Compass Rose Nutrition & Wellness

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6 Steps To Detox from Sugar

Sugar is everywhere! In todays fast moving lifestyles, where its so easy to eat on the go, sugar is really hidden(or not so hidden) in almost everything we eat. 

So, what is so bad about all this sugar? Well, based on the current % of overweight population, the number of people that get heart disease, diabetes and other health problems related to our diets and eating habits, it is in each of our best interest to pay closer attention to what we are putting in our bodies. (I can provide you with a long list of studies on this topic to read if you are interested) Only you can be in charge of what goes into your mouth! 

Ready to get started?

Here are 6 steps to Detox from Sugar:

  1. Kitchen clean up- Pull everything out of your fridge and cupboards, and start reading labels. Sugar can be called many different things, from sugar, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, and others. Keep in mind MOST packaged foods will have sugar in them- and I'm not just referring to your Oreo cookies or Fudgesicles in your freezer. Sugar can be hidden in that frozen lasagna, boxes of breakfast cereal and other places you don't think of because its not a sweet treat.

  2. Grocery shop- Now that your fridge and cupboards probably have a lot more space... time to restock with healthy foods. Hit the perimeter of the grocery store- because that's where you will find the 'fresh foods' including veggies, fruit, meat, and bakery. The center of the store is generally all of the packaged foods we want to avoid. Although hit the spice aisle! Spicing up your cooking is a fun way to try out all those new veggies in your cart.

  3. Set aside some time to plan your weekly meals and cook- this is the hardest part for many people, and time is so precious. If you don't know where to start- grab your copy of my FREE Recipes in the Resource Library.

  4. Drink lots of water- Thirst can often be confused in your brain, and tell you that you might be hungry or crave certain foods. Best place to start when you have this feeling of hunger or urge to grab something sweet to eat, drink water! If you don't like drinking plain water, squeeze a lemon in it, or add slices of cucumber for a bit of flavor. Another option is herbal tea. Have a drink first, and then see if you are still hungry.

  5. Eat lots of healthy fats, healthy carbs and a variety of colors- Sweet cravings can be stronger when we are not eating a varied diet with all necessary nutrients. Aim for some nice variety in your diet including lots of colors(picture a salad with carrots, beets, avocado, peppers, tomatoes to your salad instead of just greens). Eating the same foods all the time do not provide us with the wide range of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients we need to stay healthy and in turn can lead to cravings.

  6. Journal your day- Keeping track of what you eat, how much and when often opens our eyes to what we really are eating. Every time you go to the snack machine at the office, or open your fridge during the commercial break on TV, those are the little things that add up. Spend a couple days writing down everything! Then sit down and review what you have eaten this week, its often more, or different than we remember if its not written down. This can be great motivation to move towards healthier eating! I can help! Click here to grab my FREE Food, Mood and Health Journal.

If you follow these steps, this is a super start to your sugar detox.

If you have tips to keep sugar out of your fridge, cupboard and office drawer, I would love to hear them. Comment below to share your success. 

Removing sugar from your life can be hard, but it doesn't have to be! If you want some more tips, and recipes and help, check out my FREE Energy Boosting 5 Day Sugar Free Challenge. 

Related reading: 

How Much Sugar Is Too Much?

How Do I Keep My Blood Sugar Stable?

Foods With High Amounts of Hidden Sugar

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