Sugar is one of the most common elements in our diet and it can be really difficult to avoid.
While it is absolutely necessary for our bodies to maintain proper blood glucose levels and to give us the energy we need to function properly, too much sugar can be harmful to our health. It has been linked to various health problems including diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer among others. It’s therefore vital to find ways of protecting ourselves from excessive sugar consumption.
In this article, we’re going to look at 10 foods that will help you protect yourself from sugar.
1. Spinach
When it comes to protecting yourself from sugar, spinach is one of the best foods you can eat. Not only is it low in calories, but it’s also packed with antioxidants that protect your body from the harmful effects of sugar.
Plus, it’s loaded with fiber which helps to keep you feeling full for longer and helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. To get the most out of spinach, try to eat it raw or lightly steamed. It’s a great addition to salads, smoothies and stir-fries.
2. Avocado
Another food to consider if you want to protect yourself from sugar is avocado. Avocado is rich in healthy fats, which help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
It also contains fiber which slows down the digestion process, preventing a spike in blood sugar levels. Additionally, it’s loaded with potassium which can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance. Avocado is a perfect addition to salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
3. Berries
Another great food to protect you from sugar is berries. Berries are packed full of antioxidants which help to protect your body against the harmful effects of sugar.
They’re also packed with fiber which helps to slow down the digestion process, preventing a spike in blood sugar levels. Additionally, they’re naturally sweet so they’re a great alternative to sugary treats. Berries work great as a snack or as a topping for your morning porridge or yogurt.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an excellent spice to include in your diet if you want to protect yourself from sugar. It contains compounds that help to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.
Additionally, cinnamon is naturally sweet, making it a great alternative to sugar-laden foods. Try adding a dash of cinnamon to your morning coffee, on top of your morning porridge, or as a spice in your cooking as a natural sweetener.
5. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are another great food to help you protect yourself from sugar. They’re loaded with fiber which helps to slow down the absorption of sugar in the body, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Additionally, they’re rich in healthy fats which help to keep you feeling fuller for longer. They work great in smoothies, on top of your morning porridge or yogurt, and in baking recipes as a healthier alternative to traditional ingredients.
6. Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is a great food to consider if you’re looking to protect yourself from sugar. It’s low in calories and packed with fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
Additionally, it’s rich in nutrients such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and beta-carotene. It works great baked, roasted or mashed and can be used in recipes as a healthier alternative to regular white potatoes.
7. Nuts
Another great food to protect you from sugar is nuts, especially almonds. Nuts are high in healthy fats which help to keep you feeling fuller for longer and they’re low in carbohydrates which makes them a great alternative to sugary snacks.
Almonds are particularly good, as they’re low in carbohydrates, high in fiber and contain magnesium, which helps with blood sugar regulation. Nuts are great on their own as a snack, or as an addition to salads, smoothies, and baked goods.
8. Beans
Beans are another great food to consider if you’re looking to protect yourself from sugar. They’re loaded with fiber which slows down the digestion process, preventing a spike in blood sugar levels.
Additionally, they’re low in calories and rich in protein, making them a great alternative to sugary snacks. They work great in salads, soups, and stews or as a side dish to your main meal.
9. Eggs
Another food to consider if you want to protect yourself from sugar is eggs.
They’re a great source of protein which helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer and they’re low in carbohydrates which makes them a great alternative to sugary breakfast cereals. They can be boiled, poached, scrambled or used in baking recipes to make healthier alternatives to traditional treats.
10. Broccoli
Lastly, broccoli is another great food to consider if you want to protect yourself from sugar. It’s loaded with fiber which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and it’s low in calories.
Additionally, it’s rich in nutrients such as vitamins C and K, folate and potassium. It works great in salads, stir-fries, and soups or as a side dish to your main meal.