Many of our illnesses today are related to sugar intake, from, adrenal fatigue, and diabetes to cancer. How do you know if you're eating too much sugar?
5 Signs You're Eating too Much Sugar
Constant Fatigue- while processed sugars may give you an instant boost of energy, they often leave you in a lull and craving your next sugar boost.
Anxiety and Depression- processed carbs and sugars ofter exacerbate anxiety and depression symptoms. Studies have reported increased feelings of loneliness, sadness, depression, extreme tiredness amongst others symptoms.
Skin and Feet Problem- The irritable rashes, and breakouts, are highly related to what we eat. Studies prove that lower sugar consumption will improve the conditions of your skin.
Weight Gain- It is easy to overeat these delicious treats without even realizing it. Consuming 100 calories over your body's requirement will lead to an extra weight gain of ~10 lbs a year.
Getting Sick More Often- Consumption of too much sugar can weaken your immune system, making your body’s natural ability to fight off colds, flu viruses, and even chronic disease weaker than it would be if you avoided foods with added sugars.
Thinking about detoxing?
Detoxing sugar is not a complicated issue but there are some things to think about.
1. Make sure the timing is right. Pick a window when you have an easy schedule (headaches and a general feeling of crankiness during the detox can be common side effects). Try to start during the week, for example, when you don't have dinner plans and can relax.
2. Know what to cut. For three days, skip carbohydrates like wheat and other grains, high starchy fruit, like bananas, alcohol, and all forms of added sugar.
What you can eat: Whole sources of protein (eggs, chicken, meat), lots of vegetables, and healthy fat sources like nuts and avocados. (In fact, you can use fat to fight sugar cravings.) For example, you could have eggs and avocado for breakfast, a huge salad with colorful vegetables, nuts, and chicken for lunch, and a steak and sautéed broccoli for dinner.
3. Do some addition. After however many days you decide to do your sugar detox (21 is recommended), gradually add back in healthy sugars-starting with an apple and a serving of dairy each day. Next, add more fruit, and little by little add back in healthy grains, more dairy, and even wine and dark chocolate.
As part of the preparation, it's always great to know what you could expect when giving up sugar.
After a Couple Days
After a few days of detoxing, you might find yourself craving it more than ever and even experiencing withdrawal symptoms including headaches and fatigue. Hydration and grace are key. Be patient and kind to yourself in your process.
After One Week
Depending on your diet before the detox, you may still be feeling some of the same symptoms as the above-mentioned. Others may start noticing some energy increase and less sluggishness. Keep going!
After One Month
You’re probably feeling healthier, and more energetic than before. Your tastebuds have most likely started to change and you may be craving some healthier foods. Some of you may have even lost a few pounds!
If you are interested in a doctor-supervised sugar detox, please call our office and set up a free consultation. 828-382-8005.