Hey there, friends! Lacee here, and today we’re going to dive into a topic that’s near and dear to my heart – the alarming impact of added sugars on our health and well-being. As a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) who’s all about real food and a primarily paleo approach, I can’t stress enough how important it is to understand the sneaky sugars hiding in our diets.
Now, you might be thinking, “But Lacee, I don’t eat sugary candies or desserts regularly, so I should be fine, right?” Well, hold on to your hats because sugar can be found in unexpected places, my friends, and its wreaking havoc on our bodies.
Before we get into it, I wanted to let you know that if you struggle when it comes to breaking up and ending your long term relationship with sugar, I have the perfect resource for you – The Ultimate Sugar Detox Cheat Sheet. This free cheat sheet is a 5-step plan to ditch the sugar and the cravings. Many of my clients have had success with this method and I think you will too. Now let’s dive in.
The Sugar Trap
Added sugars, often lurking behind fancy names like high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, or maltose, can be found in many processed foods – think ketchup, salad dressings, and even seemingly innocent yogurt. These sugars are like ninjas, stealthily slipping into our diets without us even noticing.
So, why is sugar such a big deal? Well, let’s break it down:
Blood Sugar Rollercoaster – Added sugars can send your blood sugar levels on a wild rollercoaster ride. When you consume sugary foods, your blood sugar skyrockets, giving you a quick burst of energy. But what goes up must come down, right? And that crash leaves you feeling tired, irritable, and craving more sugar – it’s a vicious cycle, my friends.
Inflammation and Chronic Diseases – A diet high in added sugars can lead to chronic inflammation in your body. Inflammation is like a smoldering fire that can contribute to various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.
Weight Loss Woes -Here’s the scoop: sugar can pack on the pounds. When you eat too much sugar, your body stores the excess as fat. Plus, it messes with your hunger hormones, making it harder to control your appetite. Ugh!
The Real Food Solution
So, what’s the real food solution to this sugar conundrum? It’s simple – ditch the processed junk and embrace real, whole foods. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Whole Milk Dairy – Opt for whole milk dairy products like full-fat yogurt and cheese. They’re rich in healthy fats and protein, which can help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you feeling satisfied.
Protein – Don’t shy away from protein including meat, organ meats, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds and bone broth. They’re packed with essential nutrients like iron, collagen, and vitamins that support your overall health and they help balance blood sugar levels.
Healthy Fats – Fats of all types including omega 3, 6 & 9, monounsaturated and saturated fats each provide a unique profile. They’re great for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting brain health. Consume a variety of fats including olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, butter from grass-fed cows, ghee, and on occasion cold pressed oils like walnut or sesame oil.
Abundance of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – Load up your plate with a rainbow of fresh fruits and vegetables. They’re not only delicious but also full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help regulate your blood sugar.
Sugar Detox and Meal Planning
If you’re ready to kick added sugars to the curb, I’ve got you covered. I’m currently working on courses to help you with meal planning and sugar detox, so stay tuned for those! In the meantime, check out these blog posts and recipes for more tips on real food living:
The Easiest Way to Detox From Sugar
The World’s Best Bone Broth Recipe
Detox Your Kitchen In 10 Easy Steps
Remember, we’ve got the power to take control of our health through real food choices. Let’s kick those added sugars to the curb and embrace the Simply28 real food way of life. Don’t forget to download here >> The Ultimate Sugar Detox Cheat Sheet.
For my inspiration and over 100 gluten free recipes order your copy of The Simply28 Real Food Cookbook today!
To your health and happiness!