Quick Burst Sugar Energy Is Often Followed by a Crash

According to the American Heart Association, the average American adult consumes around 300 calories from added sugars per day. The AHA recommends 100 calories from added sugar per day for women and 150 calories per day for men. Despite the fact that sugar initially boosts serotonin levels in the brain; over time, sugar can increase feelings of anxiety.

One of the most effective ways to fortify your defenses against sugar cravings is to be ready.

• Stop Sugar Spikes - If you already suffer insulin resistance, you are in a pre-diabetic state where your pancreas releases enough hormone, but cells have trouble using it for energy production. It takes about a month for most symptoms to subside after eliminating added sugar.
• Better Brain Function - Although food high in added sugar can quickly spike blood sugar and insulin levels for increase energy, this is fleeting energy that is often followed by a crash. Constant blood sugar swings lead to an energy-draining cycle.
• Slow Aging Process - Once sugar hits your bloodstream in the form of blood glucose, it attaches to proteins that cause the skin to lose elasticity and collagen, which increases the effects of aging due to an increase in saggy skin, fine lines and wrinkles.
• Longer Life Expectancy - Sugar may also decrease HDL (good cholesterol), which protects against heart problems, as well as increase the type of blood lipid linked to cardiovascular disease.

If you can refocus your energy to other activities or even thinking about healthy foods, it can give you a way to distance yourself from your sugar addiction.

Naturally-occurring sugars that are found in fruit, veggies and some dairy products are perfectly healthy. It is the sugars added during food processing that you need to avoid or at least limit your consumption. When you consume sugar, insulin production spikes to regulate your blood sugar levels and sugar lows can create feelings of chronic fatigue and depression.

Insulin serves as a key to unlock cells, so the excess glucose is absorbed, and insulin hormone levels stabilize. As if our relationship with food isn't difficult enough, foods with added sugar wreak havoc on a perfectly planned diet. Sugar cravings are strong, but it is important to avoid consuming empty calories that merely contribute to existing or new health issues.