Even with the best of intentions, it can be difficult to avoid sweet treats during the holiday season. Many people find that they are inundated with holiday desserts: chocolate is brought to work, the neighbors drop off baked goods, and every holiday party includes some type of decadent treat.
During the holiday season, you might indulge a little more than other times of the year. But, it is important that you are careful with your food choices in order to support your health by avoiding too much sugar.
Why is Sugar So Bad?
Sugar and desserts are widely accepted in our society, and they have become a part of our culture. Just because these foods are so common, doesn’t mean that you should indulge as often as you would like though. The Standard American Diet includes about 170 pounds of sugar per person on an annual basis, and sugar is one of the reasons that so many people are experiencing an increase in health problems.
Sugar feeds cancer, it changes the hormone balances in the body, and sets off a number of health problems that can be easily avoided. Refined sugars are especially bad, and these are the foods that are so common during the holiday season.
The problem is that many people let their guard down with their eating habits during the holiday season, which can potentially lead to sickness during this festive time of year. The holidays often bring higher levels of stress to meet social and family obligations, and the combination of stress and sugar can kill the immune system and make you more susceptible to the bugs and illnesses that are going around.
How to Limit Sugar during the Holidays
During the holidays, it is important that you focus on quality, not quantity. Instead of feeling obligated to eat every treat that is presented, take the opportunity to taste the dessert without over-indulging. For example, if a neighbor drops off a plate of goodies, thank the person for the gift. Then, don’t feel bad about getting the treats out of the house right away, so that you don’t feel obligated to eat them.
It can also be beneficial to keep your focus on the true meaning of the holiday season. For example, during Christmas, your focus should be on Christ. When you are feeling weak with your dietary goals, turn to prayer as a source of power and strength to avoid the foods that you know are bad for your health.
Also, find healthier recipes, so that you can enjoy your favorite holiday treats without the harmful ingredients. These are a few delicious options that you might consider:
Educating yourself about the negative impact of sugar is another great way to help you stay motivated to avoid it. Take some time to read
Unravel the Mystery, which shares more details about the way sugar consumption leads to chronic health problems such as cancer and diabetes.
