Earlier this month, I was a little down on energy, very unusual for me, so I stopped into the nearest wellness clinic for a quick B12 shot. This is an old trick for an energy boost handed down from my mother (yours too probably). Honestly, I don’t think that they ever help but “what the heck” I thought, it can’t hurt either! I usually have high energy, I sleep well, work out regularly and have a great attitude, so getting a little boost here and there won’t hurt. Right?
While at the clinic I was asked if I had ever done a simple urine test to see how I metabolize my food. I had been eating two eggs for breakfast pretty regularly for years (I thought perhaps I was becoming allergic). I am careful to eat organically, and I stick to a clean diet of fish & veggies for the most part. (I’ve been off meat for over 15 years now). Internally, I was feeling a little off, so I was curious what this test might say.
A month later I went in for my test results on my usual cloud 9 and was pushed off my pedestal immediately. A fungus had colonized my gut taking over my digestive track causing me to feel exhausted, unfocused, bloated and anxious. Candida. I had no idea.
“What’s candida” you might be wondering. Candida is a fungus, in the form of yeast, and trace amounts live in our mouths and intestines. Candida is a good fungus that lives within all of us to help with digestion and nutrient absorption. However, when overproduced it can be incredibly toxic, breaking down the walls of the intestine, penetrating the bloodstream causing health issues from digestive issues to depression.
What is the number one cause for this overgrowth? SUGAR of course! Sugar in your body feeds all sorts of culprits. It promotes fungus in your gut, destroys collagen in your skin, brings cellulite to the surface, and messes with your insulin levels. Sugar is truly addictive. Have you ever noticed that once you eat it, you NEED it? Sugar cravings are no joke. Contrary to popular belief, sugar is not the sustainable source of energy that some people rely on.
I think all of us could use a little sugar detox.
Here are a few tips if you are trying to avoid sugar:
Know your go-to beverage
Mine is a homemade lemonade with freshly squeezed organic lemons and a dash of Truvia. I also start and end my day with a glass of water with two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar this helps balance the system. I never ever ever drink soda.
Image Curtesy of My Family Kitchen
Image Curtesy of Refinery29
Cut down on your alcohol consumption
There’s no arguing with the facts on this one. Cocktails mixed with juice or soda are not only high in calories but sugar too. Aside from drinking too much, the sugar content in drinks is often what accounts for bad hangovers.
Eat protein when you crave sugar
Sugar cravings are usually a sign that you need protein. If I’m on the road, I will reach for Epic’s salmon bars for an emergency protein injection. Otherwise, I’ll quickly scramble an egg cook up some chicken tenders in olive oil.
You can find Epic Bars on Amazon
Image Curtesy of Julie Blanner
Make your salad dressing
This is huge! Eating healthily can be so confusing sometimes am I right! You order a salad filled with tons of healthy and filling veggies, but then you top it off with a dressing that is secret sugar bomb! Homemade salad dressing is the only road to go. Our house specialty is olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. When blended in your nutrabullet the oil and citrus emulsify creating a bright creamy dressing! Add in whatever herbs and spices you have hanging around, and you’ll thank me later!
And when all else fails, and you need to have that bite of chocolate try Lilly’s chocolates. I found this at my health food store, sweetened with Truvia. It is the perfect treat when you have that chocolate!
You can buy Lily’s on Amazon
More tips and tricks
- I never go anywhere without some food. Usually organic almonds in a recycled glass jar.
- I eat when I’m hungry I don’t wait for a set time. Just a little all day long.
- When I’m out to dinner, I keep what I shouldn’t be eating off the table. (that’s you bread basket)
- I keep my house devoid of what isn’t good for me. By the time you go out to get what you think you are craving you usually don’t want it anymore.
Eating well is a lifestyle, not a diet. When you get used to making good choices, your pallet changes and what we think was great (greasy, salty, sugary) no longer tastes great!
