The holiday season is the sweetest time of the year, filled with a lot of chocolate, baked goods and delicious drinks. For someone who is interested in cutting back sugar, this can be very dreadful, but it doesn’t have to be! There are many ways you can have a happy and healthy holiday season when it comes to making healthy choices. We have outlined a few of the benefits of eating sugar-free, as well as how to carry out those lifestyle choices during the holidays.
Benefits of Eating Sugar-Free
If you have been considering going sugar-free, but haven’t quite decided yet, this list may be just what you need to take that next step. Sugar-free eating can have both physical and mental impacts on your well-being, and these are just a few of the many benefits of sugar-free eating.
1. Lower Your Risk of Disease
Sugar has the ability to cause inflammation and digestive issues, so cutting back on your sugar intake can eliminate the risk of related diseases.
2. Control your Cravings
Balancing your diet helps balance blood sugar, which eliminates cravings. Eating sugary foods does not give your body the nutrients it needs to balance itself, so you crave more.
3. Improve Energy
Ever feel sluggish after you eat a big meal? Sugar-free foods load you up on vitamins, antioxidants and proteins, which give you a boost throughout the day instead of making you feel tired after you eat them.
4. Manage Your Weight
We all know that sugar is the enemy of a diet. The more sugar you eat, the more fat your body will store. Going sugar-free can help with both weight loss and weight maintenance.
5. Learn New Ways to Cook
When trying to lower your sugar intake, you may have to learn different ways to make your favorite dishes. There are many substitutions out there that provide all the same sweetness, like stevia and monk fruit products.
After seeing the benefits of eating sugar-free, you may be rethinking some lifestyle choices. However, during the holidays, it can be difficult to opt for sugar-free choices. We have compiled a list of ways to work around the sugar this season!
Enjoy a Sugar Smart Holiday Season
As the holiday season is quickly approaching, healthy choices are often placed on the backburner. However, with these tips, you can enjoy the holiday season while still being mindful of your sugar intake!
1. Set Goals
Before holiday gatherings start, set a goal for yourself. Which treats will be off limits for you? How many cookies will you have? Which recipes can you make sugar-free with a few easy swaps? This will help you hold yourself accountable and give you a sense of achievement when you meet your goals.
2. Designate Sugar-Free Days
When you know you have an event or holiday party coming up, set aside a few days before and after as sugar-free days. This way, if you decide to indulge in a special treat, there will still be some balance. Choose to eat clean on these designated days with well balanced meals including fruits, vegetables, lean meats and healthy fats.
3. Eat Before Parties
Showing up to a holiday gathering on an empty stomach can make the dessert table even more tempting than it already is. Having a small snack, like nuts or edamame, before going to the event will ensure that you feel satisfied before you arrive. Another option is filling up on vegetable and meat options throughout the night before the sugary treats come out!
4. Stick to Small Portions
When the dessert table is full of holiday treats like sugar cookies, pie, pudding and all things peppermint, it can be hard to say no. It is okay to indulge every once in a while, but try sticking to a small portion. Going back for second and third helpings is where things start to go downhill!
For all of your sugar-free needs, SweetLeaf® has many deliciously sweet options for you to enjoy. To see our entire family of products, visit sweetleaf.com.
Sources:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/benefits-of-eating-sugar-free-3151643
https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/nutrition-exercise/meal-planning/sugar-smart-holidays/
