LIFE+ Blog

In today’s fast paced society, it is hard to eat healthier.  Previously, Kerri talked about how a healthy diet can relieve stress.  Most quick and easy options are usually hiding the sugars, fats, and oils we are trying to avoid. Try these tips to limit the amount of calories, sodium, and high glycemic sugars throughout the day.

1. Drink coffee the natural way…BLACK! – This also goes for tea. Try drinking these drinks without the added dairy products or sugar. Initially, it might not taste great, mainly because you are not used to it, but I promise it is possible to adjust and enjoy them plain! It will help in the long run by decreasing calorie intake or insulin spikes from sugar.
2. Don’t use dipping sauces with chips/fries – Ketchup is mainly made from high fructose corn syrup and can add significant amount of calories and sugar in your diet. I don’t know about you, but I have eaten with people who use ketchup more as a meal then a condiment.
3. Cut out the soda when eating – There’s nothing better than having a thirst quenching soda with pizza or a burger. It’s so satisfying when the bubbles tingle down the back of your throat. Don’t let the good feeling trick you. Soda has tons of sugar, just as much as most candy. Have a glass of water instead or sparkling water to get that bubbly sensation.
4. Use honey or Stevia as a sweetener instead of sugar – Stevia is a non-toxic sweetener and is a great replacement for table sugar. Honey can also replace sugar as a sweetener. Another benefit of honey, especially if bought locally, is that it may help with allergies. Local flowering plants are used by the bees to make honey. When you consume it, it is thought that your body can make anti-bodies for the local pollen, resisting increase histamine production during allergy season.
5. No on White, Yes on Brown (rice & bread that is) – White rice and bread can cause spikes in insulin, resulting in cravings and crashes in energy level. Brown rice and bread has more nutrients, manages insulin, and makes you full for longer which helps control cravings.
6. Cook food at home – Cooking food at home can help since most processed foods add tons of sugars and sodium. The elevated sugar/sodium helps with preservation or making food more palatable. If you cook at home, you can manage the amount of sugar/sodium and keeping yourself healthier.

Do you have any low sodium & sugar recipes and tips?  Share below!