Pay attention to sugar… and it's evil twin sister, High Fructose Corn Syrup! It's everywhere and making you sick, sad and fat. Yes, fat doesn't make you fat – Sugar does!
Here we'll look at its dangers and what happens when you quit eating sugar. Then I'll also give you some simple tips on what to eat instead to reduce your sugar consumption.
What Happens When You Quit Eating Sugar
#1. You'll Feel Happier
You may be surprised to hear that cutting back on sugar can make you happier. After all, we often associate indulging sugary treats with positive and joyful emotions.
Yet, what you may not notice is that a few hours after eating sugar, your mood dips and you start to crave sugar again. The only way to satisfy this craving and lift your mood again is to eat more sugary foods which then starts the cycle again.
The long term result is that you experience a temporary boost in happiness after eating sugar followed by an extended dip in emotions. This ultimately leads to you depending on sugar for happiness and become addicted. In fact, studies have shown that sugar consumption can actually lead to depression.
What To Eat Instead
#1 You'll Fee Happier
Brazil Nuts
#1 You'll Fee Happier
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has a grounding, calming effect, smoothing out metabolic functions. It doesn’t just warm you up physically, it can also give you a mental feeling of warmth and happiness. The reason is that it contains high levels of fiber that regulate your blood glucose levels to keep you feeling consistently cheerful.
#1 You'll Fee Happier
Oysters
Oysters have long been considered an aphrodisiac. That's because they contain high levels of zinc – an important nutrient for brain health linked with improvements in mood and memory. They also contain high levels of tyrosine – a hormone which helps to keep depression at bay and enhances your mood.
Oysters are also low in calories and decrease inflammation. They are high in essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids.
#1 You'll Fee Happier
Salmon
Salmon is a top source of omega 3 essential fatty acids. In fact, there are some studies that link low amounts of omega-3's to mood disorders. Additionally, salmon has high concentrations of B12 and low B12 has been linked to depression as well.
If I had to choose one food to boost your mood, salmon would be it! Just make sure the fish is not farm-raised!!
#1 You'll Fee Happier
Walnuts
Walnuts have protein to keep your blood-sugar levels stable. They are also a wonderful source of magnesium. If you are low in magnesium, there is an increased risk of depression. Walnuts also contain antioxidants and they are low in carbohydrates, so they won't cause a spike in blood sugar and insulin. “Insulin spikes are a reason people's moods crap out, especially late in the afternoon,” writes Dr. Drew Ramsey, co-author of “The Happiness Diet.”
#2 – You'll Have More Energy
How Sugar Affects Your Energy Levels
What To Eat Instead
#2 You'll Have More Energy
Coffee
#2 You'll Have More Energy
Flax Seeds
Flax seed (aka Linseed) is one of the rare foods that contains Omega-6 and 3 essential fatty acids in perfect balance for your body.
It is packed with fiber which slows the release of glucose into your blood stream. This ensures that your body has a constant, stable source of energy.
Additionally, Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent inflammation and many degenerative conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes.
#2 You'll Have More Energy
Matcha Green Tea
Matcha Green tea is another zero calorie, zero sugar energy drink. The caffeine in matcha green tea provides you with an instant energy lift. Meanwhile, its flavonoids support energy production to help maintain long term energy.
#2 You'll Have More Energy
Quinoa
-
Fiber helps to keep your energy levels stable.
-
Iron keeps your blood cells healthy and ensures the cells can transport energy to the cells that need it.
#2 You'll Have More Energy
Bananas
Bananas are a dependable energy food packed with natural glucose, fructose, and sucrose + fiber. Slice one into your morning oatmeal or top with almond butter for a sound snack that will keep you humming till lunchtime.
#3 You’ll Be Healthier
How Sugar Affects Your Health
What To Eat Instead
Avocado
#3 You'll Be Healthier
-
Regulate cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and protect against cancer.
-
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that prevents free radicals from harming your body’s cells.
#3 You'll Be Healthier
Broccoli
#3 You'll Be Healthier
Eggs
Eggs are rich in healthy fats, protein, and many different nutrients. The protein in eggs helps to build, maintain and repair all your body’s cells. Its nutrients boost your brain, regulate your blood cholesterol levels, strengthen your eyes and much more.
#3 You'll Be Healthier
Garlic
Garlic is a great cooking ingredient when used in moderation. It’s also packed full of powerful nutrients which fight cancer and reduce inflammation in the body.
#3 You'll Be Healthier
Spinach
Spinach contains high levels of over 10 different vitamins and minerals. Some of the main health benefits of spinach include a lower cancer risk, a healthier heart, and stronger bones.
#4 You’ll Lose Weight
How Sugar Affects Your Weight
What To Eat Instead
#4 You'll Lose Weight
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a tasty, versatile and filling food you can use in many different meals. It’s one of the best food sources of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs are slowly released into your bloodstream to stop you from getting hungry between meals.
#4 You'll Lose Weight
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are low in calories, rich in healthy fats, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. They can even help you control your blood sugar if you're diabetic. The makeup of chia seed causes your body to process food into sugars more slowly. This results in a more stable form of sugar that the body can use for fuel and repair. These little seeds don't contain any form of sugar, so they are safe to include in diabetic diets.
#4 You'll Lose Weight
Chili Peppers
The main ingredient in chili peppers is capsaicin. Researchers found just by adding the capsaicin from chili peppers into the diet of mice, it prevented weight gain. It is believed eating small amounts regularly, you can speed up the rate at which your body burns fat.
#4 You'll Lose Weight
Beans
Beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils are packed with fiber and protein. These two ingredients have a satiating effect and help you to feel fuller for longer so you are less likely to overeat and gain weight. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that a daily serving of beans and other pulses can contribute to a modest weight loss and reduced cholesterol levels.
#4 You'll Lose Weight
Water
Water contains zero calories and this makes it perfect for weight loss. By drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated you also maximize your body’s fat burning processes and lose more weight. Try adding a big squeeze of lemon. Not only does the lemon water boost your metabolism helping you burn more calories throughout the day, but the pulp adds an extra bit of fiber to your diet.
#5 You’ll Look Younger
How Sugar Affects Your Looks
What To Eat Instead
#5 You'll Look Younger
Cold Water Fish
#5 You'll Look Younger
Cinnamon
Cinnamon promotes healthy blood flow within the body to reinvigorate the skin. It also slows down the aging of your internal cells and vital organs.
It also has a regulatory effect on blood sugar levels and simultaneously increases insulin levels in the body. Cinnamon helps prevent the storage of fat and enables you to lose weight.
#5 You'll Look Younger
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a brilliant source of monounsaturated fats. These monounsaturated fats help to strengthen the heart and keep it youthful. They also promote skin cell regeneration and protect against age related chronic diseases.
#5 You'll Look Younger
Green Tea
Green tea has powerful antioxidants which can help to reverse the aging process. These antioxidants boost your brain and help it to remain functional as you age. They also reduce your risk of age related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
#5 You'll Look Younger
Kale
-
Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy vision as you age
-
Vitamin C keeps your skin young and elastic as you get older
-
Vitamin K prevents various types of age related decline.
Summary
1. Check The Ingredients List On Your Foods:
2. Ditch The Sugary Drinks:
3. Have A Healthy Breakfast:
4. Use Sweet Spices:
5. Fill Up On Low Sugar Fruits:
-
Blackberries (3.5g of sugar per half-cup serving),
-
Blueberries (7g of sugar per half-cup serving),
-
Raspberries (2.5g of sugar per half-cup serving) and
-
Watermelon (4g of sugar per half-cup serving
Why Thrive Market?
Do you know about Thrive Market?
It's an online health food market offering Non-GMO organic groceries and natural health and beauty products. All I can say is that I've become a wholehearted supporter over the last year! In fact, I recently wrote a review of Thrive Market to spread the word. Here's why…
- Products at Thrive Market are typically 25-50% less expensive than if you were to purchase the exact same item at Whole Foods or your local market. They even have Amazon's prices beat!
- They have continuous promotions that enable you to save even more money or get free gifts. For example, clicking this link will get you a free bottle of maple syrup.
- If you use this link, you can save another 25% off your first order and get free shipping – This is in addition to the 25-50% off you'll already be saving.
- It's quick and convenient – My orders arrive typically within 2 days. For example, if I order on Monday, my box arrives on Wednesday… And they have free nationwide delivery!
- Thrive Market is a socially conscious platform with a social mission. For every member on their site, the company also sponsors a free membership for a low-income family make healthy food available for all! How cool is that?
Click This Link to Start Saving Big-Time at Thrive Market
sugar in everywhere I know it must be hard to start live without sugar even just for a few days. But after I read your story about “improved skin” I wanna try this challenge I give up crisps and sugar every year during lent. It always begins as a battle, but like you I find my stride after 2 weeks. I live a very normal office life and go to the gym when I can. I’m fit and relatively strong, but struggle to keep the spare tyre at bay. What amazes me every year is how much it improves my shape and might even show a bit of 6 pack (I’m 48). This doesn’t happen overnight but the slow and steady removal of the squidgy bits is almost guaranteed and it lasts. Thank you for sharing your article about What Happens When You Quit Eating Sugar 5 Reasons to Avoid the Unhealthiest Food on the Planet.
Hi Deanna,
Thanks for connecting! We need the sweet taste in our diet, but from healthy sources like rice, barley, many legumes like beans and lentils, sweet fruits like bananas and mangos and certain cooked vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets. Keep up the good work!
Hi!
This is by far, one of the best articles on sugar! I loved the amount of content that is packed on this post simply because it touches on a little bit of everything like carbs, fats, proteins, and SUGAR!
I feel great that I took the time to read and comment on this because I picked up a thing or two that I can apply and pass on to others as well.
I do agree that sugar does nothing but cause imbalances in your brain, making you crave garbage that is out there.
Loved the way you provided with an ample list of alternatives along with a brief but powerful description on each food and drink.
I’d literally read this post over and over just to re-educate myself on our health’s most important foundation; nutrition.
Thank you for this.
Cheers!
Hi Robby, Thanks so much for saying hi and I’m thrilled you enjoyed the post!
Your website is such a graphically inviting website. Such a great design and personally I love you have used full size graphics and not squeezed in between the texts. This makes the blocks of text really stand out but still making it much more visual to look at clearly.
Each section is relayed very well and the formatting I can tell as you seperate each section has had much thought put to it. Your links are great too with direct url re-direction via the image and with such a variety of pages at the top you really provide such an appealing informative experience.
The only one thing I would mention is the recurring e-book sign up which kept on re-appearing during my visit so maybe see if you could reduce its frequency, but otherwise amazing.
Hi Jonathan, Thanks for the feedback and I’m so glad you told me about the annoying ebook sign-up thing. We’re still figuring things out! 🙂 Thanks again for connecting. We love hearing from our readers!
What a great informative article! Of course I knew sugar was bad for you, but who knew all the benefits of cutting it out! I love how you list the reasons it’s bad for you followed by what you can eat instead. I did not see a list of real alternatives other than the image near the bottom. It would’ve been nice to visually see a list of alternative sweeteners that aren’t bad for you (Splenda). Which sweeteners do you recommend?
Hi Helen, Thanks for commenting and tip on moving the alternative sweeteners box up.
I use stevia, maple syrup, rice syrup, honey and coconut sugar. Pretty much everything I listed in the image. I also make some energy bars with dates. Take care