Why Sugar Is Killing You

Sugar. We all love it. Chocolate, candy, cookies, etc. It's all yummy and I'll be the first to admit it. But, it's terrible for you. Now I know many people may be thinking...'well duh,' but let me elaborate. First, look at how much the average person consumes today- approximately 1 cup. Our ancestors only averaged about a tablespoon per day (westonaprice.org). Quite the difference.

In addition, eating sugar:
1) Throws off your blood-sugar levels and in short, goes straight to your stomach (ahem, tummy fat)
2) Feeds cancer cells, ulcerative colitis, and multiple other auto-immune diseases
3) Interferes with your absorption of protein (which you need MOST in your diet)
4) Can make you hungrier
5) Contributes greatly to what most parents/Dr's deem as ADD and ADHD
6) Can result in mineral imbalances
7) Causes a field day for bacteria and viruses
8) Is addictive. The more you eat, the more you continue to crave it
9) Truly contain NO nutrient value. It is actually depleting your body of nutrients
10) Increases bad cholesterol and triglycerides

Need more reasons to stop eating sugar? I could keep going, but I won't. And sadly, I don't even find the above 10 facts to be what's most disturbing... Really, what kills me is what sugar is in. It's in cereal, yogurt, juice, frozen meals, fast food, canned fruit, energy drinks, bread, instant oatmeal, pasta sauce...again, I could keep on going. Truly, if it isn't a 'whole food,' it probably has sugar.

Now I'm not asking you to quit cold turkey, although if you're a brave soul, go for it. But please, start eliminating it. Figure out what you're eating every day that has sugar, and begin by cutting one thing out a day. After several days, cut another item out, and keep going until you've cut out all sugar. If you're like me, you WILL have withdrawals. And yes, it WILL be hard. Find a support partner, don't do it alone. If you have a husband, have him do it with you. If you have kids, PLEASE, for their sake begin to cut it from their diets as well (did you know that parents who cut out sugar from their kids diets saw improvement in test scores, focus, and overall happiness? Google Browns Mill School in Georgia if you want proof).

If you need some alternatives for cutting out sugar but still 'baking', here are some decent options (keep it to 2TBS per day TOTAL):
-raw, local honey
-dates
-organic maple syrup
-stevia 
-molasses

My favorite sweet tooth recipe:

1-½ scoops Chocolate Shakeology (or protein powder)

1 ripe avocado

1 large banana 

1/2tsp cinnamon

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 

PREPARATION:

Mix all ingredients in a Vitamix with 3 ice cubes and serve. If you don't own a Vitamix, blend, pour into small individual dishes and refrigerate for an hour.