Too much sugar in our diets is having a detrimental effect
Campaign group, Action on Sugar, have warned of the effects of having the sweet stuff in our diet, and that insist that sugar is a major cause of obesity - but how do we cut down on it?
The new group says that better labelling and more action by the food industry is urgently needed to reduce our intake of sugar. Chairman Graham MacGregor said: ‘We must start a coherent and structured plan to slowly reduce the amount of calories people consumed by slowly taking out added sugar from foods and soft drinks.’
Simon Capewell, a professor at the University of Liverpool, said: “Sugar is the new tobacco. Everywhere, sugary drinks and junk foods are now pressed on unsuspecting parents and children by a cynical industry focused on profit, not health.”
Whilst the action group takes on the food labelling industry, you can reduce your sugar cravings by taking a few simple steps. Nutritionist Dr Sam Christie recommends the below tips:
Aim to only eat low Glycaemic Index (GI) foods which are slow-release carbohydrates. Foods such as porridge oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and wholegrain pasta are carbohydrate-rich foods and are terrifically filling with dense micronutrients. When these foods are combined with adequate protein from meat, fish, eggs and pulses they can annihilate the need for sugary treats.
Break the ‘crash-and-burn’ sugar cycle with a cinnamon extract supplement such as Multi-Guard Balance, sugar cravings can slowly diminish. Nature’s Best Multi-Guard Balance is priced at £19.95 for 120 tablets, available from www.naturesbest.co.uk
Also try turning up the volume on your body’s insulin sensitivity by completing stress reduction techniques, such as Yoga or regular walking. If in doubt, try having a glass of water which can reduce those cravings.
Tagged in Sugar Obesity Nutrition Diet Healthy eating Diet tips Weight loss