Low Sugar Diet

There's a million, probably billions, pieces of advice out there on what is good for your diet. In this article I want to just concentrate on one hard to argue aspect. A Low Sugar Diet.

If you can reduce the amount of sugar, especially processed sugar, in your diet it will make a huge difference to your quality of life and wellbeing.

Let's get straight into it and look at just a few strategies to reduce your sugar intake.

   1. Select foods with natural sugar. More on that later.
   2. Try natural sugar alternatives. Again we'll list some of those later.
   3. Eat more foods with a low-GI level. You guessed it...later
   4. Low-fat foods are often high in sugar. Don't be fooled.
   5. If you want a soft drink try one without sugar
   6. Read the nutritional panel. Make it your friend it will tell you the real story.

This is by no means an exhaustive plan for a Low Sugar Diet but it's a good start. By just following these guidelines you will make a noticeable difference to your energy levels, waistline and general wellbeing.

So, as promised, let’s go back to some of those low sugar, low carb diet strategies.
•    Foods naturally low in sugar. The main word here is ‘natural’.  I’m a self-confessed ‘sweet-tooth’ and set myself up for failure if I try and eradicate sweet food from my diet. So instead, I eat two to three pieces of fruit a day, especially those times when I feel that need for sugar or a burst of energy. Also, eat the skin of the fruit for its fibre (which has the knock-on effect of reducing blood sugar levels.)
•    Natural sugar alternatives. Personally, I try to avoid the ‘chemically’ sweeteners and go for natural ones. The most obvious are honey and maple syrup but I also like plant-based ones like Stevia and Xylitol.
•    Low GI foods. These are classified as having a GI level of 55 or below. In short, these are foods that give your body a comparatively low rise in blood sugar levels. For me, low GI meals mean I stay fuller for longer and, as a result, snack less. Low GI food is my favourite way of sticking to a Low Sugar Diet.

Most of all take the introduction of a Low Sugar Diet slowly. Going cold turkey rarely works to change long-standing habits.
Why not start this week by eating a piece of fruit in-between meals every day and doing a little research on low GI foods? Next week, still eat that fruit and try a low GI cereal for breakfast. The week after introduce natural sugar alternatives to your diet.

Remember, it takes's time to wean yourself off sugar. But it's worth the time and effort.