Hi, my name is Becky and I’m a sugar addict.  It’s really no secret that most of us eat too much sugar on a daily basis.  It’s everywhere!  But, just like any other addiction, you can overcome it.  First, however, you need to know how much is too much and what simple steps you can take to beat your addiction.

According to the World Health Organization, we should only be getting 50 grams or less of sugar each day.  But, since there is sugar in virtually every fruit, vegetable and grain there is, it’s impossible to completely eliminate it.  You can, however, learn to make smarter choices.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has linked sugar intake to the following health related problems.

Plus:
1.  People who consume 100g of added sugar a day have a 12% higher Body Mass Index (BMI) than those who eat the recommended 50g or less.

Why?  Because sugar is very calorie dense.

2.  People who consume 100g of added sugar each day for a period of 5 years are more than twice as likely to suffer heart attacks as those who eat less than 50g.

Added sugar intake is also linked to mental illness such as depression and schizophrenia, memory loss and improper brain development.

So, how can you beat your sugar addiction in just a few days?  Follow these simple steps…

Day 1:  Go through your refrigerator or pantry and pick out 5 foods you eat on a regular basis and look at their sugar content on the nutrition label.  Knowledge is the first step.

Day 2:  To get down below 50g of daily sugar, you need to make substitutions in your snack life.

Need ideas?

1.  Cut soda – switch to mineral water or tea
   
2. Buy all natural products –  get all natural peanut butter instead of Jif
   
3. Snack healthy – eat vegetables and nuts

   By following these simple steps, you should begin to see a difference in how you look and.  Keep in mind, though, you don’t have to try to cut out sugar completely.  Just take a look at how much you’re eating and try to cut yourself down to 50g or less.  Are you ready to kick your addiction?