9 Scary Sugar Facts

Oct 21, 2014 | Nutrition Tips

halloween 2013Hi Beautiful Friend,

Today I have some SCARY SUGAR FACTS that will hopefully keep you from digging deep into that bag of candy. Don’t be scared!  I’ll also help you carve out a plan that will keep the holiday enjoyable, without the guilt and regret the next day.

But first, some SUGAR FACTS:

  • The American Heart Association recommends females consume 6 teaspoons, 24 grams, (men 9 teaspoons / 36 grams) of sugar per day.
  • Dr. Taz Bhatia, founder of the Atlanta Center for Holistic and Integrative Medicine, recommends 40 grams of sugar a day with only 10 grams from added sugars.

9 SCARY SUGAR FACTS

  1. The average American consumes 22 teaspoons, 88 grams, of sugar per day. This is an extra 352 calories per day or 2,464 extra calories per week. That’s almost ¾ of a pound per week in just sugar.
  2. Studies show sugar is more addictive than cocaine! The more you eat, the more you crave. Remember this when opening up the second candy wrapper.
  3. Sugar is added into everything from toothpaste to baby food.
  4. It increases inflammation in your system which can lead to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, adrenal fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.
  5. It throws off your body’s precious pH levels and makes the digestive system acidic, which leaches vitamins and minerals from your bones and teeth.
  6. It suppresses the immune system and causes an over production of digestive enzymes, which stresses your pancreas.
  7. Sugar has been linked to obesity, depression, hypoglycemia, insomnia, and migraines.
  8. It disturbs gut health and can lead to an overgrowth of candida.
  9. It wears down the gut lining and overburdens the liver (one of main detox organs).

Yikes! But don’t worry – the good news is you have the power to set yourself up for success by following the two simple steps below: 

Step 1: Reflection: How much sugar do you currently consume? Did you over-do sugar last Halloween? If so, how did that make you feel – physically, emotionally, and mentally?

Step 2: Set a plan in action for Halloween night. Choose one or more of the action steps below to try out this year.

  • Keep the Halloween candy closed until trick-or-trick time
  • Eat a healthy, high protein dinner with lots of veggies
  • Then choose one or two of your favorite candy treats to eat and enjoy
  • Toss the leftover candy the next day. Get it out of the house and out of site
  • If there is temptation at work make sure to bring an apple as a substitute

Take Action Now:

Share with the group how sugar makes you feel and what action step you plan on taking this Halloween in the comments section below.

Love and light,

Jackie