugar-heres-what-it-could-mean/ Sat, 05 Dec 2020 14:32:41 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=14748 Can you not think of completing a meal without a sweet treat or are you always craving cookies? While sugar cravings can be overwhelming, they can actually mean your body is needing or missing something. There may be more to your sweet tooth and here’s what you should ask yourself next time you have a […]

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]]> Can you not think of completing a meal without a sweet treat or are you always craving cookies? While sugar cravings can be overwhelming, they can actually mean your body is needing or missing something. There may be more to your sweet tooth and here’s what you should ask yourself next time you have a sugar craving.

Did You Cut Out Foods or Food Groups?

Often times the trigger for a sweet tooth comes when you’ve changed your diet or restricted particular foods. You may be able to get rid of these cravings by simply eating these foods.

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Are You Eating Enough?

If you skip meals or eat small portion, your not getting enough calories and your body looks for the quickest way to get energy, which is often sweets.

Are You Eating Three Food Groups at Meals?

At each meal it’s important to eat carbs, protein, and fat to keep you full. When you don’t get your macronutrients, it can trigger sugar cravings.

Are You Stressed?

Stress has a huge impact on eating habits as it can cause a loss of appetite or increase cravings. If you find yourself eating sweets when you’re stressed, try and find better ways to manage your stress like through yoga, writing, walking, or meditation.

Are You Sleeping?

Not getting enough sleep can increase your sugar cravings. You should be getting between seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

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]]> Tips for Cutting Back on Sugar This Holiday Season https://yourdailysportfix.com/tips-for-cutting-back-on-sugar-this-holiday-season/ Sat, 05 Dec 2020 08:02:52 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=14735 During the holiday season eating healthily is harder than ever with all of the seasonal drinks, desserts, and alcohol. Holiday food often has tons of sugar and to enjoy the treats this time of year you don’t have to give up sweets completely, you can just limit your sugar intake. Here are some tips for […]

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]]> During the holiday season eating healthily is harder than ever with all of the seasonal drinks, desserts, and alcohol. Holiday food often has tons of sugar and to enjoy the treats this time of year you don’t have to give up sweets completely, you can just limit your sugar intake. Here are some tips for cutting back on sugar during the holiday season.

Enjoy Small Indulgences

Stick with the sugary treats you can’t live without and have a small amount of them each day. A few small squares of dark chocolate, a tiny slice of cake, a small cookie, or a cup of hot chocolate are fine to enjoy once a day.

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Swap Sweets for Fruit

Instead of having sweets, eat fruit, which has natural sugar and will solve your sugar craving. Fruit is loaded with fiber and nutrients. In baked goods, replace sugar with applesauce or make “nice cream” for dessert.

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Use Spices in Holiday Drinks

Punch, spritzers, and dessert coffees are loaded with sugar. So instead, add non-sugar flavor enhancers like cinnamon, vanilla, and mint to your drinks.

Know Your Triggers

When you know what foods tempt you, you can be more prepared to limit your intake of them. Try keeping fewer sweets in your house and if you do have them, store them in the pantry so you won’t see them all the time.

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]]> 3 Benefits of Cutting Down Your Sugar Intake https://yourdailysportfix.com/3-benefits-of-cutting-down-your-sugar-intake/ Sat, 11 Jan 2020 09:08:31 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=7392 Sweet foods are addictive, you crave them at the end of a meal or when you’re bored. Whist these sweet foods are so tasty, they also contain sugar which is not good for you or your body. Too much sugar not only influences weight gain, but it can also affect your body in many different ways. […]

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]]> Sweet foods are addictive, you crave them at the end of a meal or when you’re bored. Whist these sweet foods are so tasty, they also contain sugar which is not good for you or your body. Too much sugar not only influences weight gain, but it can also affect your body in many different ways.

Mood

To focus throughout the day your brain requires energy in the form of glucose from carbohydrates. But when you eat sugary carbs these will make your blood sugar levels rise and then crash which in turn leads to tiredness and a bad mood. So it’s important to eat more complex carbohydrates such as wholegrain bread, brown rice, and quinoa. They release energy slowly keeping your blood sugar level steady.

Fitness

Everything you consume has an effect on your body when you workout and a diet which is high in sugar can have a huge effect on your fitness levels. As important as eating carbs are to give you energy during the workout they have to be the right carbs. Eating whole grains before your workout help you work out for longer, get stronger and recovering faster.

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If I had a dollar for every time I watched someone visibly crumble because the scale stayed the same, or went up, I would be sitting on the beach in the Turks right now. It’s time to start thinking about your health as more than just a number on a scale. While I think it’s relevant to know what you weigh, it’s just a number. A number that doesn’t differentiate between muscle mass, water weight, your cycle, bowel movements, and what you’ve physically put in your body recently. When you’re on a weight loss journey or really just want to shed 5 lb, I challenge you to think of the root reason behind your goals OUTSIDE of just your weight. Is it really the satisfaction of seeing the number on the scale go down? Or is it because you feel uncomfortable in your clothes (or lack thereof)? Or you got a scary lab result? You want to feel more confident in your body? You have been feeling down, and just want to do something to improve your mood/sleep/self esteem? Celebrate those wins and build yourself UP instead of obsessing over the scale. Examples of BIG Victories include – your clothes fitting better! – improved mood and self esteem – higher quality sleep – feeling stronger and more physically capable – crushing fitness goals – generally feeling BETTER, fewer aches and pains – improved labs – confidence – more energy And ALL of these can be accomplished through diet, exercise, and rest. They may be less measurable than a number on a scale, but focused more internally on how you feel. Whats a non scale victory you’ve experienced recently?

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Your Skin

Foods which are high in sugar are digested quickly and can cause high insulin levels and can aggravate acne. The way to combat this is to stay away from the sugar and consume more whole grains with B vitamins that will be good for your skin.

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]]> How to Feel Confident in Your Body https://yourdailysportfix.com/how-to-feel-confident-in-your-body/ Sun, 13 Oct 2019 11:47:19 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=6699 It doesn’t matter if you’re fit or have some pounds to shed, it’s important to feel confident in your own body. A positive body image often isn’t reflected in the picture you see in the mirror. A perfect weight doesn’t guarantee confidence, just as the confidence isn’t determined by looking flawless. Here are some tips […]

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]]> It doesn’t matter if you’re fit or have some pounds to shed, it’s important to feel confident in your own body. A positive body image often isn’t reflected in the picture you see in the mirror. A perfect weight doesn’t guarantee confidence, just as the confidence isn’t determined by looking flawless. Here are some tips that will help you feel more confident in your body.

Avoid Sugar and White Flour

Refined sugar that you can find in store-bought sweets, sodas, ice-cream, sauces, just like plain white bread and pastry made with white flour are all transformed into simple sugar in your body. It messes with your hormones and can lead to weight gain. The bad thing is that it’s highly addictive. The good news is that you only need to last 3 weeks in order to break the habit.

Focus on Greens

Leafy greens will provide you with complex carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that will help you feel healthier and more confident knowing that you’re doing something good for your body.

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Weight Training

Weight training is something that can quickly help you look more toned and feel stronger, which is why it’s a great workout option for both men and women.

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]]> 3 Simple Ways to Stop Eating So Much Sugar https://yourdailysportfix.com/3-simple-ways-to-stop-eating-so-much-sugar/ Fri, 11 Oct 2019 08:36:25 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=6684 Sugar is quickly becoming one of the most hated foods among health-aware people and more and more people are looking for ways to ban it from their diet. That’s not as easy as it seems, because sugar is virtually everywhere. As long as you’re eating pre-packed food, chances are you’re taking sugar without even knowing […]

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]]> Sugar is quickly becoming one of the most hated foods among health-aware people and more and more people are looking for ways to ban it from their diet. That’s not as easy as it seems, because sugar is virtually everywhere. As long as you’re eating pre-packed food, chances are you’re taking sugar without even knowing it. Here are 3 simple ways to reduce the amount of sugar you eat.

Cut Off Drinks

Cutting off sodas is an obvious way to reduce sugar intake, but you also don’t want to drink energy drinks, fruit juices, and coffees high in fat and calories. Plain water, unsweetened tea, and black coffee should be your go-to beverages.

Avoid Desserts

Desserts are made to be delicious and to make you want to eat more of them. But they don’t really provide you with the nutrients your body needs, so you’re better off without them.

Avoid Sauces

It’s one thing to make your own sauce with ingredients of your choosing, but store-bought ketchup, barbecue sauce, and many other sauces and condiments often come packed with sugar, even though they don’t taste sweet!

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]]> ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> Sugar Archives - yourdailysportfix.com yourdailysportfix.com Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:49:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://yourdailysportfix.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-FAVICON_2-32x32.png Sugar Archives - yourdailysportfix.com 32 32 Looking to Cut Back on Sugar? Here’s How to Make it Easier https://yourdailysportfix.com/looking-to-cut-back-on-sugar-heres-how-to-make-it-easier/ Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:18:00 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=24089 We hear it all the time—sugar is bad, sugar is toxic, sugar will wreak havoc on your health. While it’s true that sugar isn’t exactly a superfood, you don’t necessarily need to eliminate it entirely. As with most things, moderation is key, and there can absolutely be room for small amounts of sugar in an […]

The post Looking to Cut Back on Sugar? Here’s How to Make it Easier appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.

]]> We hear it all the time—sugar is bad, sugar is toxic, sugar will wreak havoc on your health. While it’s true that sugar isn’t exactly a superfood, you don’t necessarily need to eliminate it entirely. As with most things, moderation is key, and there can absolutely be room for small amounts of sugar in an otherwise balanced diet. That said, ideally, it’s best to eat as little as possible, but reducing sugar consumption tends to be easier said than done. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar but aren’t sure where to start, read on for some tips to help make it easier.

Read Labels Carefully

Learning to properly interpret nutrition labels and recognize all of the different names for added sugar is essential when trying to reduce sugar consumption. As you shop for groceries, thoroughly read the ingredient lists on pre-packaged foods, keeping an eye out for terms such as sucrose, glucose, and high-fructose corn syrup, which are all just fancy names for sugar.

Choose Whole Foods

Whole foods almost always contain less sugar than their processed counterparts, so prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains as the foundation of your diet. Cooking from scratch not only makes it easier to limit added sugar by giving you more control over the ingredients, but you’re also less likely to default to sugary treats if you need to make them yourself.

Cut Back Slowly

Quitting sugar cold turkey can be difficult and may end up leading to junk food binges, so consider taking a gradual approach by adding less sugar to your tea or coffee and slowly cutting back on treats and desserts. Experiment with healthier alternatives like fruit, yogurt, or dark chocolate to satisfy cravings as your taste buds adjust.

The post Looking to Cut Back on Sugar? Here’s How to Make it Easier appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.

]]> Common Causes of Sugar Cravings & What to Do About Them https://yourdailysportfix.com/common-causes-of-sugar-cravings-what-to-do-about-them/ Sat, 23 Sep 2023 16:17:00 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=23883 Sugar is a complicated thing—on the one hand, our brains require glucose to function, and not consuming enough carbs can lead to a host of issues such as low blood sugar, fatigue, and heart palpitations. On the other hand, too much sugar can be just as detrimental to our health, especially when that sugar comes […]

The post Common Causes of Sugar Cravings & What to Do About Them appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.

]]> Sugar is a complicated thing—on the one hand, our brains require glucose to function, and not consuming enough carbs can lead to a host of issues such as low blood sugar, fatigue, and heart palpitations. On the other hand, too much sugar can be just as detrimental to our health, especially when that sugar comes in the form of refined, highly processed foods. So what should we do when sugar cravings strike? Read on to learn more about what causes sugar cravings and some tips for how to curb them.

What Causes Sugar Cravings?

The most common culprit behind sugar cravings is simply imbalanced blood sugar levels. Consuming large quantities of sugary foods, especially on an otherwise empty stomach, causes your blood sugar to spike and crash rapidly, leading the body to crave more sugar to maintain energy levels. Emotional factors also shouldn’t be overlooked, as stress triggers the release of hormones that are known to increase sugar cravings.

How to Reduce Cravings

To keep blood sugar levels balanced throughout the day, make sure that your meals include plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Not only will this make a big difference in reducing the intensity and frequency of sugar cravings, it’ll also help you feel fuller for longer so you’re less likely to turn to sugary treats in the first place. 

If you still feel the urge to snack, swap cookies and candy with naturally sweet alternatives like fruit or dark chocolate. with higher cocoa content. For stress-related cravings, try practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing to help manage emotional triggers.

The post Common Causes of Sugar Cravings & What to Do About Them appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.

]]> Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for You? https://yourdailysportfix.com/are-artificial-sweeteners-bad-for-you/ Mon, 29 May 2023 08:19:00 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=22983 During the past few years, sugar has become persona non grata. The sweet stuff has been banned from the party, with dozens of alternatives popping up to take its place. Many of us cut out sugar in a bid to be more healthy, but do artificial sweeteners actually do more harm than good? While sugar is […]

The post Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for You? appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.

]]> During the past few years, sugar has become persona non grata. The sweet stuff has been banned from the party, with dozens of alternatives popping up to take its place. Many of us cut out sugar in a bid to be more healthy, but do artificial sweeteners actually do more harm than good?

While sugar is natural and derived from a plant, artificial sweeteners are created in laboratories. Sugar is also a source of energy. That said, too much of it can definitely up your calorie intake which is not ideal if you’re trying to drop a few pounds.

Artificial sweeteners tend to be super sweet, meaning just a little goes a long way. You’ve probably seen a sachet or two at a coffee shop, but sugar alternatives appear in a variety of items. Think diet sodas. The substitutes can also be found in chewing gum, ice cream, bread, bottled fruit juice, yogurt, and condiments. 

The World Health Organisation has warned that continued consumption of these artificial sweeteners could lead to an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Some people also report experiencing headaches and constipation or bloating.

Cases of serious health risks caused by sugar substitutes are extremely low, meaning you needn’t freak out. Everything in moderation, of course. But if you are trying to cut sugar out of your diet, rather opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. 

The post Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for You? appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.

]]> How to Cut Out Sugar Without Going Crazy https://yourdailysportfix.com/how-to-cut-out-sugar-without-going-crazy/ Tue, 20 Dec 2022 16:54:00 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=21475 We’ve all heard how bad sugar is for us, but that doesn’t make it any easier to stop consuming the sweetener. A bit of sugar in our diets is totally fine, as is having an indulgent day every now and again, but it is added sugar that can lead to a host of health risks. […]

The post How to Cut Out Sugar Without Going Crazy appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.

]]> We’ve all heard how bad sugar is for us, but that doesn’t make it any easier to stop consuming the sweetener. A bit of sugar in our diets is totally fine, as is having an indulgent day every now and again, but it is added sugar that can lead to a host of health risks. Eating sugar in excess also increases our tolerance, meaning we need more to feel satisfied. Here are ways to cut back on the sweet stuff without feeling deprived. 

Keep an Eye on Your Intake

The first step is identifying how much sugar you actually consume. According to the World Health Organisation, our daily intake should be 25 grams of added sugar for a 2,000-calorie diet. On average, Americans are consuming around 80 grams per day!

Sugar Can Be Sneaky

It’s one thing to stay away from obviously sugary foods, but even “natural sugar” is still sugar. Look out for honey, agave nectar, barley malt, and corn sweetener. That said, things like a bowl of grapes or a baked sweet potato can help to curb those sweet cravings. 

DIY Your Recipes

We’re not suggesting that you cut out sugar cold turkey. But you may find that store-bought items contain way more amounts of sugar than necessary. If you’re craving a cookie, try making your own—that way you can limit exactly how much sugar goes in. 

The post How to Cut Out Sugar Without Going Crazy appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.

]]> Foods That Are Surprisingly High In Sugar https://yourdailysportfix.com/foods-that-are-surprisingly-high-in-sugar/ Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:18:00 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=18234 Cutting back on sugar is one of the best things we can do in order to improve both mental and physical health. This, however, can be very challenging due to the fact that there are many foods we eat on a daily basis that still hide sugar. Here are some surprising foods to avoid if […]

The post Foods That Are Surprisingly High In Sugar appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.

]]> Cutting back on sugar is one of the best things we can do in order to improve both mental and physical health. This, however, can be very challenging due to the fact that there are many foods we eat on a daily basis that still hide sugar. Here are some surprising foods to avoid if you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake.

Ketchup

Most people know that ketchup is not the healthiest condiment, and the main reason why it’s unhealthy is because it’s packed with sugar.

Smoothies

Smoothies are associated with healthy diet nowadays, and they actually can be healthy if they’re not packed with added sugar. That’s why it’s best to avoid pre-made smoothies and make healthy drinks at home.

Protein Bars

Most protein bars are packed with added sugar and unhealthy sweeteners, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re trying to cut back on sugar.

Sports Drinks

The main reason why professional athletes consume sports drinks after intense workouts is because it’s great for boosting energy. This, of course, is due to the fact that these drinks contain a lot of sugar.

Granola

Much like smoothies, granola can be healthy if you prepare it at home and don’t add too much sugar. Otherwise, make sure to check the ingredient list when buying granola because they usually contain lots of sugar.

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]]> Are You Craving Sugar? Here’s What it Could Mean https://yourdailysportfix.com/are-you-craving-sugar-heres-what-it-could-mean/ Sat, 05 Dec 2020 14:32:41 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=14748 Can you not think of completing a meal without a sweet treat or are you always craving cookies? While sugar cravings can be overwhelming, they can actually mean your body is needing or missing something. There may be more to your sweet tooth and here’s what you should ask yourself next time you have a […]

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]]> Can you not think of completing a meal without a sweet treat or are you always craving cookies? While sugar cravings can be overwhelming, they can actually mean your body is needing or missing something. There may be more to your sweet tooth and here’s what you should ask yourself next time you have a sugar craving.

Did You Cut Out Foods or Food Groups?

Often times the trigger for a sweet tooth comes when you’ve changed your diet or restricted particular foods. You may be able to get rid of these cravings by simply eating these foods.

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Are You Eating Enough?

If you skip meals or eat small portion, your not getting enough calories and your body looks for the quickest way to get energy, which is often sweets.

Are You Eating Three Food Groups at Meals?

At each meal it’s important to eat carbs, protein, and fat to keep you full. When you don’t get your macronutrients, it can trigger sugar cravings.

Are You Stressed?

Stress has a huge impact on eating habits as it can cause a loss of appetite or increase cravings. If you find yourself eating sweets when you’re stressed, try and find better ways to manage your stress like through yoga, writing, walking, or meditation.

Are You Sleeping?

Not getting enough sleep can increase your sugar cravings. You should be getting between seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

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]]> Tips for Cutting Back on Sugar This Holiday Season https://yourdailysportfix.com/tips-for-cutting-back-on-sugar-this-holiday-season/ Sat, 05 Dec 2020 08:02:52 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=14735 During the holiday season eating healthily is harder than ever with all of the seasonal drinks, desserts, and alcohol. Holiday food often has tons of sugar and to enjoy the treats this time of year you don’t have to give up sweets completely, you can just limit your sugar intake. Here are some tips for […]

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]]> During the holiday season eating healthily is harder than ever with all of the seasonal drinks, desserts, and alcohol. Holiday food often has tons of sugar and to enjoy the treats this time of year you don’t have to give up sweets completely, you can just limit your sugar intake. Here are some tips for cutting back on sugar during the holiday season.

Enjoy Small Indulgences

Stick with the sugary treats you can’t live without and have a small amount of them each day. A few small squares of dark chocolate, a tiny slice of cake, a small cookie, or a cup of hot chocolate are fine to enjoy once a day.

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Swap Sweets for Fruit

Instead of having sweets, eat fruit, which has natural sugar and will solve your sugar craving. Fruit is loaded with fiber and nutrients. In baked goods, replace sugar with applesauce or make “nice cream” for dessert.

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Use Spices in Holiday Drinks

Punch, spritzers, and dessert coffees are loaded with sugar. So instead, add non-sugar flavor enhancers like cinnamon, vanilla, and mint to your drinks.

Know Your Triggers

When you know what foods tempt you, you can be more prepared to limit your intake of them. Try keeping fewer sweets in your house and if you do have them, store them in the pantry so you won’t see them all the time.

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]]> 3 Benefits of Cutting Down Your Sugar Intake https://yourdailysportfix.com/3-benefits-of-cutting-down-your-sugar-intake/ Sat, 11 Jan 2020 09:08:31 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=7392 Sweet foods are addictive, you crave them at the end of a meal or when you’re bored. Whist these sweet foods are so tasty, they also contain sugar which is not good for you or your body. Too much sugar not only influences weight gain, but it can also affect your body in many different ways. […]

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]]> Sweet foods are addictive, you crave them at the end of a meal or when you’re bored. Whist these sweet foods are so tasty, they also contain sugar which is not good for you or your body. Too much sugar not only influences weight gain, but it can also affect your body in many different ways.

Mood

To focus throughout the day your brain requires energy in the form of glucose from carbohydrates. But when you eat sugary carbs these will make your blood sugar levels rise and then crash which in turn leads to tiredness and a bad mood. So it’s important to eat more complex carbohydrates such as wholegrain bread, brown rice, and quinoa. They release energy slowly keeping your blood sugar level steady.

Fitness

Everything you consume has an effect on your body when you workout and a diet which is high in sugar can have a huge effect on your fitness levels. As important as eating carbs are to give you energy during the workout they have to be the right carbs. Eating whole grains before your workout help you work out for longer, get stronger and recovering faster.

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If I had a dollar for every time I watched someone visibly crumble because the scale stayed the same, or went up, I would be sitting on the beach in the Turks right now. It’s time to start thinking about your health as more than just a number on a scale. While I think it’s relevant to know what you weigh, it’s just a number. A number that doesn’t differentiate between muscle mass, water weight, your cycle, bowel movements, and what you’ve physically put in your body recently. When you’re on a weight loss journey or really just want to shed 5 lb, I challenge you to think of the root reason behind your goals OUTSIDE of just your weight. Is it really the satisfaction of seeing the number on the scale go down? Or is it because you feel uncomfortable in your clothes (or lack thereof)? Or you got a scary lab result? You want to feel more confident in your body? You have been feeling down, and just want to do something to improve your mood/sleep/self esteem? Celebrate those wins and build yourself UP instead of obsessing over the scale. Examples of BIG Victories include – your clothes fitting better! – improved mood and self esteem – higher quality sleep – feeling stronger and more physically capable – crushing fitness goals – generally feeling BETTER, fewer aches and pains – improved labs – confidence – more energy And ALL of these can be accomplished through diet, exercise, and rest. They may be less measurable than a number on a scale, but focused more internally on how you feel. Whats a non scale victory you’ve experienced recently?

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Your Skin

Foods which are high in sugar are digested quickly and can cause high insulin levels and can aggravate acne. The way to combat this is to stay away from the sugar and consume more whole grains with B vitamins that will be good for your skin.

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]]> How to Feel Confident in Your Body https://yourdailysportfix.com/how-to-feel-confident-in-your-body/ Sun, 13 Oct 2019 11:47:19 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=6699 It doesn’t matter if you’re fit or have some pounds to shed, it’s important to feel confident in your own body. A positive body image often isn’t reflected in the picture you see in the mirror. A perfect weight doesn’t guarantee confidence, just as the confidence isn’t determined by looking flawless. Here are some tips […]

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]]> It doesn’t matter if you’re fit or have some pounds to shed, it’s important to feel confident in your own body. A positive body image often isn’t reflected in the picture you see in the mirror. A perfect weight doesn’t guarantee confidence, just as the confidence isn’t determined by looking flawless. Here are some tips that will help you feel more confident in your body.

Avoid Sugar and White Flour

Refined sugar that you can find in store-bought sweets, sodas, ice-cream, sauces, just like plain white bread and pastry made with white flour are all transformed into simple sugar in your body. It messes with your hormones and can lead to weight gain. The bad thing is that it’s highly addictive. The good news is that you only need to last 3 weeks in order to break the habit.

Focus on Greens

Leafy greens will provide you with complex carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that will help you feel healthier and more confident knowing that you’re doing something good for your body.

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Weight Training

Weight training is something that can quickly help you look more toned and feel stronger, which is why it’s a great workout option for both men and women.

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]]> 3 Simple Ways to Stop Eating So Much Sugar https://yourdailysportfix.com/3-simple-ways-to-stop-eating-so-much-sugar/ Fri, 11 Oct 2019 08:36:25 +0000 https://yourdailysportfix.com/?p=6684 Sugar is quickly becoming one of the most hated foods among health-aware people and more and more people are looking for ways to ban it from their diet. That’s not as easy as it seems, because sugar is virtually everywhere. As long as you’re eating pre-packed food, chances are you’re taking sugar without even knowing […]

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]]> Sugar is quickly becoming one of the most hated foods among health-aware people and more and more people are looking for ways to ban it from their diet. That’s not as easy as it seems, because sugar is virtually everywhere. As long as you’re eating pre-packed food, chances are you’re taking sugar without even knowing it. Here are 3 simple ways to reduce the amount of sugar you eat.

Cut Off Drinks

Cutting off sodas is an obvious way to reduce sugar intake, but you also don’t want to drink energy drinks, fruit juices, and coffees high in fat and calories. Plain water, unsweetened tea, and black coffee should be your go-to beverages.

Avoid Desserts

Desserts are made to be delicious and to make you want to eat more of them. But they don’t really provide you with the nutrients your body needs, so you’re better off without them.

Avoid Sauces

It’s one thing to make your own sauce with ingredients of your choosing, but store-bought ketchup, barbecue sauce, and many other sauces and condiments often come packed with sugar, even though they don’t taste sweet!

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