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Sugar: “The Sweet Lie”

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I’m not sure how chocolate and candy hearts became the symbol for sugar candyValentine’s Day, but I do know that the latest research continues to show us that sugar can be significantly detrimental to our health. Here are just a few of the most noted harmful effects of sugar:

  • causes inflammation. This is particularly harmful to those suffering from joint pain, arthritis and migraines.
  • suppresses the immune system. If you are suffering from a cold, the flu, bronchitis, or cancer, avoid sugar to give your body’s immune system the best opportunity at healing.
  • feeds every cell in our body – including cancer cells. Several recent studies indicate that sugar may increase the growth of cancer cells; other research shows that it is the weight gain from sugar that increases our risk of cancer; especially harmful is increased fat around our heart and organs. Either way, reducing sugar may reduce our risk of cancer.
  • is a main culprit in the growing epidemic of obesity and adult-onset diabetes in the U.S. According to health scientists at MD Anderson, the average American eats 260 cups of sugar a year! This isn’t just from sweets, it’s also from hidden sources, such as tomato sauce, salad dressing, “healthy” cereals, and more.
  • Finally, sugar is addictive. When we eat sugar (and chocolate) our body releases the brain chemicals dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. These are the same chemicals that addicts crave. So while you think having one or two pieces of heart-shaped chocolates won’t be too bad, your brain is thinking “I want more!” That’s why so many of us find it hard to resist sweet temptations.

Ditching sugar can be difficult. Let me know if you need some support. I’ll be glad to help!

Instead of reaching for the sweet treat to fill you up try some of these self-care ideas!

Effects of Sugar

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Sugar is almost everywhere. It’s not only in our pastries and desserts, but it’s also in our coffee, in our soup, even in salad dressings!

Sugar robs the body of nutrition. It can rot your teeth and cause fatty deposits to build up in your liver. It’s the main cause of cellulite, body fat, and metabolic issues. Sugar also creates an acidic environment in the body, which leads to disease.

So you can see why it would be important to kick sugar to the curb and swap it out for healthier alternatives.

Now, I’m not about deprivation. Not in the least. I like a sweet treat as much as the next person. But I make sure that what I’m eating isn’t going to negatively impact my health, so I make sure that any treats I’m eating are sweetened with a healthy sweetener, like honey or maple syrup, or natural sugar substitute, like stevia or xylitol.

Once you start switching to healthy sweeteners and low-sugar substitutes, you’ll notice that you have fewer and fewer cravings for sugar. You’ll also find that you’re tasting the natural sweetness of fruits and vegetables without needing to put anything on top of them.

Getting off of sugar will help you to ditch the afternoon energy crash, stabilize your blood sugar, look younger, and create a more alkaline environment that your body will thrive in.

What will you swap out this week for a healthier, low-sugar or sugar-free alternative?

Need help kicking sugar to the curb after all the holiday hoopla? You aren’t alone! I’ve created a program to help you ditch the sugar cravings and start the new year healthier.

I’ll support you every step of the way. No deprivation! Just fabulous seasonal foods to support your detox from the drug we all know and love, Sugar!

Wouldn’t you love to…?

Shed unwanted weight

Increase your energy

Improve your sleep

Have clear skin

Boost your immunity

Improve digestion

Feel amazing!

Join me JANUARY 2016. Sign up for my Newsletter for up coming dates.

10 Healthy Halloween Survival Tips

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These Halloween survival tips aren’t about how to avoid zombies! With all the sugary treats ahead it’s no wonder why the average weight gain between Halloween – the Superbowl is 10-15 pounds per person. That’s about one pound per week! Start your holiday season off right with these 10 tips for a healthier Halloween.

1. Enjoy the day! Have fun carving pumpkins, getting dressed in costumes and talking with neighbors/family/friends.

2. Eat a large meal before going trick-or-treating to avoid overindulgent snacking while out and about.

3. Set limits regarding on candy consumption (ie. Let kids eat throughout trick-or-treating and a few when they get home, but then explain they get X number of pieces per day).

4. Create healthy rules around eating candy (ie. Allow child to eat one piece of candy as long as it’s alongside something healthy such as veggies or water).

5. Make sure caregivers understand and abide by your candy rules.

6. Toss out the most brightly colored candy!

7. Treat yourself to some quality, organic candy so you can participate with your kids minus the guilt.

8. Make a trade: Have your kids swap candy for a non-food item they’d really enjoy such as a toy, game, movie night, etc…(some dentist offices even take your candy for something special like a new toothbrush or toy!)

9. Be a good role model for your child by demonstrating that candy is not the only choice and limits are possible.

10. Stay away from grocery stores on November 1st. No need to buy more candy just because it’s on sale!