Three questions you should ask yourself about your sugar habits
Naturally Sweet Products
Did you know that it is possible to get addicted to sugar? This may explain why you crave chocolate bars in the middle of the afternoon, or feel like you can't get through the day without at least one sweet treat. Like caffeine, sugar can increase your energy levels and temporarily leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. In addition, it tastes delicious. So as you can imagine, our brains and our bodies tend to enjoy it when they get a quick burst of sweetness - hence why many people call it a 'sugar high'. Yet there is a difference between enjoying the odd sugary treat and feeling as though you need it all the time. To help you discover whether your sugar habits are healthy, or if you may need to cut back, then here a few questions you should ask yourself about your sweet treat intake. How much sugar do I eat per day? Try making a list of all the sugar you eat every day. Include everything, from the amount found in fruit to what is in cereal, bread and other processed foods, as well as how much you add to your hot drinks. The results may surprise you! Many of us don't realise how much sugar creeps into our daily diet. For some, it could be abundant in every single meal. Why do I eat sugar? It helps to understand why you eat sugar. You may reach for the chocolate when you are feeling down, or perhaps you crack open a bag of lollies when you are bored. For many, overindulging in sugar is an emotional response to something else going on in their life. Instead of reaching for a chocolate bar every time you feel tired or lethargic, try snacking on a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts. This can help you on your way to a balanced diet that is more beneficial to your wellbeing, both mentally and physically. It may help you break the habit, too! Do I feel guilty after I've eaten sugar? How do you feel after you have eaten something sweet and delicious? Are you happy and satisfied? Or do you feel guilty, ashamed, or anxious? Some people spend so much time worrying about their sugar intake that they can become obsessed with eating less, causing them to binge occasionally and then feel guilty every time they "break the rules" and reach for a handful of lollies. Instead of putting yourself through this damaging and depressing routine, try to take a 'guilt-free' approach to food. Make sensible choices when you can, but if you are really craving something sweet then don't beat yourself up about it! These questions are not meant to scare you - they are simply meant to help you become more aware about your own eating habits. It could even inspire you to cut back, or look for healthy sugar alternatives such as Stevia extract. A natural sweetener, Stevia is an aspartame-free low calorie option that is perfect for adding to baking, hot drinks and more.
