Overcoming sugary treats

If food is at the heart of everything we do, then the lack of sweetmeat at the end of a meal, or as a part of a celebration (mishit-mukh) is what can cause cardiac arrest.

With the staggering statistics and studies that indicate a strong relation between sugar and many non-communicable diseases, it is more important than ever to understand and cut back or simply quit sugar.

Here are a few ways to get you started --

Read those labels

Don’t buy it just because it says “non/low fat” because many companies use sugar to make your low calorie bar taste better. Read the labels on the back of the package to know exactly how much sugar it contains and thus avoid. Perhaps pick a fruit instead?

Say no to sugary drinks

Quit the practice of adding sugar to hot caffeinated drinks. If you are a coffee/tea addict, get into the habit of not adding that extra teaspoon of sweetness to your steaming hot cup. Instead, add some ground cinnamon which has a natural hint of sweetness to it. Also curb those sugary sodas and instead just opt for water with some added flavour like lemon, mint leaves or any fruit of your choice.

No guilty sugary pleasures

This is one practice, that is a conscious/ consistent mental struggle. Remember, there is no need for added empty calories especially when these food items contain no nutritional value either!

Eat regularly and mindfully

Instead of eating every time you feel hungry, eat every three hours. Plan your meals and instead of opening up another packet of something processed, opt for cooking/preparing from scratch (yes that also includes snacks). This way, you stay in control of not only what you put into your body but also the amount, and avoid consuming sugar

Eat food that keeps you fuller longer

Consume protein, fibre, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. This helps curb your sugar cravings. A handful of almonds, cashews or slices of cucumbers and carrots is a great option as a quick filling snack.

Don’t quit cold turkey

This is one method that in most cases does not work. Quitting sugar does not need to be a drastic, added shock value change to your digestive system. Slow and steady is the mantra, start with cutting sugar out of your drinks to progressing towards your daily meals.

That Bengali sweet tooth is notoriously known for delectable creations like Bogura’s mishti doi, Cumilla’s rosh malai to Tangail’s must have chamchams. So, quitting or cutting back on sugar is not an easy feat. Remember it takes 21 days of continuous practice to form a habit, so pace yourself and give your body time to adjust. Indulge in sweets but with restraint, once you’ve overcome your sugar addiction.