Sugar is really, we mean REALLY, bad for us. Processed sugar is truly the root cause of so many health problems.  It ages our skin, weakens our immune system and causes so many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and dementia. It causes weight gain and wrinkles. If you are considering making any health changes in 2021, health experts advise cutting sugar from your diet. Healthshifter understands that this is easier said than done. Eliminating sugar is so difficult because it operates like cocaine and heroin stimulating the same areas in our brain. Sugar is addictive.

So how exactly does one go about getting off the sugar train? Dr. Frank Lipman addresses this question in his article, “7 Timely Tips to Slay the Sugar Monster-and Look Younger Fast!”- He advises that “ the immediate goal is to get off the sugar rush-and crash rollercoaster by maintaining stable blood sugar levels.” He offers the following tips:

1. “Ditch the sugar from your breakfast menus no matter what time you break your fast. Your first meal of the day should contain healthy good fats, leafy greens and some clean protein. No sugar means no OJ, fruit juice, jam/jelly, bread, or sugary tea or coffee.
2. Hold the caffeine and sweet snack when you feel that mid-morning or mid-afternoon slump! The blast from both will send your blood sugar and energy levels to the moon and back several times a day. To get energized, Dr.Lipman suggests snacking on organic nut butters, raw veggies, hummus, berries, hard-boiled eggs etc. You won’t ‘crash’ ‘nor will you be hungry an hour later.’
3. Hydrate-drink natural drinks without sugar such as organic teas, sparkling water, lemon/cucumber water, or green drinks. Ditch the fruit juices, sodas, and diet sodas-you don’t need the sugar or potentially toxic chemicals.
4. Begin tapering off all chemical and natural sweeteners including agave and raw sugar (they fuel cravings!). If you absolutely must have some, add the smallest amount possible of raw, organic, plant-based stevia or monk fruit sweetener (which don’t spike blood sugar). Sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol aren’t ideal as they can cause digestion issues (think gas). Eventually, however, phase out all sweeteners!
5. Lunch is a very important meal and should be taken very seriously. Meal prep your lunch at home-minus the sugar. Don’t grab and go that juice or deli sandwich. Control this meal!
6. Dinner-eat lightly and at least 3-4 hours before bed. No sugar-opt for light stews or bowls. They are easier to digest and can keep your blood sugar low.
7. After dinner-drink a warm cup of caffeine-free mint, chai or ginger tea or hot water with lemon. You can sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder on a decaf cappuccino- these are great low sugar ways to end your day.”

You can read Dr. Lipman’s full article at: https://drfranklipman.com/2021/01/18/7-timely-tips-to-slay-the-sugar-monster-and-look-younger-fast