Even though it’s important to keep our sugar intake in check, that doesn’t mean that we have to stop enjoying the sweet stuff altogether. There are plenty of ways to enjoy sugar without overindulging and damaging our health. Here are a few tips for maintaining the health of sugar lovers!
1. Get a Blood Test For Glucose Levels
A blood test can help you monitor how your body handles sugar. If you have an intolerance to sugars, it’s important that you know so that you can adjust your diet accordingly so as not to put yourself at risk of serious health problems. If you are found to have a high glucose level, you can request a dietary plan from your doctor that will help you cut down gradually on the amount of sugar that you consume.
2. Know What’s in the Foods you Eat
It may come as a surprise to some, but there is sugar hiding in almost everything we eat! For instance, not many people realize that milk contains sugar. The good news is, it’s the natural kind of sugar and isn’t present in nearly as high an amount as processed forms of sugar such as corn syrup and white refined sugar. Look at the ingredient list on every food item you buy to check for sugars and try your best to avoid them!
3. Choose Natural Sugars Over Artificial Sweeteners
Read the ingredient lists of packaged foods. The lower down on the list you find sugars, the better. You should also try to avoid any items that contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin, since they have been known to have negative impacts on health in some studies. Natural sugars like honey or stevia are much better options for your health.
4. Treat Yourself on Occasion!
Sugar is an important part of our lives, so it’s okay to indulge on occasion! Try buying some sugar-free candy or baked goods every once in a while so that you don’t completely cut out the sweet stuff from your life. Remember, moderation is key!
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your general dentist office regularly for cleanings and check-ups will help you spot problems before they get serious. Hardened plaque, cavities, and tartar can all contribute to tooth decay, which is one of the most common problems associated with overindulging in sugar.
6. Get Checked By Your Doctor For Diabetes And Other Health Problems
If you’re found to have high glucose levels, it’s important that you get tested for other health conditions such as diabetes. Diabetes is a serious condition in which your body cannot process sugars normally. It can lead to kidney damage and heart disease if left untreated, so getting tested is an important step towards maintaining good health.
7. Inspect All Medication Labels Carefully
Medications often contain sugar, including cough drops and children’s medications! Be sure to read the labels of every medication you’re prescribed to see if it contains any sugars so that you can avoid them when possible. If you are unsure about whether or not your medication contains sugars, ask your doctor for clarification.
8. Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables
While many people may think that fruits and vegetables have a high content of natural sugars, this is not the case. In fact, they’re actually very low in sugar — another reason why you should try to include them in your diet regularly.
9. Try Out Healthy Alternative Recipes
Get creative in the kitchen! If you’re trying to cut down on your sugar intake, try baking with natural ingredients like honey and applesauce instead of white refined sugar. Your body will thank you for making the switch!
10. Drink a Lot of Water
Water is a much healthier alternative to juices and sodas — it doesn’t contain any sugar! If you’re dying for something besides water, try drinking coconut water, which contains natural sugars but in much smaller amounts than other beverages.
11. Stay Active and Exercise Regularly
Getting active and losing weight can help lower your blood glucose level and reduce your risk for diabetes. Try taking a basic Zumba class or going on a relaxing run to burn some calories and keep your body healthy!
12. Remember, yOu Don’t Have to Cut out Sugar Completely!
Sugar is what makes life sweet! Avoiding sugars entirely isn’t the key to maintaining a long-term healthy lifestyle — you should aim to treat yourself every once in a while and live your life to the fullest.
Although it is important to maintain a healthy sugar intake, you don’t have to completely cut out sugars from your life. Try some of the tips we’ve provided to make it a bit easier for you to stay on track. Remember that moderation is key, so enjoy a sweet treat every once in a while!