After
watching health fitness guru Brett Caps’ video, “How to handle your Cravings”,
I was inspired to blog about the harmful effects of sugar. I will be the first
to admit that I have a sugar addiction, but my question is how did this begin?
I rarely had candy as a kid and never cared for chocolate… until recently. I
realized once I started eating chocolate, I loved it and could probably eat it
everyday. Here’s why the more you eat it the more you need it. You become
addicted to the cycle of sugar.
Processed
sugar has a number of harming effects.
- Suppresses the immune system
- Contributes to weight gain and obesity
- Increases the risk of fatty liver disease
- Causes headaches, including migraines
- Causes tooth decay
- Raises harmful cholesterol
- Contributes to diabetes
According to Dr. Oz, cravings are driven by your mind and not necessarily by hunger. This means that you do not need to fulfill them. Conversely, if you distract yourself long enough, the cravings will pass. If your body is craving sugar, perhaps it may be a cue for the body needing energy. Fruit is a healthy alternative and leaves your body satisfied.
For
some other suggestions, I recommend the previously mentioned Healthy CookieDough Bits, which are made without processed sugar. In addition, I would also
suggest my friend’s new recipe for her Quinoa Granola Bars. Recently, I have
been snacking on yogurt-covered strawberries that can be easily made with this 3-step recipe.
