Sugar has been on the health gurus hit list for quite a while.
Personally, I’m of the opinion that the odd sweet treat like a slice of cake or bar of chocolate will do you no harm, it’s just when that occasional treat becomes a daily habit. And for so many of us, it is a daily habit.
And even if you don’t think you have a sugar habit, you maybe surprised by how much sugar you’re actually consuming on a daily basis – but I’ll cover that in another post.
So if you’re planning on giving up sugar then here are 5 quick tips to help you eliminate excess sugar from your diet.
Use Spices.
The easiest way to trick your tastebuds in to thinking that something is sweeter is to use spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamon. Spices such as vanilla are often associated with sweet treats so you’ll feel as though you’ll be having a sweet hit without the refined sugar.
Prepare.
The majority of sugars are hidden in those items you just grab off the shelves, so ready meals, low fat goods, yogurts, pre-packaged sandwiches, “energy” bars etc. Plan and prepare your meals so you’re not forced in to picking up unhealthy, sugary choices.
Experiment with your treats.
If you look forward to a slice of cake and a cuppa on a Sunday afternoon then rather than giving it up why not start experimenting with making your own sweet treats but with a twist. See below for a healthy, sugar free treat.
Swap out the bad choices.
Swap the bad sugars for natural healthy ones such as fresh dates, fruit, honey etc.
Eat Often (and well).
Of course the best way to stop yourself reaching for the biscuit barrel is to make sure that you have regular meals packed with protein, vegetables and healthy fats.
Sugar Free Energy Bar
One of the main reasons people reach for sugar is that they want an energy boost. And whilst sugar may give you that initial rush, it’ll also give you an almighty crash too. Here’s a great sweet treat that’s also packed full of nutrients and good stuff.
What you’ll need:
1 cup almonds
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup dried cranberries
5 medjool dates
1⁄2 cup Organic Cacao Powder
2 tbsp. hot water
Shredded Coconut for sprinkling (optional)
Method:
Place the nuts and oats in to a food processor and blend until you have crumbs. Then add in your cacao powder 
Next you’ll need to slowly add the hot water to the mixture until it starts to come together and form a ball.
Take the mixture and place in to a lined tin and even out before placing it in to the fridge for a couple of hours.
Sprinkle with some shredded coconut and once it’s set, cut in to bars.
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I definatley eat too much sugar. These look totally delicious and I bet theu sustain your blood sugar too
I really must make these they look delicious and so healthy, I bet my daughter will love them x
Great tips. Some I would never think of! Those bars sound delicious!
These bars sound yummy. We’ve been working on cutting out sugar for months now.
Great tips! I’m definitely a sugar fiend! I’ve been trying to quit sugar for ages, hopefully I’m able to stick to it this time round xx
Some fabulous tips there. I have to admit I do play with herbs and spices more now than I ever did x
Great tips here. I really need to cut down the sugar, (really like the sound of the bars).
I think the problem is exacerbated by all the hidden sugar in things that don’t need sugar in them at all. I counter this by trying to make as much as I can from scratch – including bread – but sometimes it isn’t always possible – and it’s nice to keep our sugar for the things that should have sugar in!! 🙂
Totally agree with you.
Good tips, but I love sugar way too much to even consider giving it up!
I really have to get a grip of my sugar intake! I am terrible for craving it!
These tips sound fantastic, however simply seeing those doughnuts at the top had me drooling 🙁
I may have to keep referring back to this, I really need to cut out sugar…and caffeine!
These sound like great tips I probably (ok definitely) need to cut down on my sugar. x
It is so difficult to find tasty food that isn’t full of sugar, this recipe sounds lovely and it will replace a lot of shop bought treats that are not so good to eat.
I’ve been sugar free for nearly a month now, so this is perfect timing to keep me going. I think the major secret is your last point – never let yourself get hungry/flagging in energy and that takes care of half the cravings. I made myself some granola with a lot of cinnamon and vanilla extract, and I find that in plain yoghurt/quark I can almost fool myself is a desert. Coconut is a good alternative too – I’m definitely going to make these energy bars!
This is a really good post, my husband particularly suffers with sugar crashes. Perhaps I should be a better wife and make him some of those bars to take to work!
I’ve cut my sugar intake by following a simple piece of advice.
“Don’t read the ingredients list on food labels, use foods that are the ingredients”
Raw vegetables and meats don’t come with an ingredients list – they are the ingredients
However, once you know your sugars and carb values of these ‘ingredients’ you can build amazing, tasty, filling and nutritious dishes, that will manage your blood sugars and allow you to control your weight easily too.
Totally agree. More emphasis on JERF (just eat real food) less on low-fat & packaging X