In recent years, sugar has become a staple in our diet. We can't measure how much sugar we consume. Every type of food, from cold drinks to our daily snacks, contains sugar. However, cutting back on sugar takes time because it is present in most artificial food items. Research says an average American consumes about 16 teaspoons of added sugar daily. It is double the advised amount. A person who consumes too much sugar may develop heart disease and obesity, among other health problems. This comprehensive guide will help you wean off extra sugar for your health.

Added sugar does not mean the naturally present sugar in our food. Added sugar means artificial sugar, which has zero nutritional benefits. It only offers extra calories, which contribute to health issues and diseases. You should take your daily total calories as a budget and spend them on healthy and naturally occurring sugars.

Natural sugars offer us many benefits, but added sugars are not nutritious. They only add calories to our diet, which can make us obese. They cause the risk of heart disease and diabetes. For persons who have diabetes and blood pressure problems, artificial sugars can increase the risk of high blood pressure and sugar levels.

However, added sugars can act as quick energy boosters as they provide glucose to our bodies. Small sugar additions can improve some foods' flavour and palatability and increase their enjoyment. This can be especially useful in promoting nutrient-dense foods that people might otherwise find boring, such as dairy products or whole grains.

On the other hand, natural sugars contain many essential nutrients. They also contain fibre, which prevents blood sugar spikes and boosts our digestive system. Fruit switches also contain natural sugars and have high water content, which prevents dehydration.

Sugar gives nutrition to the cells of your brain and helps it work. Sugar addiction is becoming a severe health problem in the USA. When we consume processed food or added sugar, it creates additional sugar in our bodies. About 75 per cent of Americans have a sugar addiction. Taking sugar in your diet releases dopamine, so you crave more sugar. People who have anxiety and mood swings can develop sugar addiction more commonly. Symptoms of sugar addiction include eating a lot of unhealthy sugars and becoming moody and harsh.

Sugar-sweetened beverages

Cold Drinks

Sweetened coffee and tea

Brownies

Cookies

Cakes

Pastries

Ice Cream

Pies

Constantly monitor your daily sugar intake to maintain heart-healthy habits. The empty calories from sweet beverages and desserts can lead to a low-quality life. Here are some tips to cut sugar from your diet.

Reduce the amount of added sugar in your daily food products. Try making your tea and coffee with less sugar than usual. Gradually decrease the sugar until your taste buds adjust to it.

Always read the ingredient lists of food products before buying. Go for the products that contain less added sugar. Fruit and dairy products contain some natural sugars that are less harmful than artificial ones.

Do not add added sugar to your cereals and drinks. Use a natural sweetener like stevia plant extract to avoid extra calories. Many canned fruits are also sweetened with artificial sugar. So, read the cans' labels to prevent the fruits from being canned in syrup and artificial sugar.

Replace your sugary snacks with natural sugary fruits. Snack on oranges, bananas, and apples rather than pastries and doughnuts.

Remove sugary drinks and beverages from your daily routine. Instead, choose unsweetened options such as diet drinks and iced tea.

Do not use artificial sugar in your diet. To sweeten your food, buy natural sugar extracts like almonds, vanilla, and oranges.

Reducing added sugar from your diet is a very impactful step towards your health. When you understand what added sugar means, it is easy for you to cut down on its quantity. You can remove artificial sugar from your diet with simple steps towards adopting natural sugars.

Natural sugars have many health benefits because they contain many nutritious components. It takes time to make your life sugar-free, but the benefits will be worth your efforts. Your tastes will evolve, and you'll start revolving toward healthful, naturally sweet foods that nourish your body without the highs and lows of added sugar. Continue and reap the rewards of living a better, more balanced life. Embrace this journey towards a healthier life than before.