Cut out the extra sugar

[tara]

I know we've all heard this one a million times, but it REALLY works! I've made a concerted effort to eliminate a lot of extra sugar from my diet and have seen a bit difference in my weight, just from doing that and walking a little more. By reducing excess sugar I mean, cutting the sugar out of your coffee, choosing water over juice, soda and alcohol, getting rid of sugared cereals, cookies, donuts, cakes, etc. I'm not saying I don't have any of these things anymore, but I've really forced myself into enjoying them as a small treat instead of making them a daily part of my diet. This sounds hard, and it is, but you can do it and it is worth it. It's all about having willpower and mind over matter. You'll also find that after the first week, it gets a little easier. When you're not eating all the extra sugar all the time you actually do crave it less, believe it or not. I highly recommend giving it a try :)

[tobetinytina]

It's okay that we've all heard it a million times before Tara. You're absolutely right. We need to cut out the extra sugar and it's something we always need to think about and do our best to commit to. It's definitely not easy but you are right in that it does make a difference to our weight. In fact, it actually makes a difference to our overall health and wellbeing. When you cut out the extra sugar you will also mentally feel better, too.

[Paplo]

Cutting out the extra sugar is important but always so hard this time of year! I do have a question though, even if you cut out the extra refined sugar and you up your intake of thinks like honey and stevia, instead, do you still crave sugar/sweets just as much or is this craving something that really is only linked to refined sugar?

[chefmel]

Cutting out the extra sugar is important but always so hard this time of year! I do have a question though, even if you cut out the extra refined sugar and you up your intake of thinks like honey and stevia, instead, do you still crave sugar/sweets just as much or is this craving something that really is only linked to refined sugar?

That's a good question. I think you will crave sweets if you eat something sweet, but I'm pretty sure honey, stevia and fruit doesn't quite make you have the same cravings as refined sugar does. Don't quote me on that, but I think that's how it works.

[kellykatt]

Yes!! This really works. I couldn't agree with you more Tara! It's actually easier to do than you think, especially when you start with simple things like cutting out the daily lattes and soda.

[Kyra]

Truly is the best tip! It's right up there with drinking more water and focusing on getting proper rest. It's amazing all the little ways that you can lose weight and just be healthier that don't cost money and aren't that hard to do if you just have a little willpower.

[jan]

Truly is the best tip! It's right up there with drinking more water and focusing on getting proper rest. It's amazing all the little ways that you can lose weight and just be healthier that don't cost money and aren't that hard to do if you just have a little willpower.

Willpower is a must! We all have it and we all have to stop making excuses about why we don't use it more often. If you want to do something (especially something that is seriosly as simple as choosing water over other beverages) you just need to do it and train your brain to stop thinking about what you're missing by not having what you want. Once you stop looking at water as the enemy, you'll feel less like a 5 year old having a tantrum over not being able to have that thing they want but can't have.

[tara]

Willpower is a must! We all have it and we all have to stop making excuses about why we don't use it more often. If you want to do something (especially something that is seriosly as simple as choosing water over other beverages) you just need to do it and train your brain to stop thinking about what you're missing by not having what you want. Once you stop looking at water as the enemy, you'll feel less like a 5 year old having a tantrum over not being able to have that thing they want but can't have.

You're so right about willpower. I think most of us are notorious for making excuses that allows us to choose not to have willpower. That said, willpower is what it's all about.