LUCAS OTTONE/ Stocksy
In This Article
Breaking up with sugar is bittersweet.
But, going on a sugar detox may be simpler (and indeed, sweeter) than you think.
However, the average American consumes 17 teaspoons, or around 71 grams, per day.It’s scary stuff.
LUCAS OTTONE/ Stocksy
What is a Sugar Detox?
Major sources of added sugars include sugary beverages, desserts, sweet snacks, and candy.
Why Go on a Sugar Detox?
Sugar isn’t a necessity.
A lot of it sounds mouthwateringly delicious.
Why Do We Crave Sugar?
But that doesn’t mean quitting sugar all at once.
“Start by recognizing how much sugar is in the food you are currently eating.
Read the labels, look for ‘hidden sugars’ and stick to more whole foods, advises OConnor.
(Find more on hidden sugars below.)
Consuming less sweet and processed foods is the goal, but she cautions against depriving yourself entirely.
“Although it can be tricky, youve got to stick to your plan.
Ahead, read our experts' sample diet plan for a low-sugar daily diet.
(There are even some treats included.)
Just be sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt and a low-sugar and high-protein granola.
Then, sprinkle in some nuts,seeds, and berries.
Lunch
Recommended Foods:A salad with a variety of veggies, legumes, and healthy fats.
For lunch, keep up with the protein, fiber, and healthy fats combo.
“The best way to detox from sugar is to ensure that you are consuming protein and healthy fats.
Your lunch break is also a good time to check in with your hydration levels.
Water is important to the body’s metabolic processes and also keeps you feeling energized and alert.
“The mind is a powerful thing.
Simply seeing something pleasurable can elicit a desire.
Dinner
Recommended Foods:Roasted vegetables with wild salmon, avocado, and brown rice.
Again, its all about avegetable-basedmeal that includes protein and healthy fats.
Try a roasted vegetable medley with a serving of wild salmon, avocado, and brown rice.
Top it off with a freshly prepared salmon filet and some avocado.
We don’t know about you, but that soundssoappetizing,sofilling, andsosatisfying to us.
If you start to feel a little peckish between your meals, then like have a snack.
Starving or restricting to save on calories may lead to binges later on.
She recommends enjoying them with a little Dijon mustard.
If youre more in the mood for something cold and refreshing, grab your blender.
The protein from the yogurt and antioxidant-rich berries offer a nutritious, satiating snack that can feel indulgent.
If youre craving something more savory, OConnor suggests Wasa crisp crackers and cottage cheese.
Lastly, OConnor recommends crudites (carrot, celery, zucchini sticks, radish, etc.)
I recommend Tajine, Zaatar, or Everything But the Bagel for ultimate flavor, she adds.
The healthy fat will keep those blood sugars stable and provide a little more satiation.
But, there are less obvious foods that are better left on the shelf and out of your diet.
There are hidden sugars in many of our packaged convenience foods.
And often, many of these dont necessarily taste particularly sweet, explains OConnor.
Granola bars, and even protein bars, also often masquerade as something healthier than they are.
So, youve got to read those labels, advises OConnor.
Also, be aware of drinking too muchalcohol.
Jackson says it can have adverse effects on the body and encourage more sugar cravings.
What are the side effects of a Sugar Detox?
“A true ‘sugar detox’ typically involves going cold turkeyat least to start.
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University of California San Francisco SugarScience.How much is too Much?
the growing concern over too much added sugar in our diets.
