Fiber and Nutrients in Whole Foods Can Help to Fill You Up

Most people will never have to worry about natural sugars in fruits, veggies and dairy products, as very few overeat foods containing natural sugars. Fact is the fiber, vitamins and minerals contained in whole foods tend to fill you up unlike simple carbohydrates. If you are ready to improve your health, eliminate soda from your diet. If you must drink soft drinks, drink diet soda.

You shouldn't drink sugary beverages, which are by far the biggest source of added sugars in America. Refined sugar has been linked to the obesity crisis. Because the food world is surrounded by added sugars, most people will eat too much of the white stuff unless they consciously choose to do otherwise. Fortunately, many people have realized this and are cutting back.

• Better Immunity - There is no guarantee that cutting out added sugars and processed meats from your diet will prevent the cold or flu, but the odds are much higher that even if you do get sick, your immune system will bounce back quicker if you cut down on the consumption of added sugar.
• Hormonal Dominos - Although leptin hormone is mostly known for triggering the signal to stop eating, it also plays a role in monitoring sexual behavior. When eating too much added sugar, the leptin resistance in the body can lead to a decrease in sex drive.
• Avoid Sleep Debt - You may be aware that your dietary intake can contribute to your risk for diabetes. However, a lesser known fact is that sugar affects your sleep habits are too. Sleep plays a crucial role in your body's ability to metabolize glucose.
• Brain Addiction - It is in our best interest that we have an inherent desire for food to survive. However, when this desire goes awry, unhealthy dependence on food or unbearable food cravings interfere with health and well-being. Although sugar doesn't have to be, it can be addictive.

People who crave foods with refined sugar for emotional relief may have difficulty focusing on daily tasks and could experience weight gain, damage to self-esteem and a lower self-worth, which may lead to additional cravings. Consuming added sugars can create a short-term boost of energy in the body, as people are often drawn to their brain's release of dopamine.

Due to the addictive nature of refined sugar, any overindulgence can increase your risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity or diabetes. Candy and chocolates are heavily marketed, particularly to women. This creates a problem early on as these pleasurable experiences shape the person's later behavior. Unfortunately, over-consumption of sugar has been linked to many chronic health conditions.