Sugar – A deadly sweet temptation

The Problem:

Grabbing a quick energy boost by adding 3 to 4 spoons of sugar to our morning cuppa is a common habit for most. However these short energy bursts don’t last and by late-morning we may reach for another easy source of sugar to relieve a drop in energy and feelings of fatigue. 

With an increase in the availability of convenience foods, and the fact that sugar is added to most food products, its no wonder that many suffer from obesity, sugar cravings, anxiety, candida (yeast infections), chronic fatigue, diabetes, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar),  low energy symptoms,  PMS-related emotional symptoms and  tooth decay.  Sugar and refined carbohydrates  (these have the same effect as sugar) are found in biscuits, sweets, cakes, pies and ice cream as well as products like salad dressings, tomato sauce, meat seasonings, and even some medications and Vitamin Supplements, making it one of the most overused and addictive additives in the World. 

When we bombard our body with sugar it is metabolized into its simplest form, glucose. Eaten in small amounts, sugar products aren’t harmful, but with a full day of toasted sandwiches, hamburgers, jam doughnuts, fizzy drinks and chocolates, an overworked Pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to deal with these high boosts of glucose. 

The Solution:

• Become a label reader and cut out sugar as much as possible. 

• Eat more foods on the Low Glycemic Index to promote a slower release of glucose and insulin in the blood and therefore keep energy levels on an even keel. These include oatmeal porridge, sweet potato, whole-wheat spaghetti, apples, pears, lentils and chickpeas.

• High Glycemic foods release glucose and stimulate insulin production a lot quicker than the Low Glycemic foods, so it is advisable to avoid foods like baked potatoes, white rice, bagels, cooked carrots and wheat-based cereals as much as possible. 

• Eat regular meals to prevent blood sugar fluctuations. 

• Add more protein to your meals as cravings for sweets can be caused by too little protein in your diet.

• Drink lots of water. 

• Cinnamon aids blood sugar regulation. It tastes naturally sweet and is the perfect seasoning when you're trying to reduce your sugar intake.