The recommended daily intake of sugar is nine teaspoons for men, six teaspoons for women, and three teaspoons for children. The average American consumes around 17 teaspoons of sugar daily. It’s important not to confuse natural sugars - those found in fruits, for example - with added sugar. Natural sugars are an important part of a healthy diet. It’s items like soda, cakes, and the majority of processed foods that are the issue. Here are four great tips for cutting out sugar from your diet.
Don’t Rush
The reason sugar is so hard to quit is that it activates the brain’s reward system, which leads to intense feelings of joy that can lead to cravings and addiction. Kids are known to be so severely affected by sugar that when it’s taken from them, they’ll have a meltdown lasting hours. So it’s not recommended to remove anything and everything containing added sugar from the house overnight. Gradually introducing whole foods to replace processed options is an excellent place to start. You’ll soon become used to this new way of life, and your body will be all the happier for it.
Replace The Treat
Convincing your kid to do what you want is a whole lot easier when you promise them a treat as a reward. The reward system is a typical parenting hack, but it can become unhealthy when everything has to result in a sugar hit. Instead of the promise of candy, consider making fun activities like rock climbing or swimming the reward for good behavior.
Share The Benefits
Something your entire family will notice from the reduction of sugar is a significant improvement in their physical and mental wellbeing. Increased energy levels, weight loss, reduced inflammation, enhanced mental clarity, focus, and overall mood are all scientifically-proven benefits of cutting out sugar. So be sure to share your newfound wellness, and celebrate the fact that your family’s diet is now in a much better place.