There’s no real way to sweeten the truth about sugar. For anyone who is serious about getting in shape, or staying in shape, sugar is your most formidable adversary. Yes, you’re up against a long-term commitment, with many hours spent in the gym. But for a good number of people, dialing-in a proper diet is the true challenge. The fact is, if you plan on living a long, productive, and fruitful life, nipping your fitness issues in the bud is essential. A good way to start that nipping process is to sever your connection to sugar ” or at least get a grasp on it.
Sugar is basically toxic ” and is something to avoid if at all possible. The problem is that many of us are addicted to it. If you plan on overhauling your diet, one of the first steps you’ll want to take is to cut out sugar. But when you do so, you’ll come across an interesting phenomenon: sugar cravings.
In order to taper your addiction, and get on the path to a healthier diet, you can start by simply substituting. Instead of going for a brownie or doughnut, try some fruit instead. If you’re itching for a Coke, or any other sugar-heavy beverage, have a protein shake. Coffee drinkers can ease up on cream and sugar.
This isn’t to say that you can never have another cookie again. You’re going to want to have some birthday cake at parties, or some pie and candy during the holidays. The key is to make this an overall habit that persists during the rest of the year ” with a few exceptions. Again, having a bowl of ice cream once or twice a week isn’t going to do any serious, irreversible harm.
It’s constant snacking on cookies, guzzling down several cans of soda per day, and a reluctance or outright refusal to exercise that’s going to kill you.
