Lifestyle
How do you get off refined sugar?
This month, Aurélie Canzoneri, naturopathic doctor, talks to us about the famous subject of sugar... More and more shunned, sugar - when it's not refined - is nonetheless an indispensable ingredient in our diet. indispensable for our bodies to function properly. Explanation and advice on how to reduce your intake of refined sugars, without getting frustrated.
What can you replace refined sugar with on a daily basis?
In a yoghurt or homemade cake recipe, for example, it's really easy to do without the famous white sugar, which has no nutritional value whatsoever. The easiest to find? Honey an incredible natural antibiotic. The wholegrain sugar is no exception: unrefined, it retains all its vitamins and minerals. Another newcomer to organic stores is coconut blossom sugar. Not only are unrefined sugars healthier, but they also offer our palates much more subtle and delicious tastes. Finally, did you know that white flours were rich in sugars ? It may be a good idea to replace them with a gluten-free version for a lower glycemic index, or with whole-wheat flours: the fiber slows the passage of sugar into the bloodstream and prevents insulin spikes.
10 tips to get off refined sugar...
- Eliminate processed foods as much as possible which often contain many hidden sugars and not enough vitamins, minerals and fiber. The easiest way: don't buy industrial cakes.
- Avoid fruit juices and prefer whole fruit or smoothies: sugars in juice form pass too quickly into the bloodstream and induce an insulin spike.
- Drink water as soon as a sugar craving arises.
- Eat a low-sugar breakfast The morning's glycemic index sets the tempo for the day. The earlier you eat it, the more your body craves it.
- Replace jams with oilseed or fruit purees, or sugar-free compotes.
- Limit dried fruitDo not eat dried fruit unless it has been rehydrated. Ideally, they should be soaked in water for 1 hour before eating, to avoid excess sugar.
- Focus on cinnamon which regulates blood sugar and has appetite-suppressant properties.
- Divide the amount of sugar by 2 in most recipes, and don't overcook food.
- Sleep well Sleep regulates appetite, and sleep deprivation leads to sweet cravings.
- Keep an eye on your intestinal flora Juices and lacto-fermented foods reduce sugar cravings, are good for morale and fill you up quickly.
Finally, it's important to remember that you can't get rid of refined sugar in the blink of an eye. You have to be kind to yourself and, if you want to get started, reduce your consumption very gradually, without pressure. The good news? The less refined sugar you eat, the less your body craves it! For more information, or if you'd like references for any of the products mentioned, please don't hesitate to contact naturopath Aurélie Canzoneri on her website https://www.canzoneri-naturopathe.com or on Instagram @aurelie.canzoneri.
Photo credits: 1. © maudpb