I hope you had a great Easter.
I had a wonderful day with the family.
The kids went crazy looking for Easter eggs.
This morning, my kids are a little sluggish from all of the sugar.
Catherine Gordon has a great article for you on why.
Enjoy!
Rick Kaselj, MS
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Are you feeling a little sluggish after a busy Easter?
You’re probably not alone.
According to the National Confectioner’s Association, Americans are expected to consume over 120 million pounds of Easter candy this holiday season. This is addition to three pounds of sugar the typical American eats per week.
So it’s no surprise that you may be suffering a major sugar crash. A diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates can have a significant effect on your mental and physical well-being. This is why there is no better time to consider removing these harmful foods from your life. To do so, however, is to understand the many ways refined sugars enters our diet.
The Dirty Little Secret about Sugar
The shocking truth is that we may be getting more than our recommended daily allowance of the sweet stuff before we even reach for the sugar bowl. Most of the sugar we consume are hidden in the products we use every day. From fruit juice to pasta, nothing is safe from the additive. A fact that is made all the more confusing when you consider the various ways that sugar is identified on the label.
Sugar‘s Lasting Effects on the Body
Surviving the Post Holiday Sugar Crash: Studies have shown that refined sugars (such as sodas, candy and corn syrup) enter the bloodstream to elevate overall glucose levels in the body. Over time, this can lead to diabetes, hypoglycemia and strokes. In addition, the increased glucose can have a major effect on pancreas.
Excess sugar that your body doesn’t immediately use can be converted to triglycerides-a type of fat that is typically stored around the waist, hips and thighs. High levels of triglycerides are also a known cause of both heart and liver diseases.
Oh, and that tired feeling you get after eating sugar?
This is because sugar actually inhibits the levels of oxerin, which is the brain’s neurotransmitter that regulates arousal, wakefulness, and appetite.
Even more shocking is the fact that sugar can artificially raise dopamine levels that creates an addiction on par with that of cocaine.
Overcoming Sugar Addiction
Surviving the Post Holiday Sugar Crash: It’s definitely possibly to break free of sugar’s effect on our lives. All it takes are a few strategies to create healthy habits that last a lifetime.
First, definitely consider getting rid of sugar-based products from your pantry. This not only includes table sugar, but also brown sugar, honey and corn syrups. Take time to also raid your candy drawer stash to remove any sugary treats as well. Be sure to add healthy snacks such as whole fruits, nuts and vegetables to give you a satisfying replacement without the empty calories.
Sodas and energy drinks are another major way that extra sugar enters our diet. Instead, commit to drinking water and flavored unsweetened teas. Not only will it help to hydrate your body but it also removes harmful toxins that cause illnesses.
Finally, be mindful of the different ways that sugars can be identified on the label. Even products that are identified as “sugar-free” can have a substantial amount of sugar in other forms. Look out for ingredients such as fructose, dextrose, cane sugar or Agave nectar. As a rule, many of the ingredients that end with “ose” or “syrup” are really a sweetener by design.
The good news is that it’s not too late to eliminate sugar to better your health. It may seem like sugar is lurking everywhere, but I can help you solve the sugar dilemma.
I am a recovering sugar addict who used this program to overcome obesity, and finally get the figure that I have struggled so hard to achieve.
You’ll find all of my sugar solution, meal plans, shopping guides, recipes, and more at www.sugarfreedom.com. Don’t miss the amazing transformation photos and success stories of shedding sugar and losing fat at www.sugarfreedom.com.
