Complex Sugar is Good for your Health

Sugar brings happiness and gives us a lot of energy. Your brain and all other organs in your body need sugar to function very well.

Craving for Sugar is Normal
Craving for sugar is normal when it occurs once in a while. Sometimes, it goes out of control when we experience stress, frustration, and boredom. It can be a sure sign from our body that we are not being a good caretaker of this body that we were born with.

Like some of you who may be reading this post, I have at times not been a good caretaker of my body. Let me share with you what helped me and could help you have more control over when, where, and how to get your daily dose of sugar.

Source, Quality, Quantity, and Frequency of Sugar intake matter
The source, quality, quantity, and frequency of the sugar that you put into your body can help you manage your craving-Your Way and deal better with stress, frustration, boredom, separation, and all other difficulties.

1) Choose foods or deserts that will provide you with a dose of sugar that will last and make you feel good for many hours. The number one food group that fits all these criteria is whole grain. When I started to eat-My Way, I introduced more whole grains (bread, pasta, muffins, and rice, etc..) in almost all my meals per day. My advice is that, once you become comfortable with the taste of whole grain, you can gradually substitute other processed foods with whole grain ones. It is not impossible to do. I have done it. My family and I have become used to eating whole grains more often. Natural spices and herbs that you use in your culture can help enhance the flavor of whole grain in your meals.

Click on this link to download a calendar for keeping track of your daily whole grain intake for a week: Preparing a Healthy Meal Worksheet

The right portion of whole grain intake varies based on your age. Click on this link for more information: www.choosemyplate.gov/grains

 2) At least once a day, preferably more often, indulge in the fruits that you desire the most. Natural and fresh fruits are always best. Whether you consume whole fruits, frozen fruits, or canned fruits, variety is also important. You are more likely to feel more satisfied when you feed your body with a variety of fruits on most days. Your body gets a mixed of vitamins and minerals, hydrated, as well as a good amount of fibers that will also help you maintain the sugary feel you crave for a long period of time.

Click on this link to download a calendar for keeping track of your daily fruits intake for a week: Preparing a Healthy Meal Worksheet

The right portion of fruit intake varies based on your age. Click on this link for more information: www.choosemyplate.gov/fruit 

Remember
Substitute overly processed sugary foods and drinks with more energetic, filling, and less processed ones: One meal and one day at a time. Use the nutrition labels to make your choices.

Did you know that it is a universal human right to be able to access affordable and nutritious whole grains and fruits?

If you want to share your story with us, ask questions, and comment, you are welcome to do so. If you like this post, care to share it. You might change someone else's life. Think about it!

​Living Healthy - Your Way