Go Sugar-Free This February

Go Sugar-Free This February

Later this month, from Wednesday, February 26, Christians across the world will be observing Lent, for 40 days they will be abstaining from something or fasting. One common item to forego is sugar, you do not need to be a Christian to go sugar-free this February, but now is a great time to pass on the sweet poison and cutback in the period sandwiched between sweet-filled Christmas and Easter.

There are several reasons why sugar receives negative publicity, high levels of sugar intake can lead to excessive acne, diabetes, fatigue, heart disease, premature skin aging, tooth decay and increased weight gain. The challenge in Britain is great, the nation could easily be identified as one with a sweet tooth as it is estimated by Public Health England that children have exceed the maximum recommended sugar intake for an 18-year-old by the time that they reach their tenth birthday.

If you are to go sugar-free this February, or at least reduce your intake, take the early stages of your sugar refrain easy – it will be natural for you to feel more tired, so avoid anything too strenuous in the first few days. When the need for a sugary fix grows, look for no added sugar alternatives which you can munch on, opt for treats such as nuts, fruit, vegetables and low-sugar yoghurt – however, it is important to remember that if you can, empty your cupboards and fridge of tempting sweet treats.

As well as the things to avoid, it is important to think about the things you should do, so, as well as eating healthily, look to use your sugar detox as a time to spur you on to get more active – whether this is going to a gym, or simply running, walking or swimming more. Going sugar-free can feel like a chore, therefore make sure you give yourself a treat – why not go to a spa? This hand-in-hand with low sugar intake will help your skin, and you can pay for your visit by cutting back on buying sweets.

With refraining from any food stuff, there will be some side effects to expect, commons ones include cravings, tiredness, and sometimes as is the case with a change of diet, an upset stomach. However, there will be some noticeable benefits which will include an improved skin complexion, long-term improved sleep, and even in the short-term some moderate weight loss, benefits which you might not see, but feel include a better mind and mood, and a better balance of the body’s hormones.

Sugar Can
Be Sour As Well As Sweet

A very high sugar diet can easily sour life with high sugar intake contributing to a range of health challenges, including:

Insomnia
According to The National Sleep Foundation, the higher the amount of sugar you eat the more often you are likely  to wake at night, much like high caffeine consumption.

Sexual Difficulties
Higher blood glucose levels due to a high sugar intake can damage artery linings affecting blood flow making achieving an erection and maintaining one more difficult.

Skin Complaints
Too much sugar can lead  to an increase in break outs as sugary treats lead to an imbalance of vitamins and antioxidants causing skin complaints such as acne, blackheads and spots.