What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Added Sugar?
You’d be surprised to know that it’s actually not the fat in your food that’s making you gain weight, but the amount of added sugar in them. And since nearly all processed foods you see in the supermarket or convenience store contain refined sugar, it’s hard to avoid them.
But what exactly is added sugar?
Added sugar is simply the sugar in comes when preparing processed foods. Because they’re essentially simple carbohydrates, they’re broken down easily and enter your bloodstream first, and the easy energy makes your brain crave them more.
Here’s what happens when you cut down on your added sugar consumption:
1. You feel fuller all the time.
Sugar is the main source of energy your body uses in order to go about its daily routine, so it’s technically impossible to really “quit” sugar. However, the first thing you start to notice when you say no to your sweet tooth’s cravings is that you start feeling fuller after every meal.
And when you make the switch to foods that are high in protein and healthy fat, such as nuts, you’ll also notice that you feel more energetic throughout the day.
2. Your heart can finally go on…
…back to its normal heart rate. While it’s an easy source of energy, overconsumption of sugar is really bad for your heart since it raises your insulin levels, which increases your heart rate and blood pressure as a result.
And because of the raised insulin levels, you’re also at a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life, but this is something you can avoid once you start to cut down on it.
3. You start to notice positive changes.
It’s already been established that a diet high in sugar can take its toll on your body, so do look in the mirror after a few days of quitting it. Already, you’ll start to notice a few positive changes.
For instance, you may notice that your acne is already clearing up and your skin looks and feels smoother. This is because high amounts of sugar in your bloodstream sets up an effect known as glycation, which prevents your skin’s collagen from being repaired.
Another thing you should notice is that it’s much easier for you to shed those pounds, and if you’ve been going at it for a while now, you may even find that you’ve shrunk down an inch or two.
Perhaps the biggest benefit that you can get by cutting down on added sugar is the sense of self-control, especially if you need to reach out to something sweet in order to get your energy fix.
While it’s technically impossible to “quit” sugar entirely, it’s certainly possible to cut down on how much of it you consume every day, and a small step to a healthier lifestyle is what makes all the difference.
