So you probably thought I was going to say that your iphone was the culprit hey? Actually I'm talking about the silent killer, yup the one that no one wants to admit is wreaking havoc on your health. Sugar, yes, there it is. Sugar is the addiction that is stealing your health and shortening your life. I've recently been reading a lot about 'sugar' in all it's various forms and the damage that it does to our bodies when abused or consumed in excess.
It's no secret that the western diet is clearly one that is driven by sweetened foods. Though most people know that loading up on sugary foods and snacks is not good for their bodies it can be a real struggle for people to break this addiction or even realize that they are addicted to it. Sugar actually stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain making us crave more and more of it. Sugar is labeled with a lot of different names as to likely confuse the consumer when label reading. Here are some of the names that sugar can be hidden under:
- Dextrose
- Fructose
- Glucose
- Sucrose
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Lactose
- Maltose
- Agave Nectar
- Fruit Juice Concentrate
- Evaporated Cane Syrup
The list really does go on, there are loads more words that we perceive to be healthy but are really disguising sugar. Here are some reasons that I've discovered that might make you think twice about the added sugar that you're putting into your body. I"m not talking about natural sugars that come from fruits as our bodies do need this sugar to produce energy. I'm talking about sugars that come from all types of desserts, cookies, cakes, pies, candy, chocolate, etc., you get the idea. Also the sugars that are hidden in foods that we don't even realize are in there. Foods like ketchup, worcestershire sauce, yogurts, granola bars and so on.
- Contains no essential nutrients
- Can overload your liver and cause fatty liver disease
- Increases toxicity in the body
- Messes with blood sugar levels
- Causes inflammation
- Can contribute to cancer
- Sugar is highly addictive
- Can lead to obesity
- Raises cholesterol
- Contributes to heart disease
One of my goals this January is to get healthier and reduce my sugar intake. As of today I am on day 18 of no sugar. Meaning no sweets or chocolate, nothing other than natural fruits. So far I had a headache for a day in the first week but other than that I feel great and have no cravings for it. I think being active and working out regularly definitely helps with this too! Did you set any health goals for yourself this year, if so I'd love to hear what they are. Feel free to leave your comments.
A new year, means a time for new beginnings. A time to set some new goals and challenges and perhaps push yourself a little harder. I don't mean over do it but maybe it's time for you to try something different, challenge yourself with something you've always considered too hard to do. There are many ways to stretch yourself and make small changes to grow.
I like this quote "Small changes eventually add up to huge results" Think about that, baby steps really do make a difference if you're consistent with them.
If you manage an online business like myself you know that you always have to be learning and staying on top of the game. Otherwise literally, you will lose. It's about learning new marketing methods, seeing what changes have taken place as nothing stays the same online for very long. Yes, it can be challenging to learn how to navigate new tools and information but it is all part of running an internet business.
E-commerce has reached crazy heights with new businesses and services exploding onto the web every minute of every day. This is why it is so important to work hard and explore new options to grow your business continually. Learning new skills and ways to enhance your website can be pretty fun too!
I encourage you to join forums that relate to your business, accept and offer useful advice, read helpful blogs and find new ways to present your business.
