Sugar has no nutritional value other than adding calories to your diet. In fact, increased sugar consumption can prove dangerous to your health. Obesity is not the only reason why sugar needs to be eliminated from your diet. Research has shown that increased sugar consumption can lead to various health complications from diabetes and hypertension to kidney damage and colon cancer. A sugar detox diet not just improves your appearance, it also leads to better mental clarity, better physical and dental health and improved energy.
Top 10 Ideas for A Sugar Detox Diet Plan
Breakfast
1. Yogurt Breakfast Bowl (Raw Honey)
2. Dates Pancakes (Dates)
3. Vegan Banana Waffles (Banana Puree)
Lunch And Dinner
4. Maple-Cider Chicken And Nutty Quinoa (Maple Syrup)
5. Sweet And Spicy Chicken Drumsticks (Real Fruit Jam)
Dessert
6. Stevia Pecan Pie (Stevia)
Snacks
7. Bruschetta With Balsamic Glaze (Balsamic Glaze)
8. Blackstrap Molasses Cookies (Blackstrap Molasses)
9. Glazed Carrots With Pecan And Thyme (Coconut Sugar)
10. Homemade Granola Bars (Brown Rice Syrup)
Related: Healthy Eating Tips: Your Guide to the Sugar Detox Diet
5 Tips To Succeed On Your Sugar Detox Diet
Eliminating sugar from your diet through the sugar detox diet may be quite the challenge, but if done right, it can be a lot less stressful. Here are some tips to make sure you make it to the finishing line.
1. Time It Well
It is difficult enough to bear the involuntary cringing in your stomach and throat for want of sugar, you don’t want to be making it any harder on yourself. When deciding when to start a sugar detox diet plan, ensure the time is ripe. Choose a weekday or a time when temptations are minimal. Weekends and holidays that will most likely lug you into extravagant buffets and social events are a complete no-no.
2. Quit Cold Turkey
This may sound like the wrong approach but not when you know that sugar is eight times more addictive than cocaine. Heightened hormones and misdirected neurotransmitters and not mere emotions are responsible for sugar addiction. This means it is something well within your control.
Eliminate ALL forms of sugar from your diet – table sugar, artificial sweeteners, fruits, etc. – for 10 days straight to minimize sugar cravings for the long haul.
3. Call Sugar Bluffs
As a general rule, avoid packaged foods (especially those labeled with trans or hydrogenated fats and MSG), all types of grains, and alcohol. These fuel your sugar cravings.
Don’t forget to count liquid calories. Realize that sodas and energy drinks that are loaded with sugar concentrates and flavorings and are just as harmful (if not more) as regular sugar.
Don’t overlook stealthy salad dressings, dips, sauces, and marinades. Also avoid foods that trigger inflammation, like gluten and dairy products, as inflammation tickles are sweet tooth. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and beets should be cut out from your diet, as well (at least for 10 days).
4. Fuel Up With Proteins, Non-Starchy Veggies, And Fat
Stabilize your insulin and blood sugar levels by filling up on protein-rich foods (whole farm eggs, fish, chicken), greens (asparagus, artichokes, zucchini), and healthy fats (nuts, avocados, coconut butter). They serve as excellent sources of energy and, hence, apt sugar substitutes, keeping you up and pumping through the day. This important diet tip can mitigate your sugar withdrawal symptoms.
5. Take Five And Snooze
But not together. The stress hormone, cortisol, doesn’t support your weight loss endeavors. Instead of helping you use stored fat for energy, it forces you to seek other sources like sugar. Take five slow deep breaths before every meal to stimulate your vagus nerve and switch from fat storage mode to fat burn mode. Getting a good night’s sleep will also help harness your energy for the following day and you won’t have to depend on sugar to pull you through.
After 10 days of going sugar-sober, gradually introduce sugar substitutes into your meals and only if required. Carrying a healthy snack with you at all times will also help you fight back unannounced sugar cravings.
