The Eye-Opening Dangers of Sugar
A new study from the National Cancer Society on the dangers of sugar found that Americans consume 46% of their added sugar from sodas, energy drinks, sugar-sweetened fruit drinks, and sports drinks. And according to recent news from CNN, sweet beverages that are sugar-sweetened are linked to more than 180,000 obesity-related deaths worldwide each year. According to new research presented at an American Heart Association conference, “When people drink too many beverages containing added sugar, such as soft drinks, fruit drinks, energy, or sports beverages they tend to put on weight. The study authors say these added pounds increase the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers — conditions often referred to as obesity-related diseases.” The dangers of sugar have become very clear.
The Sugar Crisis
And the sugar crisis keeps growing because sugary drinks and foods are not satisfying and actually leave us craving more sweets while displacing our hunger for nourishing and nutrient-rich foods such as meats, quality fats, fresh fruits and vegetables. The dangers of sugar increase when we have too much causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin which can lead to weight gain, brain fog, and mood swings . . . and cravings for more sugary foods.
No matter what your personal health goals are eliminating the dangers of sugar can be a step in the right direction toward building optimal health! Processed sugar steals important vitamins and minerals from the body that are needed for optimum mind and body function.
Challenge yourself to replacing all your sugary beverages for one month, and see how good you feel!
- That includes coffee drinks, sodas, diet sodas, fruit juice, sports drinks, and any beverage with HFC (high-fructose corn syrup).
- The best way to tell if it’s a sugary beverage is to read the nutrition label. If it lists any sugar, choose a different beverage while you’re on this challenge!
Tips to Get Started
- Pre-plan by having ingredients on hand to make tasty sugarless beverages when the mood strikes.
- You may want to have a glass or stainless steel water bottle available to take some of your beverage creations on the go.
- Make some drinks in advance so they are ready when you are!
Delicious Sugar-Free Drinks
Try these delicious drinks to satisfy your sweet tooth without sugar.
Sparkling Mineral Water
There’s no recipe required for this one. You can purchase bottled water that contains minerals and carbonation but no sugar. It sometimes quenches that urge for a soda because of the fizzy bubbles.
Fresh Berry & Mint Water
Take a handful of your favorite fresh berries and 2-3 fresh mint leaves and add it to a pitcher of pure, refreshing water and refrigerate.
Chocolate Coconut Milk
Mix 8 oz. of canned coconut milk with 1 tablespoon chocolate greens powder and 2 tablespoons of water. Shake and drink.
Citrus Water
Add a little squirt of lemon or lime into your water, it will add a little bit of sourness and will taste good.
