We've all felt the crash in the afternoon after a whirlwind day of work or activities. Maybe being less energetic has become the new status quo for you and that drained persona is leaking into your daily life. Maybe you're ready for something different.
Find out the "easy method" to break up with sugar so you can gain more energy below.
What will it take to get that extra energy you so desire? It's SIMPLE: Breaking up with Sugar.
Here's where people start to freak out. "But wait, how will I possibly do that and still be happy?" "Won't that be restrictive, unenjoyable, no FUN?!"
My answer: It doesn't have to be.
(OK DEEP BREATHS HERE) - not all sugar needs to go. But how do you know which ones to give up?
I'll make it easy for you below, but my mantra to break up with the less favorable carbs is pretty easy: BREAK UP WITH YOUR WHITE FOODS
So what are the white foods I'm talking about? White foods - essentially, "bad carbs" like sugar and baked goods made with white flour - have been fingered as a culprit in America's obesity epidemic. These white foods have additional negative affects since the process used to deliver them to your table often result in stripping away key nutrients, while adding in sugar-based binders to enrich them with vitamins. White foods have been known to add to the inflammatory response in your body which over a long period of time can lead to additional discomfort, bloating, mobility issues, digestion issues, autoimmune disorders, and even reproductive issues. It is easy to overeat foods like cookies or white-flour pasta - and it's even easier to drink sweetened beverages. It's estimated that Americans drink 22% of our total calories, much of that from beverages sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
But not all white foods are flour based. Even the less heard of white food culprits (things like milk, potatoes, rice, cheese, etc.) can lead to inflammation in the body if consumed in excess and/or if you intake them on an already inflamed digestive system.
But a diet of "no carbs" isn't the full answer. In fact, carbohydrates are essential for health and are your body’s preferred form of fuel. We can’t live without them -- but we'd be healthier if we got most of our carbohydrates from "smart carbs" like fruits, vegetables, legumes, kefirs, and whole grains. And if you must indulge in a white food, check the origins of your food products. Whenever possible, choose organic, non-gmo food sources to ensure the best nutrient content. That may mean a little bit of extra work to make your own treats, or a little extra cash spent for the highest quality ingredients. But it is worth it in the end if your pain, irritable bowels, or bloating can take a back seat to a more revitalized and energetic you.
The one exception to my white food ban is coconut. Coconut milk, fruit or the water replaces a fruit/starch in your meal planning--and its best to find variations that do not have added sugar. Not all people can ingest coconut, and some may experience a variation of a tree-nut allergy so it's important to listen to your body and recognize signs of intolerance such as rashes, bloating, etc. These symptoms may be signs of greater issues, and you should contact your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
I should note that each person's sensitivities and tolerance are unique to them, so it's important to work with a health coach/nutrition counselor to learn which foods may be triggering your specific type of inflammation response.
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