Beat the craving: how to detox from sugar

Sugar may be tasty, but it's one of the leading causes of heart disease. Here's all you need to know about the dangers of sugar and how to beat the craving.

For years, there was a strong emphasis on not eating processed foods and limiting our fat intake. While these things are important, along the way, people forgot how dangerous sugar can be.

Consuming sugar is far worse than eating unhealthy fats. Excessive sugar intake has been directly linked to diabetes, increased blood pressure and heart disease. This is the case regardless of whether it is raw, refined, brown or organic.

However, rather than completely eradicating sugar from your daily diet, it is important to occasionally treat yourself to a little bit of sugar now and then.

Just because you should limit your sugar intake does not mean that your sweet tooth has to be ignored. Here are a few sugar substitutes that, when used sparingly, won't harm your health.

Sucrose: Sucrose is found naturally in fruit and contains 16 calories per serving. It does not contain any nutritional benefits, but it is far less addictive and harmful to the body than sugar.

Agave nectar: Found in the agave plant, this sugar substitute has a similar taste and texture to honey. Be aware that agave nectar is much sweeter than sugar; just a little bit of the nectar can go a long way.

Honey: Not only does honey contain small levels of vitamins, but it also does not increase a person's blood sugar level as fast as similar substances. Because it contains a higher amount of calories than other sweeteners, at 24 calories per teaspoon, it should be used sparingly.

Going cold turkey with sugar may not be possible, but it can be done with hard work and commitment.

Kick the sugar habit to the curb by eliminating soda or sweetened drinks from your diet. If you have to have a little bit of flavour in your drinks, squeeze a lemon, lime or orange in a tall glass of water.

The next time you go to the grocery store, skip the candy and packaged cookie aisle and head straight for the fruit. Consider making a smoothie from fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas with Greek yogurt and ice cubes to create a refreshing, healthy sweet treat.

Stay motivated by asking a friend or encouraging your family to join in the process with you. Having a counterpart in your healthy endeavour will help keep you on track and provide a little extra incentive to beat your sugar cravings and start detoxing.