Your cheat sheet to cutting back on sugar

Are you sick of feeling like a human sugar cube? It’s time to cut down on your sugar intake and take back control of your health. Don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice your sweet tooth to get there. We’ve got some tasty alternatives for you to incorporate.

Say “see ya later” to those sugar crashes once and for all. Buckle up, sugar buns, we’re going in:

Swap out the sugary drinks, sweetie

The simplest way to cut down on sugar is to swap out sugary drinks for water or unsweetened tea. Sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks are a huge source of added sugar in our diets. Instead, opt for water or unsweetened tea. If you crave a bit of flavour, try infusing your water with slices of lemon or cucumber. It’s not a Coke, but it’ll quench your thirst and won’t spike your blood sugar.

Don’t fall into the fruit juice trap

This may surprise you, but fruit juice often contains as much sugar as soda, without the fiber and nutrients found in whole fruit! Instead, choose whole fruit, which is lower in sugar and higher in fiber. If you’re craving a glass of orange juice, go for a piece of fresh fruit or a fruit salad instead.

Swap to natural sweeteners, honey…

Swap out processed sugar for natural sweeteners like fruit, honey, or maple syrup. They’re a much healthier alternative to processed sugar. They contain more nutrients and have a lower glycemic index, which means they don’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Try adding sliced banana or berries to your oatmeal instead of sugar, or using honey or maple syrup to sweeten your tea or coffee. We love a spoon of honey with a cuppa!

Ditch the sweetened yoghurt

Flavoured yogurt is often loaded with sugar and cancels out the healthy gut bacteria present in plain, unsweetened yoghurt. If you’re looking to reap the benefits of plain yoghurt and cut your sugar intake by a lot, opt for plain yogurt and add your own fresh fruit or honey for sweetness. You can also add nuts, seeds, or granola for crunch.

Say no to store-bought salad dressing

Store-bought salad dressings often contain added sugar. Instead, make your own dressings using olive oil, apple cider or balsamic vinegar, and herbs. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Much healthier, and easy to whip up in seconds.

Cut back on those sugary snacks

Even healthier snack foods like Snacker bars often contain added sugar. Instead, opt for nuts and seeds, which are high in protein and healthy fats. You can also add a touch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for flavour. You can even try making your own healthy snack bars without the added sugar.

Which kind of flour are you using?

Traditional flour is often high in carbohydrates and can spike blood sugar levels. Instead, try baking with alternative flours like almond flour, coconut flour, or chickpea flour. These flours are lower in carbs and higher in fiber and protein.

Dip your toe into the world of sugar alternatives and see where the tide takes you. Remember, moderation is key, and it’s important to listen to your body and find what works best for you.

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Feature Image: Getty