Sugar: How Much Is Too Much?

Sugar addiction is on the rise in Canada and our bodies are not equipped to handle the large quantity and quality of sugar that we currently ingest. Sugars that occur naturally in foods like fruits and vegetables are fine and our bodies are able to process these types of sugars: however, it’s the added sugars such as regular table sugar and high fructose corn syrup that are putting our health at risk.

The World Health Organization has recently announced that it is halving its recommended sugar intake for adults, from the original 10 percent of total daily calories to 5 percent: that’s about 6 teaspoons per day.

With sugars hidden in many food products, is it any wonder that we have become addicted to sugar?

How do you know if you are becoming addicted to sugar….

If you eat refined sugar every day (table sugar, candies, baked goods, sugary drinks)

If you can’t go one day without eating food or drink containing sugar

If you eat something sweet after every meal

If you find it difficult to have sweets in your home and not eat them

If you get fatigued or irritable if you go several hours without eating

If these statements sound like you, you need to become pro-active in curbing your sugar cravings.  Here are some tips you can use the next time you have a sugar craving.

Combine foods – Try dipping a banana in chocolate or combining mix nuts with dried fruit and chocolate chips.

Grab some gum – Research has shown that chewing gum can reduce sugar cravings

Keep fruit handy – Make sure that your fruit is ready to go, such as cut up in a container for when sugar cravings hit

Skip artificial sweeteners – Artificial sweeteners don’t lessen cravings for sugar, they actually increase your cravings because artificial sweeteners are so sweet, that a piece of fruit or naturally sweet foods start to taste less sweet and not as satisfying.

Drink water – Drinking water is essential for good health. If plain water is boring, try infusing your water with cucumber and ginger, for oranges and limes.

Can’t wait –  If you must have “sweet,” go with something that’s naturally sweet, such as dried fruit or 100% fruit juice.

Wait out the craving – If you can wait it out for 10 minutes… the craving will usually pass. One of the best distraction is to go for a 10 minute walk outside in the fresh air.

Acupuncture – Acupuncture has shown to have beneficial effects on cravings by having the body release its own naturally occurring neuro-chemicals into the bloodstream. The needles used in acupuncture are applied at particular points to stimulates blood and energy flow.

As always, “everything in moderation”… Variety and moderation are the key to a healthy lifestyle!