The holiday season is just around the corner, and you know what that means…
Sweets, treats, and lots of good eats!
While it’s ok to indulge your taste buds every once in a while, it’s important to keep a close eye on what you’re eating–especially during the holidays as sweet treats and sugar-filled foods seem to be around every corner.
So, what’s the best way to limit your sugar intake so you don’t make yourself sick?
Here are a few practical, easy-to-follow methods…
#1 – Always Opt for Water
Many holiday parties feature the following beverage items…
- Soda (approx. 39 grams of sugar).
- Fruit Juice (23 grams of sugar).
- Hot Chocolate (24 grams of sugar).
That’s a heck of a lot of sugar to consume for just one beverage.
And, I bet if you’re attending a holiday party, you’re going to want to enjoy a piece of pie or a cookie along with your drink.
The mistake that a lot of people make is that they drink a lot of sugar, instead of saving their daily sugar allotment for a special treat. By doing this, most people end up consuming far too much sugar in their diets.
The solution: Always opt for water.
Grabbing a glass of water when you’re thirsty is always a healthier option. Not to mention, it will immensely help you cut down on your sugar intake so you don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying a piece of pie or cake this season.
Don’t enjoy plain old water? Give these delicious recipes a try!
#2 – Put Together a Healthy Dessert Alternative
No one wants to miss out on partaking in dessert.
However, if you are…
- Diabetic
- Struggling with your weight
- Generally worried about your sugar intake
…grabbing a slice of pie might not be an option for you.
It’s always a good idea to have a sugar-free dessert option on hand–or at the very least, a dessert that doesn’t contain refined sugars.
Whether you’re hosting a party, or just attending one, bring a healthy dessert option with you.
I personally recommend…
- Fruit trays.
- Sugar-free Jello or pudding.
- Yogurt parfaits.
#3 – Keep a Food Journal
The best way to watch your sugar intake is to pay close attention to what you’re eating. After all, it’s easy to lose track of the treats you eat when you’re not keeping tabs on what you’re consuming.
The best way to track what you’re eating is to keep a food journal where you record what you eat every day.
Every time you eat something, jot it down in your notebook.
If you notice yourself writing down too many sugar-filled foods, it’s a good reminder that it’s time to cut back.
On the other hand, if you have a party or event you’re attending, you can plan your meals/snacks to ensure you save room for enjoying a dessert.
Food journals aren’t just helpful for monitoring the sugar you eat. You can use them far beyond the holiday season.
In fact, many people use them to…
- Ensure they are eating a well-balanced diet.
- Lose weight.
- Detect food sensitivities that are making them feel sick.
Unfortunately, consuming too much sugar can do a lot of harm to your body. The good news? It’s never too late to cut down on sugar and implement a healthier lifestyle.
As part of adopting a healthier diet, I advise people to detox their bodies so they can start fresh. To learn more about detoxes, how they work, and why they are important, check out my blog post here!
