There are many reasons why you would want to reduce sugar, or even remove it from your diet altogether. The main reason, of course, is that it will help you lose weight and help you avoid those energy crashes which come from eating too much refined sugar. Don’t kid yourself! Sugar is in practically everything that is store-bought or processed. Here are some simple and practical strategies that you can put to good use today.
1. Swap sugar for low-calorie sweeteners
There are many low-cal sweetener options out there so you can pick and choose the one you like the most. Depending on the recipe, you will be able to find a sweetener that will suit, and chances are, you won’t even be able to taste the difference.
Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers:
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- Or visit us online to schedule an appointment: http://fitmedicalweightloss.com/
2. Make it yourself
If you want to eat something, rather than opt for store bought processed food, make it yourself. That way you will know exactly what has gone into the meal and it gives you the opportunity to swap out sugars and other ingredients for low-fat, low-cal alternatives.
3. Automatically buy low-cal options
Low-cal foods will have less sugar and, ultimately, fewer calories. If you must purchase ready-made or processed food, then read the ingredients carefully before purchasing. You may be surprised what you find once you start making a habit of reading the labels thoroughly.
4. Buy sugar-free drinks
Say no to high-calorie and high-sugar laden soda drinks. Instead, opt for zero calorie replacements to reduce your dependence on sugar. Better yet, increase your water uptake and reduce your pop consumption to ensure that you are well hydrated at all times.
5. Enhance food with herbs and spices rather than sugar
Many recipes call for added sugar, but often if you substitute for another ingredient, you won’t even miss it! Herbs and spices do a great job of enhancing a recipe without resorting to added calories, and they can be so delicious too.
6. Reduce the need for sugar or sweetener altogether
When a recipe calls for sugar, halve it and substitute for sweetener. If you usually have two sugars, halve it and again substitute for sweetener. Then reduce it even more the next time. Casually wean yourself off of the dependence for sweet substances and over time you will find you crave them less and less.
7. Substitute sugar for other ingredients
Look for opportunities to replace sugar or sweetener altogether. Applesauce can be substituted in baking, as an example. Vanilla or almond extract can often be a suitable replacement as well as provide an extra boost of flavor.
8. Minimize the sauce
While the food you eat may be healthy, remember that the sauce you pour on top of it may not be. Look at the ingredients in ketchup, mayonnaise and barbecue sauce as an example and opt for healthier substitutes.
Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers: