Sweet Tooth

I will admit I am a recovering junk food addict.  I grew up on junk food and use to eat it a lot.  It was the way I learned how to eat.  Through schooling and teaching myself I learned that I needed to change how I ate.  My diet consisted of too much SUGAR!!!

I tried to cut back on the sugar but as I did this I learned that sugar was in everything.  It was hidden in some of the strangest things.  For example here are some foods that are loaded with sugar that you might not think to find it….

– Salt

This is a list of just some examples.  The list could go on.  My point is that sugar is everywhere.  So, we have to be careful and look at the label when we eat foods.  

Here are some suggestions on how to avoid hidden sugars in our food.  

1.  Make your own stuff.  

Instead of buying prepackaged foods make your own.  To some this may seem daunting but it really is not that hard to make your own stuff.  It saves you money, is healthier for you and in some cases saves you time.  

2.  Eat Whole Foods

Instead buying quick fix foods and meals, eat whole foods.  Lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains and meats that you prepare.  

3.  Ditch the Flavored Foods

Yogurts that are favored have a lot more sugar than a plain yogurt.  So, switch to plain, not vanilla, plain.  Then add your own fruits and nuts.  You can even add honey to make it sweeter.  This will taste much better and will keep you more satisfied.   Other flavored things like Almond Milk can be high in sugar.  So switch to the original flavor no the vanilla or chocolate.  

4.  Read the Labels

If one of the first couple ingredients on the package is sugar or another form of sugar stay away from it.  You don’t want something that the primary ingredient is sugar.  Especially when we think we are eating healthy like with salad dressing and that in actuality we are loading up on sugar.  

5.  Drink Lots of Water

When we are hungry a lot of times we are actually thirsty.  Before you grab for that bag of cookies take  a drink of water.  You should be getting 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water each day.  

6.  Nutrient Deficient

If we are nutrient deficient, meaning our body is not getting enough nutrients then we start having cravings.  It is our bodies way to telling us we need more nutrients.  If we are filling up on sugar we are not giving our body the nutrients it needs.  So, makes sure that you are getting at least 4 servings of veggies and protein per day.  This will ensure that you are getting your nutrients and also feeling satisfied.  

Stay tuned for my post on my favorite salad dressings that I make myself.