Better off Friends: 3 Ways to Break Up with Your Sugar Addiction
No matter how hard we try, we just can’t seem to quit the sweet stuff. In fact, the average American consumes more than 126 grams of sugar per day, making the U.S. the most sugar-obsessed country in the world.
It’s common knowledge that too much sugar can affect your weight, liver, brain, and teeth. So why can’t we quit you, sugar? There’s more to sugar than its sinfully sweet taste.
When your brain experiences sugar, it’s love at first bite. That spark is due to dopamine — also known as the “reward chemical.” Sugar fuels dopamine, which causes your brain to light up and literally crave more.
You don’t have to shut sugar out of your life completely. It is important, however, to regulate your intake.
Soften the blow with 3 smart sugar strategies:
• You can do so much better…read the ingredients.
Take extra time at the grocery store to read product labels. Unfortunately, sugar doesn’t go by one name. There are 56 different names for the sweet stuff! Use this list at your next supermarket stop.
It’s important to remember nearly all foods contain some sort of sugar — even ones that don’t taste sweet. When in doubt, consume fruits and veggies containing natural sugar. Added sugars don’t deserve you.
• Everything happens for a reason…including sugar cravings.
Think before you eat. When’s the last time you drank water? A dip in energy often signals dehydration. And dehydration causes you to think you need to eat when all you really need is H2O. So before you reach for a sugary snack, let your thirst tell your hunger, “It’s not you, it’s me.”
• See what else is out there…explore sugar alternatives.
Artificial sweeteners are in pre-packaged foods and can be used at home too. Unlike sugar, they can help with weight control and won’t contribute to tooth decay and cavities.
If you want to take the natural route, agave is a step in the right direction. It has a lower glycemic index than sugar, making it a healthier option. Find a sugar alternative that works for you.
Challenge yourself! Cut ties with excessive sugar consumption and you’ll be better off in the long run.
We want to hear your sugar strategies — How do you control your cravings?
Comments
Related stories
-
Gadgets and Gizmos a Plenty: Dental Hygienist Tools
When it comes to dental cleanings, you probably know what to expect. If you were to put … Read More
-
How COVID-19 Impacts Oral Health
The pandemic has given us a lot to consider when it comes to COVID-19 and our health. … Read More
-
Your Mouth Holds the Key to Your Heart
Did you know a healthy mouth can make your heart happy? It’s true. Studies show people with … Read More
Sign Up Now
Tweets
Poll

Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 298 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 153 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 88 Likes
- 4 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 56 Likes
- 5 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 48 Likes
- 6 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 47 Likes
- 7 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 43 Likes
- 8 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 37 Likes
- 9 How COVID-19 Impacts Oral Health 34 Likes
- 10 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 29 Likes
Most Commented