SUGAR DETOX

WEEK 1...Detox

Take a deep breath – you’re not going cold turkey. Cut back on the amount of sugar you add to foods (no more than a teaspoon!) Instead of buying and consuming processed foods that include sugar, try buying healthier alternatives – like whole wheat cereals – and adding 1 tsp. of sugar. This puts you in control of the amount of sugar you’re consuming.

WEEK 2....Eliminate Hidden Sugar

Hunt down hidden sugars hiding in your cabinets and pantry. Throw away foods containing high amounts of added sugars, everything from tomato sauces to ketchup to peanut butter. Be especially wary of low-fat items as they often contain more sugar to make them taste better.

When purging your kitchen, be on the look out for these names:

Fructose
Maltose
Sorbitol
Evaporated cane juice
Syrups
Xylotol
Sugars ending in "ol" or "ose"

WEEK 3...Use alternative Sweeteners

Instead of sugar, try using the following alternative sweeteners:

Stevia
Non-caloric herb from Paraguay
Very sweet with slight licorice taste
Found at health food, specialty and grocery stores with the dietary supplements – not with sweeteners.

Agave Nectar

Made from blue agave cactus grown in Mexico
High in calories, but you only need a very small amount
Found at vitamin stores.

WEEK 4...Trick your Taste Buds

Using fresh spices and herbs can trick taste buds into thinking you’re eating something sinfully sweet. Try adding cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla or allspice to your coffee, cereals and baked goods.