Sweet Temptations

A little sugar for your coffee? A mid-afternoon treat? We know many people have a sweet tooth, but most don't know that added sugar not only leads to rapid weight gain, but it also increases your risk of many preventable diseases.  An influx of sugar into the bloodstream upsets the body's blood-sugar balance, triggering the release of insulin. Increased insulin promotes the body's storage of fat & depresses the immune system. A diet high in sugar has been shown to lead to cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, gout & high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends that we limit our intake of added sugars to 100 calories per day for women and 150 calories per day for men. TIPS TO OVERCOME SWEET TEMPTATIONS: EAT SMALL & FREQUENTLY  Small meals & snacks throughout the day will keep you more satisfied & less likely to turn to unhealthful foods. WATER! WATER! WATER!  Drink at least 8 cups of water per day. Staying properly hydrated keeps your energy up and relieves false hunger pangs. HIDE THE SUGAR  Keep tempting foods out of sight & out of reach.  RETRAIN YOUR TASTE BUDS  Eat an abundance of natural, unprocessed food. Your taste buds will soon adapt to the natural flavors of food, rather than craving the salty, sweet or chemical tastes in processed foods The best way to get your sweets is with fresh fruit. It's delicious, naturally low in calories, and high in vitamins, minerals & fiber.