Beating Sugar Addiction For Dummies
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Sugar detox is simply the act of stopping the ingestion of harmful amounts of sugar so that your body can begin to heal itself by de-acidifying your blood and tissues, shedding excess body fat, and coaxing your hormone and energy systems back to normal, healthy function.

Follow these tips to ensure success when you begin detoxing from sugar:

  • Create a list of reasons you want to live differently. Common reasons are to become healthier, to regain control of your life, to overcome diabetes, to have more energy, or to lose weight, but you may have other personal reasons why you want to quit sugar. Be sure to list the whys and not the shoulds — to stay on track, it’s very important to have personal, meaningful reasons for wanting to change.

  • Cut your sugar portions in half. Unless you really need to quit sugar cold turkey, start a gradual sugar reduction plan by cutting your typical sugar intake in half.

  • Drink at least 64 ounces (eight 8-ounce glasses) of water each day. Water helps keep sugar cravings at bay.

  • Eliminate sugar from your pantry and refrigerator. You can’t eat what you don’t have! Keeping your household free of junk food makes it difficult to impulsively grab sugary snacks.

  • Redefine dessert. You don’t have to swear off desserts forever to get off sugar! Usually a bite or two of fresh fruit or dark chocolate satisfies your desire for something sweet at the end of a meal.

  • Start getting some regular exercise. A good workout burns calories, increases your energy, boosts your mood, tones your muscles, and increases your bone density and insulin sensitivity.

  • Stay away from sweetened drinks. Sweetened beverages are a huge source of empty calories, and diet drinks made with artificial sweeteners carry some significant health hazards. Make water, tea, or mineral water your drink of choice.

About This Article

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Dan DeFigio is one of the most respected names in the fitness and nutrition industry. His articles have appeared in numerous professional journals, and his workshops have been presented in many cities across the United States. He has appeared on the Dr. Phil show and was featured in SELF Magazine, MD News, Personal Fitness Professional, and a host of other publications.

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