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While in moderation, sugar is not actually the villain we’ve come to believe it is, in large quantities it can stand in the way of healthy weight loss due to its highly addictive qualities that may lead to binge eating. Everyone has their vice, and if sugar is impeding on your ability to lose weight, this is the best dietitian approved method for cutting down on the sweet stuff and finding a healthier balance to progress your weight loss goals.
Focusing on eating whole foods is one of the best ways to cut down on sugar overall, according to registered dietitian Emily Danckers. Instead of turning to processed snacks to fill your every craving, grab a piece of fruit or a veggie and some hummus to fill that void. Danckers explains, “While fruit does contain natural sugar, it also contains fiber which slows down digestion and vitamins that keep you healthy.” This may not be as satisfying as a cookie, but building willpower and implementing healthy swaps will allow you to enjoy occasional treats in the future without fear of overindulging.
Sugar itself is not the primary culprit for weight gain, but rather the overconsumption that often accompanies it. Danckers says, “In many cases people do gain weight when they consume too much sugar because sugar is quickly digested, and if it isn’t immediately used by the body for energy then it is stored. When too much sugar is digested and stored day after day, this can lead to weight gain.”
If you aren’t quite ready to trade in a pack of fruit snacks for the real deal, try making smaller swaps first, starting with your beverages. Danckers notes that drinks like soda, lemonade, many fruit juices and sweetened iced teas are often packed with sugar, so instead turn to water, seltzer or unsweetened tea to replace that unhealthy habit with one which will leave you more hydrated.
As you cut back on sugar you will notice that there will be more room in your diet for healthier foods better suited to fit your dietary needs. Replacing an influx of sugar with whole foods will provide you with more energy throughout the day, and will overall be more satisfying. When you’re properly nourished, you may naturally consume a lower amount of calories which can be beneficial for sustained weight loss. Everything can be eaten in moderation, including sugar, but cutting back will allow you the opportunity to fuel your body with fulfilling foods that provide more sustained energy throughout the day.
