Retrain Your Palate
Sugar has been shown to affect the same brain hormones as street drugs, which can lead to addictive-like behavior. Cutting sugar from your diet can actually cause side effects such as feeling shaky and heightened cravings. If you want to reduce the amount of sugar you consume, work on retraining your palate to appreciate the natural sweetness of foods. Here are some ideas:
- Freeze orange, lemon and lime slices to add to mineral water or iced tea for a refreshing beverage.
- Dress salads with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Experiment with different combinations such as adding grainy mustard or fresh herbs.
- Freeze grapes or chunks of melon for an icy treat.
- Make your own trail mix by combining nuts, dried fruit and whole-grain cereal.
- Enhance fruits such as papaya or cantaloupe with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprig of mint. The complexity of flavors makes for a more satisfying experience.
- Caramelize onions or roast vegetables to draw out their natural sweetness.
- Bake apples and top them with a dollop of yogurt and dash of allspice for a healthy finish to any meal.
More: How to Conquer Your Sugar Addiction
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