5 Ways To Beat The Sweet Stuff

We’re up to our eyeballs in reasons why we should reduce or completely eradicate sugar from our diet. With so many off-the-shelf products containing sugar we didn’t even know about, it can be a challenging process. So we called on London-based certified holistic health coach, Lydia McCall, to share 5 practical ways to beat the sweet stuff.

I am sure you’ve experienced that piece of cake staring back at you, and the voice in your head saying ‘it’s just one slice, what harm could it do?’ only to find yourself aboard a sugar-fuelled rollercoaster ride for the rest of the day. You’re strapped in so tight that you are unable to get off. ­­

This is when the negative self-talk sets in. ‘Why did you eat that cake?’… ‘You are such an idiot!’… ‘You’re a failure!’ This type of negative thinking is what drives you to reach for your next sugary fix; to comfort yourself and to make you feel better, even though you know you shouldn’t. And so the cycle happens all over again…

You wake up in the morning with a sugar hangover, feeling groggy and low in energy. Not a great way to start your day! Next comes the brain fog, inability to focus, and the quality of your work and productivity is low. This leaves you feeling stressed… which does not equate to a healthy life!

Here are 5 ways to escape the nasty grip of sugar, to help you enjoy the benefits of feeling more balanced, and in control of yourself and the way you lead your life:

1. Never skip breakfast!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You are ‘breaking the fast’ that your body has been going through while you sleep. It sets you up for the day. Aim to eat within an hour of waking to really get your metabolism running high and get your blood sugar levels nice and balanced. Always aim to get a good source of protein and healthy fats into your meal. A great option for a nutritious breakfast is porridge made with almond milk, topped with nuts and seeds and a few berries for some added natural sweetness. Alternatively, make a simple omelette with a side of smoked salmon and add some spinach to get your greens in.

2. Cut out any added sugars from your diet

You think you are being healthy by reaching for that organic pasta sauce, that loaf of whole wheat bread or your go-to box of hearty muesli. Well think again, as sugar manages to sneak into many foods that we deem to be good for us. Check the food labels on all the foods you buy. You might be shocked at how much sugar you have been consuming without even knowing!

3. Ditch the sugary drinks (includes the artificially sweetened drinks too)

Did you know that a can of coke contains 10 teaspoons of sugar? Say hello to a major sugar high and crashing sugar low. And don’t be fooled by thinking that the diet version is better for you. The artificial sweeteners in the diet drinks only confuse your body and trigger insulin to be released. This sends your body into fat storage mode, promoting weight gain. Instead opt for water or herbal teas. Try water infused with cucumber or lemon for a bit of variety and added flavour. Or jump on the coconut bandwagon by enjoying a class of coconut water to rehydrate naturally.

4. Eat every 3 hours

This will ensure you keep your blood sugar levels stable and keep your energy levels up, so you don’t become starving and overeat later. It will also stop you from reaching for that chocolate bar to pick you up. Give my Nutty Energy Bites a go. They are the perfect snack; full of protein and healthy fats. They will satisfy your sweet tooth in the most natural way.

5. Avoid fat-free yoghurts

With fat-free yoghurts, the fat has been taken out and replaced with sugar. The fat is what makes you feel satiated and so without it you will find yourself reaching for that second fat-free yoghurt because the first one didn’t quite hit the spot. So you end up eating more. Ditch the fat-free yoghurt and opt for plain greek yoghurt, and then jazz it up by adding a variety of toppings such as berries, cinnamon, coconut flakes, banana, cacao nibs, vanilla powder or some nut butter. The possibilities are endless.

Lydia McCall is a certified, holistic health coach. London-based, she offers nutritional and lifestyle coaching to get you to where you want to be. Unlike a nutritionist, who focuses purely on diet, Lydia will look at all areas of your life including your relationship with food, your work life, and your exercise routine. To find out more about her tailored programmes, visit www.lydiamccall.com or follow her for tips on Twitter @lydia_mccall_ or Instagram @lydia_mccall