Food & Drink

Giving Up Sugar For Lent In 2022 Top Tips For Cutting Out Sugar

1. Stay away from processed foods

The amount of sugar added to your favourite convenience foods can be surprising, increasing your consumption without you even knowing. By sticking to fresh foods such as fruit, vegetables, meat and rice, you can have a good understanding of what you are putting into your body and stay on top of your sugar intake.

2. Eat little and often

When we are hungry, our bodies naturally start to crave more sugar dense foods. Instead of trying to hold off in between meals, get into the habit of having smaller meals more frequently, changing your usual routine to get your body into a better habit. Try out new recipes and incorporate plenty of proteins into your diet, keeping you energised and fuller for longer.

3. Read the labels

Beware of all the products you are consuming, taking the time to read the packaging to find out exactly what you have been eating. In addition to things like natural sugars from fruit and added sugar from processed foods, look into products like supplements, sauces and cereal which can contain unexpectedly high quantities.

4. Remove temptation completely

Even if you tuck your sweet treats into the back of a cupboard, having tempting snacks in the house can make your cravings worse. By removing all traces of junk food and replacing them with fresh produce, nuts and whole foods, you can avoid temptation and are forced to tuck into healthier snacks when you are feeling peckish.

5. Get into the habit of meal prepping

Often the main reason for convenience eating is not knowing what to cook or not having the right ingredients in the fridge. By planning your meals in advance, not only are you controlling your sugar intake, but you are keeping food waste and expenditure to a minimum. On those days where you’re simply feeling too lazy to spend hours in the kitchen, having plenty of fresh goods at the ready will inspire your next delicious dish.

6. Keep yourself occupied in the evening

The post dinner slump is when most of us tend to reach for the sweet treats, looking to relax after a busy day and indulge in our favourite snacks. Mix your daily routine up by filling this space with something else to occupy your mind, whether that be a relaxing bubble bath or a calming meditation session to distract yourself.

7. Stay hydrated

As well as the obvious health benefits associated with drinking plenty of water, hydration can help make you feel fresh and fuller for longer. When we are dehydrated, it is common for this to be mistaken for hunger, leaving us on the lookout for extra snacks which we don’t actually need, ironically making us thirstier in the process.