Ditching Sugar in the New Year? Check Out These Tips!

Reducing or completely eliminating added sugar from your diet is a great New Year's Resolution! It can also be really challenging, especially if you currently have a lot of added sugar in your diet. Many people don't realize how many food items have added sugar until they try to eliminate it... Like high fructose corn syrup in crackers!! If you're determined to get healthier in 2022 and want to reduce sugar, Access Dental and Dentures has the tips to help you be successful. Keep reading to learn more! 

Drink Water

Sometimes the body can get confused and cross its signals. If you are craving something sweet, your body could actually just be dehydrated and in need of water. Drink a large glass of water when you experience unhealthy cravings or hunger outside of mealtime. This could help satiate your body enough to curb cravings so you can say “no” to the office candy dish.

Avoid Stress & Triggers

While avoiding stress is sometimes easier said than done, there are other ways to help your body cope other than eating sweets. A few things you can try to help cope with stress are… meditation, yoga, exercise, etc.

Avoid triggers or tempting situations like grocery shopping while hungry, or attending a party on an empty stomach. If you know you will be attending a party where you will be surrounded by a lot of sweets, eat a meal that is high in protein before leaving and make sure you are well hydrated. Chew on a piece of gum during the party to help prevent absent-minded snacking as well.

Eat More Protein

Protein is a necessary nutrient to our diets, and it also helps you feel full for longer. If you feel full throughout the day, you are less likely to feel like snacking on unhealthy treats and sweets. Protein can help diminish your cravings as well, because your body doesn’t feel like it is in need of more nutrients.

Eat Fruit

Fruit contains natural sugars that are significantly better for you than table sugar. Eating a handful of berries or an apple could help satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing good vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your diet.

Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are typically not actually better for you than traditional sugar. While both are bad for your health, artificial sweeteners can cause the signals that control appetite in your brain to get mixed up or ignored. Some sweeteners that are considered “healthy”, like Stevia, actually taste ten times sweeter than the average sweetener. If your taste buds develop an appetite for this sweeter flavor, it is likely that you will crave more of it in higher quantities.

Best Dentist in Missouri

Get ready for a healthier year with these tips to help you reduce or eliminate sugar! Reducing sugar in your daily life can make a big difference in your overall health and your dental health. Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in southern Missouri, and we are here to help you stay healthy and happy in the new year and for years to come. Give us a call to set up an appointment! 

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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