Sugar is something that seems to creep into almost every food we find joy in. However, it can be quite detrimental to our health for many reasons. Because of this conclusion, many try to go on meal plans to cut sugar out of their diet completely. Today, I’m going to dive into whether this is helpful or harmful to our overall health. I’m going to explain what truly happens if you cut sugar out of your diet.
Why is Sugar Bad for You?
First, we need to understand why sugar is harmful to our bodies. While it sure does taste good, sugar is a main culprit for loads of health issues including weight gain, diabetes, inflammation, higher blood pressure, fatty liver disease, and even stroke and heart attacks if not monitored.
All of that to say, whether we want to admit it or not, it is a smart idea for anyone to stop eating sugar. Unfortunately, there are some large side effects along the way to reach our bodies full potential post sugar life.
Effects of Cutting Out Sugar
The effects of not eating sugar are more than just a day or two of cravings. Sugar affects our body in a large way, so coming out of that is a slow and brutal process. There is light at the end of the tunnel, so don’t let the symptoms discourage you! It is much more rewarding once you have made it through.
However, it is always best to know what you are getting yourself into. Preparation is key in love and especially in cleanses where your body is not seeming like it wants to work with you. Sugar addiction runs deep. There are physical as well as mental symptoms of cutting out sugar that are quite common:
Physical
- – Nausea
- – Light Headed
- – Dizzy
- – Fatigue
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Mental
- – Depression
- – Anxiety
- – Sleep Problems
- – Cravings
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Prevention
Each of these can be prevented to an extent or at least managed when you know to prepare for it. For example, if you are prone to anxiety and depression before cutting out sugar, try incorporating mental health exercises that your therapist or psychiatrist suggest.
If you are prone to fatigue or sleep problems, try creating a schedule that includes exercise and a stable environment so the fatigue doesn’t consume you. Even if these aren’t your typical problem areas, these practices are great to incorporate for an easier transition.
Here are some more tips to help combat the struggles of sugar purging:
Eat More Protein
Protein gives your body strength to maintain muscle mass and keep it running like a well oiled machine. This is the opposite of sugar. While we get the high from a sugary treat, it offers little to no subsistence to help keep our body running.
This is why you never feel full after eating an entire bag of twinkies versus feeling quite full after eating a chicken breast. Making these swaps can also help manage your cravings as your body will already recognize it has the nutrients it needs.
Increase your Fiber
Another helpful part of your diet, fiber helps regulate your blood sugar, which as you might assume, is a major component of sugar cravings. It also fills up your stomach for longer, which will prevent late night binging. (We have all been there).
Drink Water
Yes. Everyone says it, I know. However, it is with fair reason. Water is the most important part of our diet. Dehydration can cause loads of other areas of your body to stop functioning. It also can help fill your body up and flush out any unneeded toxins. Rule of thumb, try drinking half of your body weight in ounces of water. GIve this a try, and I promise your sugar cravings will improve.
Monitor Your Stress
It may seem like an impossible task, but stress is overall one of the worst things you can do for your body. While it is tempting to worry over that work project or your next big task at home, try to keep your stress to a minimum. This will help you create a more zenn life as well as reduce the urge to run to food aka sugar to help relieve your anxiety.
Try more Bitter Foods
If you are in need of something to satisfy the cravings, try opting for a bitter food to help. This will give you something of substance to taste, but teach your tastebuds to want something other than sweet. This can include loads of options, but personally I rely on coffee to satisfy my cravings, with no sugar of course.
