The reason we have such a hard time “quitting” sugar is because we think we need to quit. We have such an “all or nothing mentality”.
What if we stopped looking at “giving it up” and focused more on what is better to eat. If you go “cold turkey” you more than likely will crash, causing your metabolism to do the same exact thing! Who wants that??!
We need to focus on making the transition from a sugar burner to a fat burner instead.
So how do we do that?
1. Eat lots of Leafy Greens
Aim for about 5 to 6 cups a day. All kinds of Greens (make sure you go with variety) are your best friends right now. They will help alkalize the body (reduce inflammation) and give you a high dose of nutrients like Vitamins K, C, and A, and filling fiber.
2. Keep it Real and Balanced
Choose whole unrefined sugar sources (like pure maple syrup, wild unrefined local honey, whole fruit, and dates). Your meals should always have more fiber than anything else. Aim for a 10:1 or 5:1 ratio of carbohydrates to fiber to balance and stabilize blood sugar and encourage a healthy microbiome.
3. Clean out your pantry.
The easiest way to avoid refined sugar is to keep it out of your kitchen. Toss obvious sources like white bread and packaged foods with long ingredient labels, but also be wary of hidden sugar sources. Things like store-bought salad dressings, sauces, condiments, juices, frozen meals, dried fruits, and flavored yogurts all contain sugar. Check the label if you’re unsure. Cutting these foods will improve your digestion and mental clarity. But remember—don’t let sugar become the enemy. Remember it’s about balance and getting it from high quality, whole food sources.
4. Hydrate (with Extra Benefits)
Hydration is important all the time, but it’s especially important when your body is going through a sugar detox mode. Water helps your vital organs move toxins and stagnation out of the body. Needs some ideas? Check out my “Hydration with Benefits” recipe Chia Fresca.
6. Move
Getting your heart rate up will not only get you sweating, but it will help naturally boost your energy and normalize insulin levels. Exercise helps move sugar into your muscles for storage, immediately increasing your insulin sensitivity. The effects can last for up to 48 hours.
