HEALTH PREP #2: Replacing Sweets

Think deep. Why are you so attracted to eat sweets?

* Do they actually taste better than fruits and vegetable. YES!!!

* So do you eat more of them? YES!!!

* Do they fulfill your hunger? NO!!!

* Do they help you feel better about yourself? NO!!! Especially when you are already down.

Something I found very disturbing:

"Psychiatry found that those who had a diet which contained a lot of processed foods had a 58% increased risk for depression, whereas those whose diet could be described as containing more whole foods had a 26% reduced risk for depression.

Sugar also diverts the supply of another nutrient involved in mood – chromium. This mineral is vital for keeping your blood sugar level stable because insulin, which clears glucose from the blood, can’t work properly without it. ( https://psychcentral.com )

For this reason I implore you to replace your candies and sweets with fresh fruits and vegetables. This is something every parent wants to do for their children but they should also do it for themselves. Find fruits and vegetables that you can cut up and serve and everyone will eat. Buying fresh may sound more expensive but since you won't be tempted all the time to eat them, your grocery bill will decrease and so will your waistline. You can eat as much of these as you like. What the body can't consumer it will dispose. If you eat too many sweets the body will store it in your fat cells, when you eat the alternative, the excess just runs through your stomach. At the same time think "moderation in all things".

This also means buy less compound carbohydrates or those processed carbs such as pastas and replace them with proteins, rice, potatoes, beans, and anything that aren't processed before they get to you. Less process takes more time to prepare but they will help fill you up, are less expensive, and will keep you fuller longer.

So buying with intention the foods that you like, that are not sweet, and are less processed will make you body healthier, your pocketbook heavier, and your mood better. Isn't that what we really want.

ACTION ITEMS:

1) Buy with intention foods that are less processed with less sugar.